Osher Joins NPR As VP, AI Labs

• NPR has named Erica Osher as its Vice President of AI Labs, starting July 28. In this new role, Osher will oversee NPR’s AI strategy as a business leader driving NPR’s exploration of opportunities related to artificial intelligence. She will also be charged with developing and leading programs that build trust, augment NPR team capacities, and innovate with emerging AI tools in support of NPR’s public service mission.

Osher joins NPR after 14 years with National Public Media LLC (NPM), most recently as Vice President of Sponsorship Products and NPM Creative. While at NPM, Osher was a business lead in a cross-functional team that founded and developed NPR’s AI Labs initiative, co-writing NPR’s AI guidelines and developing pilot programs. She also served in a transitional role, supporting NPR as its General Manager of AI Labs since December 2024.

“Erica has demonstrated curiosity, leadership, and collaboration as interim GM of AI Labs — leading pilots, seeking new partnerships, and ensuring our work drives towards innovation while upholding NPR’s mission and values,” said Ryan Merkley, NPR’s Chief Operating Officer. “She’s worked closely with member organizations, industry leaders, and NPR staff across teams and I’m thrilled she’s joining our team.”

“I couldn’t be more excited about this opportunity,” said Osher. “I’m a lifelong NPR fan, and all of my prior work at NPM has been done with the aim of supporting NPR’s public service mission. Our people and principles are this organization’s greatest assets. We’re at a transformational moment for technology and for journalism, and I’m eager to explore AI solutions that reinforce our values, maintain trust among audiences, and strengthen NPR’s ability to innovate.”