WFYI Hires President and CEO
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe board of directors for WFYI Public Media in Indianapolis has selected Greg Petrowich as the organization’s next president and chief executive officer. Petrowich, who currently serves as executive director of WSIU Public Broadcasting in Illinois, will begin his new role in July. He succeeds Lloyd Wright, who in September announced his retirement after 30 years at the helm.
In an interview with Inside INdiana Business Reporter Mary-Rachel Redman, Petrowich said he is excited to work for a "great organization."
"I’ve been watching (WFYI) from afar. I’ve known Lloyd for a few years and seen some of the good work going on here and it’s an opportunity that doesn’t come up very often, so the opportunity worked out this time and it was perfect timing for me and my family," said Petrowich. "I know that there’s a strong partnership with the stations in the state and I think that’s something that other states look to because doing this on your own is hard, so if we can find partners, whether they’re community organizations or other stations, I think that’s a step in the right direction. Everything I’ve seen about in Indiana is they really have a great model that others should aspire to."
Petrowich has spent the majority of his 28-year career in public media, according to WFYI. He was unanimously chosen by the board after a six-month national search involving more than two dozen candidates.
"Greg is a collaborative leader. He’s always suggesting new ideas and bringing people together around those ideas," Brenda Horn, vice chair of the WFYI Board of Directors, said in a news release. "His passion for public media comes through at all levels, and he has tremendous leadership experience in the national public media organizations. We’re beyond thrilled to have him lead WFYI into the future."
In addition to his role at WSIU, Petrowich has also served as president of the Illinois Public Broadcasting Council for the past five years. Prior to his time in Illinois, he simultaneously served as general manager of KUAC-FM/TV in Alaska and CEO of Alaska One Public Television. He also served two terms on the board of directors for National Public Radio from 2009 to 2015.
Petrowich will become the fourth president in the history of WFYI. Wright says he plans to help Petrowich during the transition in leadership.
"I will be a resource for Greg and WFYI for as long as needed," Wright said. "I’ve been blessed to lead this wonderful organization for three decades and, knowing Greg, I am sure there are only more great things to come. He’s a visionary who’s committed to local journalism and community service, and I’m excited the board chose him to step into this role."