NPR announced its team of Backstop Editors, who will provide additional oversight for its journalism.
Kristian Monroe joins as deputy managing editor of editorial review. Monroe most recently worked as assistant news editor and EP for BBC News. She has also held producer roles with CNN, NBC News’ Meet the Press and MSNBC’s Deadline: White House and Morning Joe.
Nadia Lancy was also hired as deputy managing editor of editorial review. Lancy comes from CNN, where she worked for almost 18 years as senior writer and in other positions.
Yvonne Dennis became senior editor of editorial review. She most recently worked for the Wall Street Journal as a news editor and has also been an assistant news editor for the Philadelphia Daily News. Dennis previously worked as an adjunct professor for Temple University and the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at the City University of New York.
Marjorie Valbrun will also be a senior editor of editorial review. Valburn most recently worked as managing editor of Inside Higher Ed. She has also been a health and education editor for the Baltimore Sun and a journalist for the Wall Street Journal, the Philadelphia Inquirer and the Miami Herald.
Eric McDaniel will shift from his role as a congressional reporter on the Washington Desk to senior editor of editorial review. McDaniel previously worked as an editor for the NPR Politics Podcast.
Thomas Evans joined NPR in September as managing editor of editorial review and will lead the Backstop team. In October, CPB provided $1.9 million in funding to hire journalists to fill 11 new positions on the team.
Richard Bland was promoted to EVP and CDO for WETA in Washington, D.C.
Bland joined the station in 2021 as VP for foundation and government development. A news release said Bland’s team increased foundation support by 22% for general station projects and also increased fundraising by about 40% for specific productions.
“I am delighted to welcome Rich to this new leadership role at WETA,” said CEO Sharon Percy Rockefeller in a news release. “His demonstrated ability to garner support for our mission and his deep understanding of the value of our content and our abiding commitment to public service make him a valuable partner as we navigate changes in the media landscape.”
WFDD in Winston-Salem, N.C., announced promotions.
Eddie Garcia steps up to news director. Garcia most recently worked as interim news director. He has also been a producer, host, reporter and managing editor. Garcia succeeds Emily McCord, who left the station earlier this year to become senior regional editor for The Assembly.
Bethany Chafin was promoted to editorial director. Chafin most recently worked as assistant news director. She joined the organization in 2012 as an associate producer and has also been a reporter.
“We are thrilled to have Eddie and Bethany lead our newsroom,” said GM Tom Dollenmayer in a news release. “Their dedication to public service journalism and their connection to our local communities make them the ideal leaders to guide WFDD’s news efforts into the future.”
Technology
Dan Zillich, director of engineering and chief technology officer for New Mexico PBS, is retiring. “Whether it was climbing a tower, filing with the FCC, or driving adoption of ATSC 3.0, your amazing leadership in advancements locally and nationally was a vital public service,” said CEO Franz Joachim in a Facebook post. Zillich joined the station in 1993.
Content
Amy Mayer was appointed news director for KAZU in Pacific Grove, Calif. Mayer joined the station this year as interim news director, taking over for Jerimiah Oetting, who left the station to become a communications specialist for NOAA Fisheries. Mayer previously worked as a part-time editor for St. Louis Public Radio and the California Newsroom led by KQED in San Francisco. She has also been a reporter for Iowa Public Radio.
Michelle Jokisch Polo is leaving her position as a reporter for WKAR in East Lansing, Mich., to become a journalist for Stateside, a public affairs program produced by Michigan Public. Jokisch Polo joined WKAR in 2020 and focused on covering the Latinx community. She was also a host for Weekend Edition and Weekend All Things Considered. Before joining WKAR, she worked as a reporter for WGVU in Grand Rapids, Mich.
Michelle Marques joined Northern California Public Media as a radio host and producer. Marques most recently worked as news director for KSRO, a commercial station in Santa Rosa, Calif. In her new position, Marques will host All Things Considered. She will also collaborate with the station’s volunteer music show hosts, according to a news release.
Elliot C. Williams is leaving his role as an arts and culture reporter for WAMU in Washington, D.C., to become a training coordinator for the National Press Club Journalism Institute. Williams first joined the organization in 2019. He was also an assistant editor for the Washingtonian.
Send news of “comings and goings” to [email protected]