(Rochester, NY) December 22, 2025 — WXXI President & CEO Chris Hastings today announced a strategic reorganization of its corporate structure as he works to build a new foundation and business model in response to the federal rescission of nearly $2M in funding and the shutdown of the Corporation of Public Broadcasting.  

This realignment includes the promotions of Rhonda Austin, Ryan Williamson, Veronica Volk, Greg Carter, Todd McCammon, Katie Epner, Sarah Wolcheski, Kristin Tutino, Jim Malley, and Jon Haliniak. The reorganization will combine key departments into four core divisions — the Content Division and the Marketing and Revenue Division, Technology and Business Affairs. This new structure is part of a broader strategy as WXXI looks to invest in innovation and diversify its revenue streams to build a sustainable future. 

“WXXI is entering a new chapter — one that demands fresh thinking, bold leadership, and a structure that positions us to grow. These promotions recognize the extraordinary talent that already exists within our organization and the critical roles these leaders will play as we strengthen our services for the community,” said Chris Hastings, WXXI President & CEO. “Even in a moment of financial uncertainty for public media, we are choosing to innovate, invest in our people, and build a future that ensures WXXI remains essential to Rochester for generations to come.” 

Radio Operations Manager Rhonda Austin has been promoted to Senior Director, Audio Operations and Programming, a new position which was created to unify and strengthen WXXI’s radio and audio services under a single strategic and operational leader. Austin will oversee both the Radio Traffic/Operations Manager and the on-air talent for WXXI Classical and The Route. Austin has been with the organization for 37 years. 

Strategy & Operations Director Ryan Williamson has been promoted to Executive Director City Magazine & Director of Digital Products, where he will continue to oversee the business and distribution strategy for City Magazine, while also helping to lead project management and development within the digital space for WXXI and The Little Theatre. Williamson joined CITY in 2015 as Art Director/Production Manager and in 2019 was promoted to Creative Director/Operations Manager. 

WXXI News’ Senior Producer and Reporter Veronica Volk has been named Executive Producer and Director of Podcast Strategy. She will continue to oversee production of daily content, as well as feature and enterprise reporting projects for broadcast and digital but will also develop and expand on-demand audio content beyond news to include music, arts, and education content.  Volk joined WXXI News in 2014 as a general reporter, was promoted to editor in 2019, and senior producer in 2022. 

WXXI’s VP of Technology & Operations Greg Carter will take on the title of Chief Technology Officer. Carter will be WXXI’s first Chief Technology Officer, a position created as WXXI looks to expand its internal technology to grow audience and expand digital production.  He joined WXXI in 2018 as Chief Engineer and was promoted to VP of Technology in 2023. 

WXXI’s Vice President of Television Todd McCammon has been promoted to Vice President of Programming and Content Partnerships. In this new role, McCammon will be responsible for shaping WXXI’s programming pipeline and negotiating production partnerships. McCammon joined WXXI as Assistant VP of TV in 2006 and 2019 was promoted to Vice President of TV.  

Creative Content Producer Katie Epner has been promoted to Director of Video Production. Epner will lead the organization’s original video strategy across broadcast, digital, social, and community platforms. In this role, she will be responsible for building and supervising a cross-functional digital video unit that works in collaboration with all content departments. She will ensure that video storytelling is brand-aligned, audience-centered, and mission-driven across WXXI’s full portfolio. Epner joined WXXI in 2016 as a videographer. In 2019 she was promoted to producer and in 2022 named Creative Content Producer. 

Digital and On-Air Fundraising Manager Sarah Wolcheski has been promoted to Senior Manager for Membership, where she leads WXXI’s multi-channel fundraising efforts across mail, on-air, and digital platforms to drive revenue growth and long-term sustainability. She oversees all on-air fundraising for WXXI’s radio and television stations and develops strategies to expand sustaining membership and strengthen community support year-round. Wolcheski joined WXXI in 2022.  

Communications Manager Kristin Tutino has been promoted to Director of Communications and Audience Development. In her expanded role, she will lead WXXI’s strategic communications, media relations, and social engagement efforts to advance the organization’s mission and deepen its connection with the community. She will serve as WXXI’s primary communications strategist, overseeing all external messaging, media relations, and public positioning. Originally hired as WXXI’s station publicist, Tutino has been with WXXI for 23 years.

Creative Director Jon Haliniak has been promoted to Director of Brand Strategy & Creative Services. Currently he directs all creative work, designing and overseeing the visual impact of all marketing materials. Under this new title, Haliniak will guide the creative expression of WXXI, CITY, and The Little Theatre, and ensure the organization’s brand identity is strong and consistent across everything we produce. Haliniak has been with the company for 20 years.       

Facilities Manager Jim Malley has been promoted to Facilities Director and will oversee the maintenance, safety, and daily operations of the buildings and grounds at both WXXI and The Little Theatre. He will manage staff and contractors, lead capital projects and improvements, and plan for long-term infrastructure needs that align with WXXI’s strategic vision. Malley has been with the organization since May 2015.  

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As Chief Marketing Officer, Kalvitis will lead WXXI’s marketing, brand, creative, and corporate sponsorship teams in a unified strategy to grow brand visibility, increase earned revenue and build audience loyalty across all platforms — radio, television, digital, CITY Magazine, and The Little Theatre. He will be responsible for building business development strategies that fuel mission-aligned growth, expand corporate sponsorship, monetize content in new ways, and unlock innovative partnerships across platforms.  

“As a proud, lifelong Rochesterian, I’ve always seen WXXI as a trusted voice and a pillar of our community’s storytelling. This is an exciting moment and chance to reimagine how public media connects, engages, and grows moving forward,” said Kalvitis. “I’m honored to join WXXI and look forward to working with such talented teams to strengthen our brand, deepen audience relationships, and foster innovative partnerships that will ensure our essential service thrives for generations to come.” 

Throughout his career, Kalvitis has helped companies, from startups to established brands, define their voice, build audience connections, and drive measurable results through strategic, creative solutions. He has led marketing efforts at Greenlight Networks, News10 NBC, Mason Marketing, and 13 WHAM. 

Kalvitis will begin his new role on Monday, January 5, 2026.

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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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(Rochester, NY) September 29, 2025 – WXXI has won an “Excellence in Broadcasting” award and a “Serving New York” award from the New York State Broadcasters Association (NYBSA). NYSBA awards recognize outstanding achievement among radio and TV stations in New York State.  

The “Excellence in Broadcasting” award in the “Outstanding Feature” category went to WXXI News’ senior producer and editor Veronica Volk for her story “A Rochester mother and daughter took a road trip for the last eclipse. They returned forever changed.” 

“In the Key of Z: Classical,” a digital-first series celebrating emerging classical talent in the Rochester region with students from The Hochstein School and Eastman Community Music School was honored with the “Serving New York” award. Hosted by WXXI Classical mid-day host Steve Johnson, the five-part series features captivating live performances and insightful interviews that introduce audiences to the next generation of classical performers. The production team includes Katie Epner, producer, videographer, and editor, Audio Engineer Andrew Croucher and motion graphics by Jeff Coles Smith. Support for “In the Key of Z: Classical” was provided by The Jane K. and Robert C. Stevens Fund for New Programming and Underberg & Kessler, LLP.  

The NYSBA Awards ceremony was held in Rochester, NY on Tuesday, September 23 at The Strathallan.  

Pictured (L-R): Ruth Phinney, WXXI Classical Program Director; Joanna Bassett from The Hochstein School; Steve Johnson, WXXI Classical mid-day host and host of “In the Key of Z”; Katie Epner, producer of “In the Key of Z”; and Petar Kodzas from the Eastman Community Music School accepting the “Serving New York” award for “In the Key of Z.”

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Rogers also assisted in the acquisition of The Little Theatre, helping to increase WXXI’s reach from on-air and online to on-stage and on-screen and supporting The Little’s conversion to Digital Cinema Projection. She was instrumental in establishing Rochester Area Media Partners, a for-profit subsidiary of WXXI, and its acquisition of CITY News, now City Magazine, as well as the purchase of an FM signal for NPR and WXXI News.  

“Sue’s history with WXXI is remarkable—her vision and leadership over nearly three decades have shaped this organization in ways that will resonate for generations. As someone new to WXXI and to Rochester, I have been deeply grateful for Sue’s guidance,” said WXXI President and CEO Chris Hastings. “She has helped me connect not only with the history of this institution but also with the spirit of the community it serves. Her steady hand has made it possible for me to step into this role with confidence, knowing that I am building on a foundation she helped create.” 

While Rogers has seen many successful projects come to light, she is most proud of helping move the organization past a focus on television and radio broadcasting to a broader mission of strengthening the community through a wide range of efforts. 

“It has been my privilege and honor, and most of the time a great pleasure, to work in public media, specifically at WXXI. Its importance to our culture and democracy has never been clearer,” said Rogers. “I intend to remain an avid supporter and cheerleader as the valuable work educating the community continues.” 

In addition to her work at WXXI, Rogers was active in numerous organizations that support women, education, and public media. She served as board chair of Eastern Region Public Media, board member of directors for Women Helping Girls of the AAUW and taught a class on “Broadcasting in the Digital Age” at the University of Rochester. Currently she serves on the Board of the Judson Women’s Leadership Center at Alfred University and on the industrial advisory board for Rochester Institute of Technology’s Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences.  

Before joining WXXI in 1996, Rogers was an Associate Professor and the Director of the Office of Distance Learning at the Rochester Institute of Technology, where she was recognized as a leader in educational technology and distance learning. 

In 2006, Rogers earned her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Rochester’s Warner School of Education. She’s also an alumnus of Alfred University, where she received both her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and Master’s in Education degree. She resides in Brighton, NY, with her husband Scott Regan. 

Rogers’ last full-time day at WXXI is September 29, but her wisdom and guidance will continue as she consults with the CEO part-time while WXXI enters an exciting new chapter. 

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him the right leader to help us reimagine what local public media can be: hyperlocal, representative, and in service to the communities we call home.”  

As Chief Content Officer, Sáenz will lead the strategic vision and coordination of all content produced and distributed by WXXI across its platforms. This includes WXXI Television (WXXI-TV, WORLD, Create, and WXXI Kids 24/7 channels), WXXI Radio (WXXI News, WXXI Classical, The Route), CITY Magazine, The Little Theatre, and all digital and on-demand content on YouTube. He will oversee editorial planning and contribute to audience development, and community engagement initiatives — ensuring that WXXI’s work reflects the full diversity of the Rochester and the Finger Lakes region.  

Sáenz will work in close partnership with Hastings, WXXI President & CEO to reshape and unify the organization’s content strategy across all platforms. Together, they will lead a transformation that centers audience impact, strengthens local storytelling, and aligns the efforts of WXXI’s content teams. Sáenz will also spearhead the development of WXXI’s podcast strategy, expand original documentary and video storytelling, and cultivate new partnerships with independent producers — positioning WXXI as both a trusted community voice and a national distributor of compelling, inclusive content.  

This new role reflects WXXI’s commitment to innovation, relevance, and equity in public media.  

Sáenz’s career spans both national and local leadership. He founded ConXion, one of the nation’s first bilingual Latino publications, and launched Poder 97.1 FM, the first 24-hour Latin radio station in the state outside of New York City. He served as General Manager of Mundo Hispánico at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, where he led the newsroom to win 35 national journalism awards and oversaw a dramatic increase in digital and social media reach.  

In Rochester, Sáenz has led communications at MVP Health Care, Common Ground Health, and Ibero-American Action League. He also teaches in the School of Communications at Rochester Institute of Technology and has served on the boards of WXXI, The Little Theatre, Jordan Health, and Causewave Community Partners.  

“It’s an incredible honor to join WXXI at such a pivotal moment,” said Sáenz. “Public media has the power and the responsibility to reflect, uplift, and connect the communities we serve. I look forward to working with this talented team to elevate diverse voices, expand our impact, and help reimagine what community-centered public media can be in Rochester and beyond.” 

Sáenz will begin his new role on Monday, August 4, 2025.  

For media inquiries, please contact:  
Kristin Tutino  
Communications Manager 
WXXI Public Media  
Email: ktutino@wxxi.org  

and external  community relations.  She will continue to serve as the liaison to the Board of Trustees and the Community Advisory Board.  

A strong supporter of this community, Isler’s volunteer work includes serving on the board of the Susan B. Anthony Museum. She previouslyserved as the Board Secretary and Chair of the Governance Committee of the Interdenominational Health Ministry Coalition, which assists faith organizations in developing, sustaining, and growing health ministries to help mitigate health disparities in communities of color.  She also sat on the Wilmont Cancer Center African American Advisory Council, HealthiKids PlayRocs Advocacy Group, and served as a Support Group Volunteer for the Greater Rochester Scleroderma Support Group. She was previously a member of the Center for Community Health’s COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Council. 

 Isler is a graduate of the United Way’s African American Leadership Development Program, Class of 2016. She was a nominee in the inaugural class of the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce Colors of Success DEI Awards in 2022.  

 Isler has two adult children, Andrew and Aja, and is the grandmother to her pride and joy, Aizen. She enjoys doing improvisational comedy with her troupe Guilt & Mirrors, baking, and traveling. 

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