(Rochester, New York) November 13, 2025 — Jeanne Fisher, Vice President for Radio at WXXI, has announced her retirement effective at the end of the month, concluding a distinguished 29-year career with the organization. Since joining WXXI in 1996, Fisher has provided leadership and strategic direction for the station’s radio division. She has also served as Executive Producer of With Heart and Voice, WXXI’s nationally syndicated program showcasing sacred choral and organ music.
During her tenure, WXXI’s radio services have grown to encompass a diverse portfolio of stations across the Rochester and Finger Lakes region, which includes WXXI Classical, WXXI News, WRUR (in partnership with the University of Rochester), and WEOS and WITH (in partnership with Hobart and William Smith Colleges). She also helped establish a seven-year partnership with WDKX (2006–2013), fostering dialogue on race, politics, education, and other community issues to increase connection among both stations’ audiences.
Fisher was the host and producer of the annual Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur broadcasts live from Temple B’rith Kodesh, as well as the producer of the annual A Rochester Festival of Lessons and Carols and Christmas with Madrigalia, both recorded at Third Presbyterian Church in Rochester. She is also the voice of many underwriting spots heard on WXXI Radio.
Fisher has served on the national boards of the Association of Music Personnel in Public Radio and the Public Radio Program Directors Association, and chaired the Board of Eastern Region Public Media. Fisher holds a Bachelor of Music Education Degree from William Paterson College in New Jersey, and a Master of Music Performance Degree from Wichita State University in Kansas. Prior to her position at WXXI, she was Program Director at West Virginia Public Radio.
Fisher’s last day will be Wednesday, November 26, but she will continue to produce “With Heart and Voice.”
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