BPR's David Feingold will retire as General Manager and CEO on December 6. Feingold announced his retirement in June. BPR’s Board of Directors named public media veteran, Mark Vogelzang, as interim General Manager while a board-appointed search committee, led by Livingston & Associates, completes the final stages of the selection of BPR’s next General Manager & CEO.
According to BPR’s board chair John Noor, “This is a bittersweet farewell. The station experienced incredible growth under David’s leadership. His passion for public media and BPR’s role in the Western North Carolina region is palpable and meaningful. We are sad to see David go, but he’s leaving the station in great shape. We wish him every happiness in this next exciting chapter.”
Feingold, who previously served as Assistant General Manager for Content at NET, Nebraska’s statewide public radio and television service, and as Business News Editor, National Editor, and London Bureau Chief for CNN, joined [then] WCQS in July of 2015. In early 2016 the station added a second channel and rebranded as Blue Ridge Public Radio, serving Western North Carolina with BPR News and BPR Classic.
With the launch of BPR News, Feingold led the expansion of the news department, which included hiring the station’s first reporter based outside of Buncombe County, the station’s first full-time Arts & Performance reporter, and the creation of more locally produced programs, including The Waters and Harvey Show, Going Deep, and The Porch. He serves on the Asheville Area Arts Council’s Board of Directors; is a member of the Executive Director Roundtable of Leadership Asheville and of the Executive Committee of Eastern Regional Public Media.
BPR’s Board of Directors is further honoring Feingold’s contributions and legacy by naming the station’s talk studio after him. Board chair, John Noor says, “The David Feingold Talk Studio is in the heart of the station. It’s a hub of activity for several of BPR’s locally produced programs and is a fitting tribute to honor David’s leadership.”
With a growing staff, increased revenue, and upgraded production and studio facilities, Feingold reflects on his career, his time at BPR, and the role of public media in communities, “Journalism has both evolved and devolved during my lifetime. Responsible, fact-based journalism and a free and independent press are indispensable in a democratic society. Our work [at BPR] is possible because of the extraordinary generosity of our supporters and donors. BPR has a tremendously talented, dedicated, and visionary team. We’ve accomplished a great deal and made a big difference across the region we serve. While I remain committed to the station’s mission, it’s truly an optimum time to bring on the next generation of leadership. I’m forever grateful for this experience and will be cheering from the sidelines.”
