WNED President and CEO Donald K. Boswell announced that, effective immediately, the public broadcaster is making some changes to its senior management team.  No existing personnel are being eliminated through this restructuring, though many key executives are acquiring increased or different responsibilities.

“As we mapped out WNED’s strategic plan for the next few years, it became apparent that some new approaches would be helpful to better realize our goals,” Boswell said.  “The intent of this reorganization is to make our efforts more efficient by best utilizing the talents and vision of our top executives.”

As a part of these changes, former Senior Vice President of Broadcasting Dick Daly will become a Senior Consultant reporting to Boswell. 

Additionally, Michael G. Sutton, the former Senior Vice President of Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer, is now Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.  He will oversee the Finance & Administration, Education & Outreach, Engineering & Technology, Information Technology, Human Resources, and Building Services Departments.  Succeeding him is former Controller, Nancy A. Hammond, who is promoted to Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer.

Director of Education and Outreach John D. Craig, Ph.D. will head that department due to the departure of Vice President of Education and Outreach Pamela Johnson, Ph.D. who has accepted a position with the Corporation for Public Broadcasting in Washington, DC as Executive Director for “Ready to Learn.”

Chief Program Officer John Grant is becoming Chief Program and Production Officer.  Under the reorganization, the Television Production Department will continue to report to him and in addition, WNED/AM 970 and Classical 94.5/WNED and the Television Programming Department will also be under his direction.

Other notable changes include Sylvia A. Bennett’s promotion to Senior Vice President of Development and News Director James Ranney’s advancement to Station Manager of WNED-AM.  Ranney will also become WNED’s Director of Public Affairs.

 “I’m confident that this realignment of positions and duties will bring out the best in our staff and managers,” Boswell said.  “We’re taking full advantage of our leadership team’s vast experience and seasoned insights.  I’m really looking forward to seeing what we develop in service to Western New York and Southern Ontario.”

WNED’s most recent fiscal year concluded satisfactorily as year end membership drives helped the television and radio stations meet their revised financial goals.  Boswell said they are continuing to make strides on the ambitious television membership goal of 50,000 members over the course of WNED’s 50th anniversary year.  As of June 30, membership has increased to 43,189.

“While many public broadcasting stations across the country are announcing layoffs and other cost cutting measures, this restructuring allows WNED to continue performing at its highest level without sacrificing the quality -- or the people -- who make it all happen,” said Dennis M. Penman, Chair of WNED’s Board of Trustees.

Through WNED-TV, ThinkBright TV, Classical 94.5/WNED-FM and WNED-AM 970 The Information Station, the member-supported WNED Buffalo/Toronto provides high quality programming and services that enlighten, inspire, entertain and educate Western New York and Southern Ontario communities. Additional information about WNED can be found at www.wned.org.