(Rochester, NY) August 6, 2026 — WXXI Public Media is proud to announce the appointment of Jennifer “Jazz” Williams as the organization’s first Manager of Business Development and Creator Partnerships. A media producer, journalist and business owner, Williams career spans more than two decades in broadcast radio, television, film marketing, casting and post-production. As WXXI looks at new approaches to sustain and expand its impact amid a changing funding landscape and major federal funding cuts, Williams will serve as a key contributor to building new revenue streams.
“As we look to optimize our business model without relying on federal funding, hiring Jennifer is essential to our sustainability and future growth,” said WXXI President & CEO Chris Hastings. “Her business-development expertise, creative production experience, strong community ties, and an entrepreneurial drive make her a great fit for this new position.”
As Manager of Creator Partnerships, Williams will focus on making WXXI Studios a thriving production hub, where independent filmmakers, storytellers, artists, and creators can take their work from creation to distribution to engagement with audiences. She will develop rental and marketing offerings, cultivate client and creator partnerships, and launch a Creator-in-Residence program that brings new voices into WXXI Studios’ production space.
“Storytelling has always been my way of bringing people together from the listeners of WDKX to the viewers of WHEC. I’m honored to join WXXI at such an exciting time when public media is expanding to embrace community co-productions and events,” said Williams. “I look forward to helping WXXI Studios become a hub for Rochester’s creator community, by developing innovative ways to sustain WXXI’s mission for the next generation.”
Throughout her career, Williams has remained committed to broadcasting, serving as a traffic anchor and web producer at News10NBC before becoming the longtime afternoon host on WDKX-FM, where she has spent more than a decade connecting with audiences through live radio and community engagement as on-air personality “Jazzy T”.
Williams is also founder of JazzCast Pros, where she has led the development, production, and distribution of 15 original podcast series and more than 1,200 episodes on business and personal growth. A connector and strategic collaborator, she has constructed her career at the intersection of media, business development, and relationship building, bringing together creative vision, production expertise, and authentic partnerships to help organizations and communities grow. Her leadership and impact earned her recognition as a 2026 ATHENA Young Professional Award finalist with the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce. Jazz is a proud alumnus of Michigan State University, College of Communications.
Williams will begin her new role this month.
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