(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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