Comings and goings: WHRO appoints development VP, Open to Debate names CEO …
Pringle
Kate Pringle was promoted to VP of development for WHRO Public Media in Norfolk, Va.
Pringle joined the dual licensee in 2020 as donor relations officer and has also been senior donor relations officer and director of major and planned giving. “Kate brings exceptional fundraising expertise, steady leadership, and a deep commitment to WHRO’s mission,” said CEO Bert Schmidt in a news release. “Her experience and collaborative approach position her well to lead our development efforts and support WHRO’s long-term sustainability.”
Before joining WHRO, Pringle was director of development for The Williams School in Norfolk, annual fund and special events manager for Norfolk Collegiate and a high school marketing teacher for Virginia Beach City Public Schools.
Pringle succeeds CDO Tom Burton, who is retiring. Burton joined WHRO in 2017 after leading development for WCNY PBS in Syracuse, N.Y.
Lia Matthow was named CEO of Open to Debate, a debate platform and program that airs on public radio stations.
Matthow succeeds Clea Conner, who is stepping down after seven years as the organization’s leader. She will remain involved as a trustee on its board.
Matthow joined Open to Debate in 2023 as CCO. In that role, she oversaw debates and launched editorial partnerships with nonprofits and universities. Before joining Open to Debate, she was special projects advisor for Newsweek and New York magazine. She has also been an EP for MSNBC and a senior advisor for CNN.
“I consider this a re-founding of Open to Debate, which we launched 20 years ago in a very different political and media landscape. Today, we must be willing to rethink and reimagine nearly every aspect of our approach in order to expand our reach and deepen our impact,” said Robert Rosenkranz, founder and board chair, in a news release. “I can think of no leader more resourceful, imaginative, or better prepared than Lia to translate the challenges of this moment into the opportunities of the future. Her capacity to innovate while staying true to our core values makes her uniquely qualified to lead Open to Debate into its next chapter.”
Communications
Tracey Briggs was hired as development communications specialist for Blue Ridge Public Radio in Asheville, N.C. Briggs previously worked for CPB as director of communications and external affairs. She has also been director of media relations for the nonprofit Graduate Management Admission Council and was a reporter and editor for USA Today and a reporter for the Reno Gazette-Journal.
Development
KRCL in Salt Lake City hired Isaac Fairley as business support manager. He succeeds Trina Baghoomian, who joined KRCL in 2021 and left in November to become director of LiveDAYBREAK, a nonprofit. Fairley most recently worked for the Utah Film Center, which he joined in 2023 as an underwriting coordinator. He later became operations manager.
Engagement
Isa Siamundo was hired as social media coordinator for PBS Reno in Nevada. Siamundo most recently worked as social media community specialist for Keen Footwear, which she joined as an intern in 2021. “I am so thrilled to be joining the PBS Reno team,” Siamundo said in a news release. “I’ve always been passionate about community, storytelling, and creating, and PBS Reno feels like the perfect place for me to explore and lean into those passions while sharing the incredible content that’s already being produced with the world via social media. I’m thankful for how genuine and kind everyone at the station has been already, and I’m excited to bring my skills to the greater mission of PBS Reno.”
Content
Nicole Osei was hired as Morning Edition host for KERA in Dallas. Osei previously worked as a morning anchor and reporter for WBAP, a commercial station in Fort Worth, Texas. She has also been host of Impact Texas for Cumulus Media in Dallas and was a general assignment reporter for KSWO-TV, an ABC affiliate in Lawton, Okla. “After serving North Texans as a trusted voice during their daily commutes for the past eight years, I am thrilled to join the KERA team,” Osei said in a news release. “I am honored to guide our listeners through the news of the morning as they begin their day.”
Governance
Amanda Moore-Saunders, global head of marketing and growth for Cirque du Soleil’s residency shows, was named chair of the board of Nevada Public Radio. She succeeds Nehme E. Abouzeid, president of LaunchVegas LLC. Moore-Saunders previously served as vice chair and joined the board in 2018. Andrea Goeglein was named vice chair. Goeglein is the founder of ServingSuccess, a personal development coaching and media portal. Scott Nielson, president of Nielson Consulting, filled the open seat of treasurer.Send news of “comings and goings” to people@current.org
