NPR Names Rachel Evans as Chief Development Officer

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, November 6, 2025 | 2:30pm CT

Rachel Evans

NPR appoints Rachel Evans as its new Chief Development Officer, effective November 17. She will oversee the organization's national fundraising strategy and serve as a key ambassador for NPR's mission and journalism, strengthening relationships with major donors and stakeholders to support the public radio network's long-term sustainability.

"I'm thrilled to join NPR at a moment when access to high-quality, nonprofit journalism is more essential than ever for the health of our democracy," said Evans. "I'm especially passionate about supporting public radio stations that serve as lifelines for communities where local news sources are increasingly scarce."

NPR President and CEO Katherine Maher said Evans' background aligns closely with the network's goals. "Rachel's experience in strategic development for organizations with essential, outcome-driven missions is well aligned with our goals and the opportunity of this moment," Maher said. "I'm excited to partner with her in advancing fundraising efforts that will safeguard independent journalism and sustain NPR and Member stations' ability to serve the public."

Evans previously served as Chief Revenue & Development Officer at Teach For America, where she led national fundraising efforts that grew revenue and donor engagement. She also served as CEO of CityBridge Education, working with Washington, D.C. schools and community partners to strengthen the local education ecosystem.

A former White House Fellow, Evans was Chief of Staff to the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness and has held multiple leadership roles at TNTP (formerly The New Teacher Project). She began her career as a Teach For America high school teacher in Baltimore.

Evans also serves as an officer and chaplain candidate in the U.S. Army Reserve and is pursuing a Master of Divinity at Duke Divinity School. She holds degrees from Texas A&M University, Johns Hopkins University, and the Quantic School of Business & Technology.