NPR promotes Kristin Hume and Juliet Barbara to Vice President

NPR promoted Kristin Hume, left in photo, to vice president of marketing and appointed Juliet Barbara, right in photo, as vice president of communications, strengthening its leadership team as the organization focuses on audience growth, platform expansion and public trust in journalism, reports citybiz.

The appointments, continues the post, “reflect NPR’s ongoing efforts to expand its reach across digital, audio and emerging media platforms while reinforcing its role as a public service news organization during a period of significant change across the media industry.

“As vice president of marketing, Hume will oversee audience development and marketing efforts across NPR’s portfolio of products, programs and platforms. Working alongside Chief Marketing Officer Mishka Pitter-Armand, she will lead initiatives designed to attract new audiences, deepen engagement and strengthen brand consistency across the NPR Network.”

“Kristin’s appointment positions the NPR Network to strengthen long and short-term strategies for building our audiences across podcasts, programs, and platforms,” Pitter-Armand said. “She has proven her ability to use audience insights to deliver business results in both audience and revenue growth.”

Since joining NPR in 2019, states the release, Hume has played a key role in several of the organization’s most prominent audience initiatives, including the “For Your Right to be Curious” and “More Voices, More Ears” campaigns. Her work has focused on expanding NPR’s appeal among younger and more diverse audiences while supporting audience growth across traditional and digital channels.

“I view this work as a form of community building — using insights to connect new audiences with the stories and music they’ll love,” Hume said. “NPR’s journalism and cultural programming improves the lives of millions every day, yet there is still a real opportunity to reach those who haven’t discovered us yet.”

Barbara assumes leadership of NPR’s communications organization, overseeing media relations, talent publicity, editorial communications and internal communications functions. In the role, she will help shape how NPR communicates its journalism, mission and strategic priorities to audiences, member stations, employees and external stakeholders.

Heather Walls, senior vice president of communications, said Barbara’s experience navigating organizational change and public engagement will be critical as public media faces increasing scrutiny and evolving audience expectations.

“Public media is entering a defining period, and Juliet is the kind of leader this moment demands: thoughtful, strategic and experienced in navigating complex institutions through change,” Walls said. “She brings a deep appreciation for the work of public service journalism and will be an essential partner in helping NPR reach broader audiences and deepen public trust in our journalism.”

Barbara joined NPR in August 2025 and has led the organization’s media relations and publicity efforts during a consequential period for public media. Prior to NPR, she served as communications director for the Wikimedia Foundation, the nonprofit organization behind Wikipedia, where she was responsible for strategic communications, media relations and product outreach. Her background also includes more than a decade of communications leadership experience across nonprofit and technology organizations.

“NPR’s journalism, and the journalists, Member organizations, and supporters who make it possible, play an essential role in American life,” Barbara said. “As public media navigates one of the most consequential periods in its history, the opportunity ahead is to bring NPR’s journalism and mission to more of the American public.”

The leadership changes, states the release, “come as NPR continues to adapt to shifting audience consumption habits, growing podcast demand and the increasing importance of digital distribution. The organization has invested heavily in expanding its presence across on-demand audio, streaming and mobile platforms while maintaining its network of member stations nationwide.

“Founded with a mission to create a more informed public, NPR reaches millions of listeners and readers through radio broadcasts, digital journalism, podcasts and live events. Its network includes award-winning journalists across the United States and international bureaus around the world, delivering news, cultural programming and storytelling across multiple platforms.”