Gary Knell, former CEO of NPR and Sesame Workshop, has joined the consulting firm QCatalyst as partner.
QCatalyst, based in Washington, D.C., is led by CEO Jason Seikin, former PBS chief of digital. Other staffers include senior consultant Nathan Tobey, a former director of podcasts for American Public Media, and CTO Jon Brendsel, who was VP of products for PBS.
Knell told Variety that his goal is to help nonprofits and startups improve their digital strategy. “I can bring a perspective to help build out plans that are forward-facing for companies and clients,” he said. As part of his appointment, Knell is joining the board of QCatalyst’s sibling AI firm, Zoc.
Knell most recently worked as senior advisor for the Boston Consulting Group. He was also CEO of National Geographic and an SVP at WNET in New York.
Jennifer Moore was promoted to a statewide editor position for GBH in Boston.
Moore, a features editor, steps up to statewide and features editor for a reporting partnership among GBH, New England Public Media and CAI, GBH’s radio stations serving Cape Cod, Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard.
The reporting initiative, Connecting the Commonwealth, will build upon GBH’s ownership of NEPM and CAI. “There’s an immense need for local journalism on issues that matter to Massachusetts residents,” said Dan Lothian, editor-in-chief of GBH News and The World, in a press release. “Through our relationships with NEPM and CAI, we’ll partner to create content of interest to all of the state’s 7 million residents, something few media outlets in Massachusetts can do.”
Moore joined GBH in 2022 after working as news director and content coordinator for KSMU in Springfield, Mo. She’s also been a freelance reporter for the New York Times and NPR.
Management
Marcello Sawyer announced on LinkedIn that he left his position as a talent acquisition manager for LAist. Sawyer joined LAist in 2021. He also worked in human resources for American Public Media Group and he held HR positions with the Los Angeles Times and Coca-Cola.
Development
Arriana Franco joined Lakeshore Public Media in Merrillville, Ind., as a development coordinator. She previously worked in the office of student life for Purdue University. “Nonprofits like Lakeshore Public Media play a vital role in our area, and I’m excited to help connect other organizations’ efforts to our own,” Franco said in a news release.
Underwriting
Melanie Dyer was hired as director of sales for Kentucky Public Radio, a consortium of four public radio stations in the state. She succeeds Bryan McFarland, who retired after working for the group for seven years. Dyer most recently worked as director of traditional media for Media Venue. She also held marketing roles for Papa John’s, Long John Silver’s, Arby’s and Yum! Brands, which owns KFC. “As a lifelong Kentuckian, I have been fortunate to enjoy public radio no matter where I travel in the state,” Dyer said in a news release. “I am honored to receive the torch from Bryan McFarland and continue his successes in serving our business partners at KPR. I am also thrilled and proud to join the team that informs, educates, entertains, and gives a voice to our communities across Kentucky every day.”
Jay Ahuja announced on LinkedIn that he’s retiring as an underwriting sales representative for WDAV in Davidson, N.C. Ahuja joined the classical music station in 2017 after working in underwriting for PBS Charlotte. He also worked in underwriting for WFAE in Charlotte, Charlotte Magazine and the Charlotte Observer. Ahuja’s last day with WDAV is Oct. 16. “While I am deeply happy for Jay, his departure will leave a giant hole in our hearts,” said Will Keible, director of membership and corporate support in an announcement to staff. “Jay has been an integral part of WDAV’s revenue growth during his tenure. His skill and professionalism will be missed for sure. There may be no finer networker in Charlotte than Jay. However, I think what many of us will miss most of all is the joy and caring and positivity that Jay brings to WDAV each day. He is a beloved colleague who countless times has gone the extra mile to do something nice for members of his work family.”
Content
Kara Platoni was hired as a senior business editor for NPR. Platoni most recently worked as an editor for The 19th News. She was also a senior science editor for Wired and an assistant dean and lecturer at the University of California at Berkeley’s Graduate School of Journalism. She will be based in San Francisco.
Dave Santina will host Wild Nevadacast, a new program produced by PBS Reno. The podcast is a spinoff of the existing Wild Nevada series, co-hosted by Santina and Chris Orr. Santina joined the station in 1989 and has been a production manager, EP, VP of production and director of local content.
Sarah Bures, audience editor for Colorado Public Radio, is leaving the station to pursue a master’s degree at the SOAS University of London. Bures joined the station in 2021 and worked as author of the organization’s daily newsletter, The Lookout.
Send news of “comings and goings” to [email protected]