New York Public Radio Names Jennifer Schell Podoll Chief Development Officer
Schell Podoll brings nearly three decades of experience in frontline fundraising and donor cultivation at local and national non-profit organizations
(New York, NY — July 25, 2024) – New York Public Radio (NYPR) President and CEO LaFontaine E. Oliver today announced that Jennifer Schell Podoll has been named Chief Development Officer (CDO), leading the organization’s development and membership teams. Schell Podoll is an accomplished fundraising leader with a robust track record of success in individual, major donor, and corporate fundraising. She will join NYPR on August 5.
As CDO, Schell Podoll will be responsible for increasing philanthropic support from all sources, overseeing member, donor, and institutional giving. Among her key priorities will be leading all fundraising efforts related to WNYC’s Centennial Campaign, driving a sustainable, robust major gifts program, and increasing the impact of NYPR’s membership programs. She will also serve as a key partner to the NYPR leadership team and Board of Trustees around broader strategic issues and initiatives.
“I’m delighted to welcome Jennifer as the organization embarks on its second century of serving New York,” said Oliver. “Jennifer is an experienced frontline fundraiser who also brings considerable strategic planning, marketing, and communications skills to NYPR. In this fraught moment for journalism and public media, Jennifer is the right leader to drive support for our mission to provide trusted local news, impactful national programming, and classical music to our region and beyond.”
“I’m incredibly excited to join the New York Public Radio team,” said Schell Podoll. “I have been a life-long public radio listener and fan. I can’t wait to combine my professional experience with my personal passion and evolve the philanthropic landscape here.”
As Senior Vice President, Constituent Engagement at Autism Speaks, Schell Podoll led the organization’s 46-member field team, responsible for revenue and mission priorities. She launched the Executive Leadership Councils structure, creating a consistent, dynamic development program for volunteer leaders and staff collaborations to further the organization’s advocacy efforts and priority programs at the local level. Prior to Autism Speaks, Schell Podoll was the Chief Development & Marketing Officer at Guiding Eyes For The Blind, where she launched the first-ever year-round digital strategy, increasing revenue by 45%. As Vice President at the March of Dimes Foundation, she led the organization’s largest revenue stream, the March for Babies, raising $86 million through 509 events. She spent 12 years in various roles at the American Cancer Society, joining as the Senior Director of Marketing and culminating in the position of Vice President, Community Engagement where she was responsible for peer-to-peer fundraising.
Schell Podoll has a bachelor’s degree from Concordia College and a Master’s degree in Nonprofit Management from the New School. She is currently enrolled in the Certificate Program in Nonprofit Leadership at Harvard.
New York Public Radio is one of the leading producers of public radio programming in the country, home to WNYC, WQXR, WNYC Studios, The Jerome L. Greene Performance Space and New Jersey Public Radio. As an independent, non-profit media organization, NYPR is supported through the generosity of members, donors and sponsors. Combined, WNYC and WQXR account for the largest membership base in public radio.
ABOUT NEW YORK PUBLIC RADIO
With an urban vibrancy and a global perspective, New York Public Radio (NYPR) produces innovative, critically-acclaimed programming for local and national broadcast, on-demand and live streaming audiences. NYPR’s brands include WNYC, WQXR, WNYC Studios, Gothamist, New Jersey Public Radio, and the Jerome L. Greene Performance Space. The WNYC newsroom and Gothamist produce award-winning local journalism for New York City, New Jersey and the surrounding region. WQXR, the City’s only all-classical radio station broadcasts new and archival classical recordings and makes live performances from New York City’s esteemed performance venues available to all. WNYC Studios is a premier producer of on-demand and national broadcast audio, and home to some of the industry’s most impactful award-winning podcasts and national radio shows, including Radiolab, On the Media, The New Yorker Radio Hour, and Notes from America, among others. The Jerome L. Greene Performance Space is NYPR’s intimate street-level broadcast studio and live event space. Further information about programs, podcasts, and stations may be found at www.nypublicradio.org.