The National Federation of Community Broadcasters’ board of directors has selected Rima Dael to head up the NFCB in the new year. Starting in January, Dael will serve as successor to current CEO Sally Kane, who has led the nonprofit for nearly 10 years, having started her role in January of 2014.
“Taking the reins of NFCB from Sally Kane, whose leadership is greatly felt throughout our system, requires a visionary and inspiring leader. Rima Dael is that leader,” said Kerry Semrad, president of NFCB’s board of directors, in a press release. “Rima has a proven track record of advocating for independent stations, from our country’s largest cities to the smallest communities.
“She is a fierce champion of localism and belonging and she brings a passion for the essential role that community radio plays in our country.”
According to the NFCB, Dael was selected from a diverse pool of candidates after a five-month, nationwide search. In her new role, she will bring more than three decades of nonprofit experience in the public media, arts, education and human services sectors. Most recently, Dael served as the general manager of WSHU Public Radio in Fairfield, Conn., and was a member of NPR’s board of directors.
Dael is originally from the Philippines. She received her bachelor’s degree in anthropology and theatre arts from Mt. Holyoke College, and her master’s degree in nonprofit management from the Milano School of Management & Urban Policy at the New School University, where she was a Community Development Finance Fellow, said the NFCB.
“I am eager to build on the foundation Sally, the NFCB Board and NFCB membership have created,” said Dael in the release. “I believe that our community stations are a backbone for our communities. They are part of the safety net of our society, and they are a platform for individual and communal expression.”
According to its website, NFCB is the oldest and largest national organization dedicated to community stations within the public media system. NFCB’s mission is to provide services that allow community media to better serve their communities. It advocates for national public policy, funding, recognition and resources on behalf of its membership while providing services to strengthen multi-platform community media.
