NPR has appointed veteran journalist Thomas Evans as its next editor-in-chief, tapping the longtime CNN executive to lead its global newsroom during a period of financial and political upheaval for public media.
Evans spent nearly 22 years at CNN, most recently serving as vice president and London bureau chief. In that role, he oversaw CNN International’s operations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America, managing 17 bureaus and around 500 staffers. He previously worked as an award-winning field producer, specializing in coverage from conflict zones, and ran CNN’s bureaus in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan.
“NPR’s mission is as important today as it ever has been,” Evans said in a statement released by the broadcaster. “Its value is built on the finest journalists in the nation, and I am proud to have been asked to lead this newsroom at this crucial time as we continue to serve our listeners and the pursuit of truth.”
Evans, who holds degrees from the University of Rochester and SOAS University of London, joined NPR in September 2024 as managing editor of editorial review. In that position, he led an initiative to strengthen newsroom workflows, adding an internal process to ensure every story receives independent editorial review.
He succeeds Edith Chapin, NPR’s former editor in chief and acting chief content officer, who is departing the organization as it confronts the loss of federal funding. Last month, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting shut down after Congress approved President Donald Trump’s rescission package, which eliminated $1.1 billion in funding over two years. Trump and congressional Republicans have long accused NPR and PBS of partisan bias.
Alongside Evans’ appointment, NPR announced that Marta McLellan Ross will serve as chief of staff. Since 2021, she has led the organization’s Policy and Representation team, advocating for public media and press freedom at the federal, state and local levels.
In her new role, McLellan Ross will work closely with CEO Katherine Maher and senior executives “to drive strategic initiatives, strengthen collaboration and support the organization’s long-term goals,” NPR said in a statement.
“NPR and public radio play a vital role in American public life,” McLellan Ross said. “I look forward to supporting the organization in transforming its service to the public and connecting more people to its trusted work.”
The broadcaster said the leadership changes “further strengthen the organization’s leadership team as it builds the future of public media in America.”
