Comings and goings: WABE names development EVP, WAMU appoints news leader …

Glenda Davis was promoted to EVP of membership and development for WABE in Atlanta.

Davis first joined WABE in 2007 as donor relations manager after working as a membership assistant for Houston Public Media. She left WABE in 2017 to hold development positions at the Woodruff Arts Center in Atlanta.

Davis returned to WABE in 2019 as director of member operations. She has also been VP of membership operations, interim SVP of membership, SVP of membership and most recently EVP of membership. 

“I’m excited to step into these new responsibilities and continue advancing WABE’s mission as a vital and trusted voice in our community,” Davis said in a news release. “I care deeply about leadership, collaboration, and building connections across diverse perspectives, and I remain focused on growth and innovation as we move forward.”

WAMU in Washington, D.C., promoted Naomi Starobin to managing director of its news division.

Starobin joined WAMU in 2020 as an editor. She has also worked as interim news director, deputy news director of audio, interim executive editor and managing editor of audio news. Going forward, Starobin will lead WAMU’s daily and enterprise audio journalism and storytelling for programs such as The Politics Hour, Hot Jazz Saturday Night and The Big Broadcast.

Before joining WAMU, Starobin worked for WHYY in Philadelphia, first as managing editor of Keystone Crossroads and radio GM. She has also been a reporter, host and news director for WSHU in Westport, Conn.

“Naomi has been at the center of every major editorial decision we’ve made over the last two years,” said WAMU CCO Michael Tribble in a news release. “She knows how to find the human behind the headlines and filter the noise from what matters to our community. That’s harder than it sounds in the Washington region, where there’s no shortage of either. This role exists because we’re serious about what comes next — and she’s the right person to lead it.”

Management

Erin Davidge Perry was hired as senior client success manager for PRX. Perry previously worked for Soundrise as director of podcast ad operations. She has also been manager of podcast ad operations for Market Enginuity. “PRX has built an incredible reputation for supporting creators and shaping the future of audio, and I’m thrilled to be part of a team so deeply committed to innovation, storytelling, and impact,” she wrote on LinkedIn. “Throughout my career, I’ve been passionate about building strong client relationships, driving meaningful results and helping partners succeed—and I’m looking forward to bringing that energy into this next chapter. Grateful for everyone who has supported me along the way, and excited for what’s ahead!”

Audience

Caitlin McCarthy was hired as audience development specialist for Nova, the science and technology series produced by GBH in Boston. She most recently worked as a part-time on-call associate digital producer for Marketplace. McCarthy was also a newsletter writer for BuzzFeed. “I’m incredibly grateful to continue working in public media, to continue learning more through my work, and to continue feeling passionate and purposeful about what I’m doing,” she said on LinkedIn. “I know many people, myself included, have fond memories of watching and being inspired by NOVA, and I’m excited to help continue this legacy by reaching old and new audiences alike.”

Development

Allie Erim announced on LinkedIn that she became a digital fundraising coordinator for WETA in Washington, D.C., and its public affairs unit PBS News. Erim most recently worked as a freelance designer, photographer and videographer. Before that, she was a project manager for PBS Digital Studios. “This period without full-time work has taught me so many different things about myself and the unemployment world,” she said on LinkedIn. “But a few things I can say are: don’t wait for opportunities to happen to you. Make the most out of your time and the spaces you’re in. Keep busy. Let yourself feel all the feels. Be a go-getter. For those still looking for jobs, I see you and I feel you. Just keep pushing.”

Content

Eddie Garcia was hired as news director for Blue Ridge Public Radio in Asheville, N.C. Garcia previously worked for WFDD in Winston-Salem, N.C., as news director. He joined WFDD in 2007 as an audio engineering intern and also worked as managing editor and editor and co-host of a weekend arts show. “I’m looking forward to getting to know the people and culture of Asheville, Buncombe County, and all 14 of the counties the station serves,” Garcia said in a BPR post. “I feel privileged to have been granted the opportunity to lead such a talented news team, and I’m excited to start building working relationships with all of the reporters.”

Bazi Kanani became host of Morning Edition for Colorado Public Radio. Kanani joined CPR in 2024 as co-host of Colorado Today, a daily news podcast. “She quickly established herself as an engaging host with the authoritative voice of the veteran that she is,” said CPR News Executive Editor Kevin Dale in a news release. “We’re thrilled to have Bazi bring her strong editorial judgement and enthusiasm for Colorado stories to Morning Edition.”

Send news of “comings and goings” to people@current.org