NPR Elevates Evans & McLellan Ross
• NPR announced the appointment of Thomas Evans as Editor in Chief and Marta McLellan Ross as Chief of Staff, further strengthening the organization’s leadership team as it builds the future of public media in America.
Evans most recently served as Managing Editor, Editorial Review at NPR. As Editor in Chief, Evans will oversee NPR’s global newsroom, guiding editorial vision, standards, and coverage across broadcast, digital, and emerging platforms.
Before joining NPR in 2024 Evans spent nearly eight years with CNN as VP and London Bureau Chief, overseeing CNN International’s operations in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America, managing 17 bureaus and approximately 500 staff. He earlier ran CNN’s bureaus in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.
“NPR’s mission is as important today as it ever has been,” said Evans. “Its value is built on the finest journalists in the nation, and I am proud to have been asked to lead this newsroom at this crucial time as we continue to serve our listeners and the pursuit of truth.”
Since 2021, McLellan Ross has led NPR’s Policy and Representation team, which advocates for public media and freedom of the press to Congress, state, and local lawmakers. In her new role as Chief of Staff, McLellan Ross will work closely with NPR’s CEO and senior leadership to drive strategic initiatives, strengthen collaboration, and support the organization’s long-term goals.
“NPR and public radio play a vital role in American public life,” McLellan Ross said. “I look forward to supporting the organization in transforming its service to the public and connecting more people to its trusted work.” [Evans photo: University of Rochester / McLellan Ross photo: Stephen Voss / NPR]
