The Public Radio Program Directors Association has chosen Jody Evans as its new president and chief executive officer.
Evans is currently president and chief executive officer of Western North Carolina Public Radio Inc., which operates WCQS(FM) in Asheville, N.C.
Evans will replace Arthur Cohen Jan. 1. Cohen is retiring later this year after eight years leading PRPD and a 35-year career in public broadcasting, we’ve reported.
Since joining WCQS in 2010, Evans led a successful turnaround effort, eliminating the community licensee’s debt through a partnership with the organizations’ board and community leaders, according to PRPD. Previously, she had been a programmer at Vermont Public Radio and KUT(FM), Austin, Texas, and was on the PRPD board from 2005 to 2009.
PRPD Board Chair and public broadcaster Michigan Radio PD Tamar Charney says the board was impressed by Evans’ track record in content creation, fundraising, fiscal management and working with stakeholders. “Under Evans leadership, PRPD will lead the discussion about the future of content and develop the research needed to move forward in a strategic manner.”
