NPR Promotes Whitney Maddox to Vice President of DE&I

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, September 19, 2023

Whitney Maddox

NPR promotes Whitney Maddox to Vice President, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. She has led twice-monthly company-wide antiracism workshops (STAR) with more than 1,000 staff members, as well as other leadership and diversity trainings to support more than 250 Member Stations across the country. Previously, Maddox spent more than a decade at Georgetown University, where she served as the Assistant Director for Leadership Development and Racial Justice Initiatives as part of Georgetown's Center for Social Justice Research, Teaching and Service.

"I am excited to be a part of shaping the company's strategy for DE&I," said Maddox. "When I started at NPR, I had the distinct opportunity to lead a two-year focus on improving the work experience of women of color. What happened as a result of that work is one of the reasons this promotion feels like a win for all women of color at NPR. I would not be the leader I am today if it were not for those women embracing me, teaching me and trusting me. I am fully aware that the reason my career has blossomed at NPR is because of my supervisor Keith Woods. I get to learn every day from the person who paved the way for DEI in public radio. Keith is the reason that I feel confident stepping into this VP role and he is the reason why I will succeed."

"Since joining us nearly three years ago, Whitney has, in many ways, changed who we are and how we see ourselves as a company," said NPR's Chief Diversity Officer Keith Woods. "This promotion recognizes Whitney's increasing influence across NPR and the larger Network and her emergent influence on the company's direction and that of our Member stations."

Maddox is a graduate of Alabama State University's Communications program and holds two Masters degrees - one in journalism, the other in communication, culture and technology - from Georgetown University.