Karen Everhart named Current interim executive director
Karen Everhart has been named interim executive director of Current, effective April 4, following a leadership transition.
Everhart is Current’s managing editor, a role she has held since 2012, when she helped lead the newsroom’s strategic redirection to digital-first publishing. She assumes the interim role following the departure of former Executive Director Julie Drizin.
Before becoming managing editor, Everhart was a senior editor for Current. She has reported on public radio, public TV and CPB for Current since joining the publication as a reporter and associate editor in 1992.
Everhart “is committed to collaborating and advancing the mission of Current,” said Marnel Niles Goins, dean and professor of communication at the American University School of Communication, in a Monday announcement. (Current is an independent journalism center overseen by the university.) “I have every confidence that her leadership will serve Current well as we move forward during this period of transition.”
“I would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to former Executive Director Julie Drizin,” Goins added. “Her contributions and dedication to the organization have been greatly valued, and we wish her the best in all future endeavors.”
The university did not provide a reason for Drizin’s departure.
“This is a challenging time for public media and news media in general,” Everhart told Current. “I’m grateful for the trust that has been placed in me to lead Current at this critical time.”
Kudos to Karen, a most deserving pick. Meanwhile, I think we’d all like to know what happened to Julie.