New York Public Radio Announces Goli Sheikholeslami as President and CEO
(New York, NY -- August 14, 2019) - The New York Public Radio (NYPR) Board of Trustees announced today that Goli Sheikholeslami has been named the next President and CEO of New York Public Radio, which includes WNYC, WQXR, WNYC Studios, Gothamist, and The Jerome L. Greene Performance Space. Her appointment is the result of an extensive and highly competitive national search which began in January.
Sheikholeslami serves as CEO of Chicago Public Media, where she led dramatic growth in listenership and revenue. Under her leadership, the group launched new digital properties and podcasts reaching audiences around the world, while nearly doubling its newsroom and increasing its focus on local coverage. Sheikholeslami has held senior leadership roles across public and private media over her extensive 25 year career, helping both legacy institutions and new players grow and thrive. Sheikholeslami will officially join NYPR at the beginning of October.
“Goli has dedicated her career to helping some of the country’s most venerable media companies create new content, reach broader audiences, and identify new revenue streams – all while staying true to their core missions. She possesses deep experience integrating traditional and digital media, and she is one of the foremost leaders in the public radio system. All this makes her perfectly positioned to lead New York Public Radio’s next chapter, and continue and strengthen its commitment to excellent audio, digital and live programming. We are thrilled to have her begin that journey,” said Mayo Stuntz, Chair, NYPR Board of Trustees. “The Board would like to express its deepest appreciation to Depelsha McGruder, our talented COO, who has done an outstanding job steering the ship as interim CEO. Her leadership and commitment were critical during this transition period. We would also like to thank everyone who participated in our extensive and thoughtful search process, and our search partner Spencer Stuart. Last but not least, we are incredibly grateful to the entire NYPR staff, who continued to serve the NYPR audience with stellar programming during this time.”
“From its incredible coverage of everything about New York City and the region, to its commitment to classical music, to fostering groundbreaking conversations heard around the world, New York Public Radio has shown that public media can not only survive in a challenging media environment, but thrive, grow and fill an essential void,” said Goli Sheikholeslami. “At a time when local news is in retreat, WNYC’s award-winning local news coverage remains vital and impactful. NYPR is investing in new content and new ways to reach audiences around the world. I am thrilled to be joining the outstanding team at NYPR to build on this rich legacy.”
As a senior executive for The Washington Post, Sheikholeslami led the historic integration of the Post’s digital and print operations, and helped build out and bolster its web presence. Prior to joining Chicago Public Media, she served as the chief product officer for Everyday Health, and has also held leadership roles at Conde Nast and Time Warner. In 2016, she was elected to the Board of Directors of National Public Radio (NPR). She also serves on the Board of Patreon, the membership platform for artists and creators, and as a Director for DHI Group, Inc., a provider of data for specialized hiring and professional communities.
About New York Public Radio
With an urban vibrancy and a global perspective, New York Public Radio (NYPR) produces innovative public radio programs, podcasts, and live events that touch a passionate community of 23.4 million people monthly on air, online and in person. From its state-of-the-art studios in New York City, NYPR is reshaping radio for a new generation of listeners with groundbreaking, award-winning programs including Radiolab, On the Media, The Takeaway, Nancy, and Carnegie Hall Live, Aria Code, among many others. New York Public Radio includes WNYC, WQXR, WNYC Studios, Gothamist, The Jerome L. Greene Performance Space, and New Jersey Public Radio. Further information about programs, podcasts, and stations may be found at www.nypublicradio.org.
