Christy Tanner Exits NYPR as CEO After 8 Months

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, October 13, 2026 | 3:14pm CT

Christy Tanner

New York Public Radio (NYPR) President and CEO Christy Tanner has stepped down after just eight months leading the public media organization. The NYPR Board of Trustees has established a three-member interim leadership team while conducting a search for her successor.

Tanner joined NYPR in February 2026, succeeding LaFontaine Oliver, who transitioned to Executive Chair. Her departure follows a brief tenure during which she oversaw several leadership appointments and organizational initiatives involving NYPR's news, programming and digital operations.

In an internal memo, Tanner described her time at NYPR as an opportunity to help establish a foundation for the organization's future.

"I believe that when journalism and culture thrive, democracy thrives," Tanner said. "I deeply respect the staff and the integrity of the news, programming and culture teams, and I am proud of what we accomplished together. I am looking forward to sharing what's next for me soon."

NYPR's temporary Office of the CEO will consist of former President and CEO LaFontaine Oliver, podcast executive Jenna Weiss-Berman and veteran media executive Gary Knell. Oliver will also serve as interim acting President during the transition.

Weiss-Berman, a current NYPR trustee, co-founded Pineapple Street Studios and currently leads podcast operations at Paper Kite Productions. Knell, also a trustee, previously served as President and CEO of NPR and held chief executive positions at Sesame Workshop and National Geographic. Oliver currently chairs the Board of Public Media Infrastructure.

"We're grateful to Jenna, Gary, and LaFontaine for taking this on," said NYPR Board Chair John Rose. "Together, they bring decades of experience in public media, journalism, and management, and deep knowledge of NYPR. We're confident in their ability to support our staff and serve our audiences as we search for our next President and CEO."

Before joining NYPR, Tanner held senior leadership positions at CBS News Digital, TV Guide Digital and The Washington Post Company. She also served in executive roles at Variety and began her journalism career at The Associated Press and The Commercial Appeal in Memphis.

During her tenure, NYPR made several senior management appointments, including naming Ru Sharma Chief People Officer, Emily Christner Chief Growth and Engagement Officer and Patti Cohen Senior Vice President of Analytics, Insights and Research.

The organization also promoted Emily Botein to Head of WNYC Studios, Stephanie Clary to Editor-in-Chief of WNYC and Gothamist, and Eileen Delahunty to Head of WQXR.