LaFontaine E. Oliver
WYPR 88.1 FM President and General Manager LaFontaine E. Oliver has been re-elected to a second term as a Member Director of NPR’s Board of Directors, with a three-year term beginning in November 2019.
“I’m honored to continue to have the opportunity to advocate for public radio nationally as a board member of NPR,” said Oliver. “The millions of listeners around the country appreciate and depend on the intelligent, insightful approach to news and the discussion of issues that distinguishes NPR and its affiliate stations. There has never been a better time for what NPR offers and I look forward to working with my board colleagues to advance the reach and impact of public radio, especially in the value it brings to local communities."
Oliver, who returned to Baltimore to lead WYPR as general manager in July, previously served on the NPR Board of Directors while president and general manager for WMFE in Orlando, Fl., a position he held from 2013 to 2019. Prior to that, he served as general manager of WEAA at Morgan State University from 2007 until 2013.
NPR's 23-member Board of Directors is comprised of 12 Member Directors who are managers of NPR Member stations and are elected to the Board by their fellow Member stations, nine Public Directors who are prominent members of the public selected by the Board and confirmed by NPR Member stations, the NPR Foundation Chair, and the NPR President & CEO.
The NPR Board of Directors is responsible for the governance of the 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. The Board sets the policies and overall direction for NPR management, monitors the performance of NPR and provides financial oversight.
WYPR is a National Public Radio station serving Baltimore, the state of Maryland, and beyond. WYPR was founded in 2002 by local community members. It is an independent licensee with a diverse Board of Directors consisting of Maryland residents. In addition to airing national and international radio features, WYPR excels in local programming including its news, public affairs, and cultural programs. WYPR is located at 88.1 FM on the radio dial and at 2216 N. Charles Street in Baltimore. As a listener-supported radio station, all contributions to the station are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. For more information, visit www.wypr.org or call 410-235-1660.