Keisha Salmon has been named the next executive director of the Association of Independents in Radio, whose members are radio and podcast producers, editors, engineers and reporters.
Salmon succeeds Amanda Hickman, who filled that post on an interim basis for the past year after Ken Ikeda resigned. AIR also announced that Hickman, whose primary role was managing director, will leave the organization next month after three years.
Of its new leader, AIR said in its press release: “Keisha is just the kind of strategist we’ve been looking for, with over 15 years of experience developing high-impact programs that protect and amplify the voices of emerging creators, established media makers and authentic storytellers.”
It quoted Salmon committing to expanding on “AIR’s vision to amplify new voices and new narratives for public radio and podcasting” and on the need for support and advocacy for its member professionals in an era when the audio industry is growing dramatically.
AIR said that Salmon “has a long history of working for equitable access to power” through her work at John Jay College Institute for Justice and Opportunity, ReflectUS, American Documentary and the off-Broadway production house The Play Company (PlayCo).
On Amanda Hickman’s pending departure in October, AIR stated: “We will greatly miss her energy, leadership and dedication to members and our mission. We know she will be extremely successful in her next project.”
