Iowa Public Radio Leadership Team

Meet Mary Grace Herrington, Chief Executive Officer:
ceo@iowapublicradio.org

Mary Grace Herrington, assistant vice president for advancement operations at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, has been appointed chief executive officer of Iowa Public Radio, effective January 20, 2009.

Herrington, as CEO, will become the second executive director in the history of Iowa Public Radio, a structure established in late 2004 by the Board of Regents, State of Iowa, to consolidate the public radio stations at Iowa State University, the University of Northern Iowa and the University of Iowa into a statewide network. She will oversee operations of the stations and report to the Iowa Public Radio Board of Directors which announced Herrington's appointment on December 5. The first executive director of Iowa Public Radio was Cindy Browne, who passed away after a long illness in November. IPR Board member Steve Carignan assumed the role of acting executive director upon Browne's departure in June and has led the organization during its search for a permanent leader.

"Iowa Public Radio is one of the premier public radio organizations in the country," says Carignan. "I’m thrilled that Mary Grace Herrington will be leading the talented staff of IPR as they strive to bring even better radio experiences to Iowans."

According to Kay Runge, chair of the IPR Board of Directors, "Herrington's leadership and extensive skills in not-for-profit management will continue IPR's progress toward expanded service and long-term sustainability."

Herrington's professional experience includes positions in commercial broadcasting and media, business development, marketing, and advancement. She has been at Creighton University since 2005, becoming assistant vice president for advancement operations in 2006.  Herrington has a bachelor's degree in communications from the University of Arkansas in Little Rock and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

"What an honor to be chosen to lead the efforts of this young network," says Herrington. "I look forward to working with a talented staff, an engaged listener community and a supportive board of directors as we use public radio to build on Iowa's sense of place."

Meet Don Wirth, Director of Fiscal Operations:
fiscaloperations@iowapublicradio.org

Don Wirth has been promoted by Iowa Public Radio to the position of director of finance and administration and manager of IPR station WOI in Ames, effective August 1, 2006.

Wirth has served as WOI Radio Group's associate general manager-finance and operations since 2001. His tenure with the station dates back to 1983 with his first position as business manager for WOI-AM/FM/TV. Over the years his responsibilities expanded to include oversight of the station's annual fundraising activities, which grew 50% under his guidance. He has played a key role in the development of IPR over the past two years, providing support and financial guidance to IPR's board and executive director as the new organization takes shape.

"Don has been a real leader in the creation of Iowa Public Radio and that leadership will be critical as IPR develops into a statewide service that is greater than the sum of its already impressive parts," says Cindy Browne, IPR executive director.

As director of finance and administration, Wirth will be a key member of IPR's senior team, overseeing the integration and development of the organization's finance, administration and human resources systems, processes and policies and playing a key strategic role in defining IPR's future. He also assumes day-to-day management of the IPR staff based at WOI on the Iowa State University campus in Ames.

"'I'm looking forward to the exciting challenges ahead, and to working with the great people at Iowa Public Radio. The stations of IPR have a great record of serving the people of Iowa and I hope to assist in the continuation and expansion of that service."
 

Meet Jonathan Ahl, News Director:
jahl@iowapublicradio.org

Iowa Public Radio welcomes Jonathan Ahl to the newly created position of IPR news director. In his role, Ahl will be responsible for leading the news department as an essential news service, focusing on the production and promotion of award-winning, in-depth stories and series, and ensuring editorial integrity in newscasts.

Ahl comes to IPR from WCBU-FM in Peoria, IL where he served as news director and as an on-air host and producer. He also served as a part-time instructor at Bradley University teaching public affairs, broadcast news and basic reporting in addition to journalistic writing. Ahl is the current board president for the PRNDI which represents public radio news directors around the country.

"Jonathan brings solid journalistic credentials to the position, along with a Midwest sensibility and tremendous enthusiasm to work with our talented and experienced staff," expressed Cindy Browne, executive director of Iowa Public Radio.

"It's humbling to be chosen to lead such an incredible staff," said Ahl. "Each of the IPR stations has a rich history of excellent audience service and award-winning news programming. And, as this year's coverage of the Iowa Caucuses shows, they are coming together to create something even more amazing."

Ahl has a master's degree in public affairs reporting from the University of Illinois - Springfield along with a bachelor's degree from Western Illinois University. His office will be located in Des Moines.
 

Meet Al Schares, Music Director:
musicdirector@iowapublicradio.org

Allen Schares, content manager for Iowa Public Radio's contemporary music stream Studio One, has been named music director for Iowa Public Radio. In this new role, Schares will lead the efforts of IPR's two music services, Iowa Public Radio Classical and Studio One. Schares' appointment became effective February 10.

"Iowa Public Radio's classical and alternative music streams will benefit greatly from the organizational experience and leadership skills Al brings to the job as he and his colleagues endeavor to present the highest quality public radio music programming possible to the people of Iowa," says Mary Grace Herrington, CEO of Iowa Public Radio.

Schares' public radio background includes more than 20 years in various critical roles from program host and producer to music director of Iowa Public Radio's KUNI stations and, most recently, AAA content manager for IPR's Studio One network. His responsibilities as music director for IPR will include leadership, management and oversight of all Iowa Public Radio music activities for both the classical network and Studio One, including programming, online music-related content and live musical events.

"I'm looking forward to working with the incredibly talented music staff of Iowa Public Radio," says Schares. "Together, we'll work to bring the best classical and contemporary music to Iowans as we redouble our efforts to reflect the eclectic tastes of our listeners and continue our support of homegrown artists."