Comings and goings: Twin Cities PBS appoints leaders, KERA COO leaving station …

Twin Cities PBS in St. Paul, Minn., announced leadership changes.

Amina Jaafar was promoted to EVP and COO. Jaafar joined the station in 2021 as chief inclusion and strategy officer and became COO in 2023.

“Since joining Twin Cities PBS … Amina has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, sound judgment, and an unwavering commitment to our mission,” the station said on LinkedIn. “She has played a critical role in aligning our operations, people, and resources to support the organization’s growth and impact. Her strategic perspective, operational expertise, and ability to bring teams together have made her a trusted partner to colleagues across the organization.”

Ricky Weston was named VP of technology. Weston joined the station in 2021 as manager of broadcast engineering and most recently worked as director of broadcast engineering.

“In his five years at Twin Cities PBS, Ricky has proven to be an exceptional leader, known for his strong understanding of our technical systems and desire to innovate our storytelling across platforms,” Jaafar said in a news release. “His commitment to excellence will ensure our systems are secure, reliable, and ready to evolve to meet the needs of our community.”

Christopher Wagley, COO for KERA in Dallas, is leaving the station.

Wagley was hired as CEO of the Resource Center, a Dallas-based LGBTQ+ advocacy group with a focus on healthcare services. 

“Chris has left an irreplicable mark on KERA and the North Texas community in his 16 years with our organization,” said KERA CEO Nico Leone in a statement to Current. “We are so happy for him and his next step, and grateful for his many incredible years of service to KERA.”

Wagley joined KERA in 2010 after working for Paramount properties including Nickelodeon, MTV and Logo TV, which launched with a focus on LGBTQ+ programming. He started the COO role in 2017 and helped oversee KERA’s $100 million capital campaign and the start of building a new headquarters.

“Public media has always been committed to accurately reporting on, authentically reflecting and celebrating underserved communities,” Wagley said in the statement to Current. “During my nearly 16 years at KERA, I’ve been honored to help lead that work. I’m sad to leave this incredible organization, but thrilled to directly serve the LGBTQIA+ community, my community, through my new role at Resource Center.”

GBH in Boston hired Janice Hui to work as managing director of production operations and special projects for its documentary unit.

The Documentary Unit includes Frontline, Nova and American Experience. Hui will report to Raney Aronson-Rath, EP and editor-in-chief for Frontline.

“As our Documentary Unit continues to take on complex projects across broadcast and digital platforms, Janice will be an essential partner in helping us broaden our audiences and deliver deep fact-based storytelling that is accessible and interactive,” Aronson-Rath said in a Facebook post.

Hui is leaving her role as COO of the Independent Television Service, which produces the PBS series Independent Lens. She joined ITVS in 2024 after working as managing director of Frontline.

“When Janice joined ITVS … she brought her journalistic rigor, operational excellence, and negotiation skills to strengthen our mission to serve independent voices,” ITVS said in a post on LinkedIn. “In her tenure, Janice was key to pivoting the organization during public media’s defunding and found, secured, and moved us into our new home in downtown San Francisco. We thank Janice for her dedication and wish her the very best on her next chapter.”

Colorado Public Radio announced two hires for its CPR Classical station.

Mario Rivas and William Carman were hired as hosts and producers. Rivas most recently worked as manager of marketing and media for the Denver nonprofit Servicios de La Raza. “Definitely a new challenge with lots to learn, but I can’t wait to get on the air and share some incredible music with everyone,” he said on LinkedIn.

Carman most recently worked as a self-employed audio engineer, musician and private instructor.

“Both Mario and William are natural storytellers whose creativity, curiosity and love of music shine through,” said CPR Classical PD Monika Vischer in a news release. “They each bring unique experiences that will inspire new perspectives and discoveries for our listeners. We’re thrilled to welcome them to the CPR Classical team.”

North Country Public Radio in Canton, N.Y., announced staff changes.

Richard Haller was hired as a reporter to cover the St. Lawrence Valley, Watertown and the Thousand Islands region. Haller joined the station last year as an intern reporter. He graduated from the State University of New York in Canton in May.

Kayle McCormick joined the station as a development coordinator. She previously worked for the North Area Health Education Center as a program manager. She has also been a crisis intervention advocate for Renewal House and a patient access representative for Rochester Regional Health.

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Elizabeth Blair, a cultural trends correspondent for NPR, is retiring. Blair joined the network’s Culture Desk in 2000. She said on LinkedIn that she was among network employees who took a recent buyout offer. “Rewarding work, brilliant colleagues, a company I believe in,” she said. “It’s been the best career ever.”

Haley O’Brien joined WITF in Harrisburg, Pa., as a community impact reporter. She previously worked as a multimedia journalist for WVIA in Pittston, Pa. She has also been a reporter and multimedia journalist for PBS 39 in Bethlehem, Pa. “I still can’t believe I made this move. It has been AWESOME!” she said on LinkedIn. “I love my colleagues and all the people I’ve met in Central Pa. so far. I will be reporting in and around the capitol on community issues that are impacted by state and federal government.”

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