WFYI Chief Announces Retirement
(photo courtesy WFYI)
Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe chief executive officer of WFYI Public Media in Indianapolis has announced plans to retire after 30 years. Lloyd Wright says he will step down in 2019, after working with the organization’s board of directors in searching for his successor.
Wright joined WFYI in 1988 as director of program production and was named president and CEO the following year. During his tenure, he led WFYI’s television and radio properties through the transition to digital broadcasting, grew the station’s operational budget by 450 percent, and led three capital campaigns totaling more than $34 million.
"Lloyd Wright has expertly led WFYI through incredible growth and extraordinary changes over the last three decades," said Michael Heaton, board chairman of WFYI. "He’s expanded our audience, grown our membership and has always shown remarkable integrity and character. We wish him the best in his well-deserved retirement, and we know he’ll continue to be one of WFYI’s greatest ambassadors for years to come."
Heaton says the board will conduct a national search for Wright’s successor, which could take several months.
WFYI has also announced the creation of the Lloyd Wright Legacy Fund in honor of the CEO. The fund will support future Indiana storytelling programming at the station and will be tied to WFYI’s 50th anniversary in October 2020.
"I’m honored and humbled to have a worthwhile cause live on in my name," Wright said. "I have so many people to thank for their support of me and WFYI over these many years. I especially appreciate the dedication of our talented, award-winning staff and our dedicated volunteers who helped to found the station in 1970. I believe public media is a crucial part of any community, and to be a part of building it in my hometown over all these years is extremely gratifying, and I’m grateful to have had the opportunity."
Wright will appear this weekend on Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick to talk about his retirement and his time as CEO. You can find a list of showtimes throughout the state by clicking here.