NPR promotes Thomas Evans to lead newsroom
Ted Eytan / Flickr via Creative Commons
NPR has appointed Thomas Evans to lead its newsroom as editor in chief, the network announced Thursday.
NPR hired Evans last year to lead its “Backstop” process as managing editor of editorial review. He succeeds Edith Chapin, who said in July that she would step down in September or October.
“NPR’s mission is as important today as it ever has been,” Evans said in a press release. “Its value is built on the finest journalists in the nation, and I am proud to have been asked to lead this newsroom at this crucial time as we continue to serve our listeners and the pursuit of truth.”
Prior to joining NPR, Evans spent more than 20 years at CNN, most recently as VP and London bureau chief.
NPR also announced that Marta McLellan Ross, SVP of government & external affairs since January, has been appointed chief of staff. Ross joined NPR in 2021 as VP for government and external affairs.
“NPR and public radio play a vital role in American public life,” McLellan Ross said in the release. “I look forward to supporting the organization in transforming its service to the public and connecting more people to its trusted work.”
Ross and Evans will begin in the roles Monday, according to a spokesperson. Chapin will “stay on for a few weeks to ensure a smooth transition,” the spokesperson said in an email.
This story has been updated with details about the timing of the leadership transition.
