Wendy Turner has been selected to serve as the new executive director and general manager of WKSU, Kent State University’s NPR-affiliated radio station.
Turner currently serves as vice president of digital and technical operations at Chicago Public Media.
Her new role will be effective on Halloween. She succeeds Dan Skinner, who stepped down to join Kansas Public Radio and Audio-Reader. She is the station’s sixth general manager in its 66-year history.
Turner will lead 34 staff members and will report to Kent State’s vice president for university relations and serve on the senior staff of the vice president.
“I am very excited about the opportunity to bring Wendy Turner to this important leadership role, which is a tribute to the performance and potential of WKSU,” said Kent State President Beverly Warren. “She has spent her entire career leading innovation and building partnerships at some of public radio’s most successful stations, a record that fits perfectly with our vision for the future of WKSU and Kent State University.”
Turner started her public media career at Minnesota Public Radio in 1994 as a telemarketing associate. She also served as member/listener service associate and associate producer of on-air fundraising.
In her current position at Chicago Public Media, Turner leads the technology and infrastructure teams, including facilities, information technology, engineering, web and mobile development, and business development activities. She first joined the staff of Chicago Public Media in February 2000 as assistant membership manager, eventually, becoming director of on-air and online fundraising, director of membership and general manager of Vocalo.
