Duchesne Drew has been tapped as the new president of Minnesota Public Radio. Drew was formerly at the Bush Foundation, where he was in charge of its leadership programs, community innovation and communications teams. As MPR president, Drew will lead strategy, programming, and daily operations serving MPR’s growing regional audiences through MPR News, Classical MPR, The Current, and MPR’s rapidly expanding digital, social and mobile services.
Prior to his role at Bush Foundation, Drew was managing editor of operations at the Star Tribune, where he began as a summer intern.
“Duchesne is absolutely the right leader for our regional services—especially during this extraordinary time. He has terrific leadership and news experience,” said Jon McTaggart, president and CEO of American Public Media Group (APMG) and CEO of Minnesota Public Radio (MPR).
“I’m delighted to be joining MPR,” Drew said. “Minnesotans are relying on MPR now more than ever. Our music and news services are proving their importance in people’s lives. I’m honored to lead these talented teams, and I look forward to helping us serve even more Minnesotans.”
In addition to serving on the board of the St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce, Drew is a member of the Itasca Project’s working team and Make It, MSP’s Leadership Council, which is focused on attracting and retaining talent within the Twin Cities region. Drew’s other board commitments include the African American Leadership Forum, the Monitors Club, the Leadership Learning Community, and the Columbia Daily Spectator.
Drew replaces interim president Tim Roesler, who has held the position since mid-November. Roesler will return to his primary job of developing new business for MPR’s parent company, American Public Media Group.
The only other people to ever hold the title of MPR president are the network’s founder Bill Kling and Jon McTaggart, who will remain CEO of Minnesota Public Radio. Drew, 52, will be the first Person of Color to be selected for the position.
—Information and photo provided by MPR
Reach the MSR staff at msrnewsonline@spokesman-recorder.com.