CENTENNIAL, Colo., April 6, 2018 – Colorado Public Radio (CPR) today announced that Stewart Vanderwilt will lead the organization as the new president, succeeding Max Wycisk who retires on June 30. Vanderwilt has over three decades of experience leading public radio organizations, including 18 years as the director and general manager of KUT 90.5, Austin's NPR station and KUTX 98.9, The Austin Music Experience, and 15 years in various roles at Indiana Public Radio, including as general manager.
While at KUT, Vanderwilt transformed the organization into one of the highest-rated public radio stations in a market of its size. He helped launch KUT’s first news department in 2002, and in 2015 developed “Texas Standard,” the national daily news show of Texas, broadcast on 29 public radio stations throughout the state. “Texas Standard” is produced in collaboration with stations in Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and across the state. To date, the KUT newsroom has earned more than 250 state, national and international awards for journalistic excellence.
In 2012, Vanderwilt oversaw the opening of the KUT Public Media Studios, a highly visible and interactive broadcast and production center, resulting from a $9.8 million capital campaign. In 2013, he launched a second broadcast service, KUTX, a 24-hour music service focused on Austin’s local music scene.
“Colorado Public Radio is already a leader in the public radio industry and across Colorado, as evidenced by its statewide reach, strong membership base and dedicated staff,” said Vanderwilt. “I’m honored to have the opportunity to contribute my expertise in content creation, management and fundraising to help CPR further its mission and become an even more vital resource to the Colorado community.”
Vanderwilt has a bachelor’s of science degree in business and marketing from Ball State University. He currently serves on the board of Public Radio International and previously served on the board of Greater Public and the Station Resource Group.
“Stewart is the right fit for CPR and will be a great addition to the Colorado media scene,” said Dean Salter, chair of the board. “His extensive experience and demonstrated ability to manage and grow a large public radio organization will serve us well. The board looks forward to working with him to expand CPR's engagement with and service to the citizens of Colorado, building on the solid foundation created during Max Wycisk's more than four decades of leadership.”
CPR’s board of directors retained Blinkhorn, L.L.C., a firm specializing in recruiting executives in the media, communications and technology sectors, to assist with the nationwide search for the organization’s new president.
Learn more about Colorado Public Radio at www.cpr.org and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Colorado Public Radio is a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization that produces and curates in-depth and meaningful news and music, establishing thoughtful connections to Colorado for listeners seeking to be informed, enlightened and entertained. Roughly 95 percent of CPR’s funds come from the private support of listeners, businesses and foundations.
CPR News delivers in-depth, insightful and impartial news and information from around the world, across the nation and throughout Colorado, examining its relevance to our state and connecting it to our community.
CPR Classical takes listeners on an in-depth exploration of thoughtfully curated music – with an emphasis on Colorado’s classical community – providing context to a broad range of meaningful and compelling works from past to present.
CPR’s OpenAir takes listeners inside the world of new and independent music – exposing them to up-and-coming artists and highlighting Colorado’s local music scene.
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