New CEO of Minnesota Public Radio is the first woman to lead company

American Public Media Group’s (APMG) Board of Trustees on Wednesday announced the first woman to lead the organization.

Jean Taylor is the new president and CEO of APMG after the previous CEO announced plans to step down last year in September due to allegations that the company fostered a harmful working environment for women and journalists of color.

Taylor is set to begin her duties as CEO on Aug. 23, according to APMG.

“Our goal throughout this seven month process was to identify and select a strategic leader with a passion for public media, a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and a vision that will inspire our employees, listeners and donors,” Jim Dwyer, chairperson of the search committee and of APMG’s Board of Trustees, said. “We are confident Jean embodies these attributes and priorities and believe she is the right leader to take APMG forward.”

“It is an exciting and critical time for public media, with tremendous opportunities to deliver quality journalism in new ways, connect with new audiences and more intentionally serve diverse communities,” Taylor said. “I am honored to lead this organization alongside the talented team at APMG.”

According to APMG, Taylor’s career includes a number of senior leadership roles and spans a range of organizations and industries. Taylor was president and CEO of Taylor Corporation from 2001 to 2010. Most recently, she served as chair of the Board of Star Tribune Media, where she helped guide the organization through significant digital transformation.