Robin Turnau Named VPR President; Mark Vogelzang Moves To Public Radio Nationally

Vermont Public Radio announced today that Robin Turnau, a 20-year veteran at Vermont Public Radio, will become the new President and CEO. She will replace Mark Vogelzang, who will resign on February 1 to assist in a new effort to raise support for public radio stations.
The leadership change at Vermont Public Radio, one of the most successful statewide, independent public radio networks in the country, was announced live at noon today on Vermont Edition, VPR s daily news magazine. Turnau was unanimously selected by the VPR Board of Directors to replace Vogelzang, who will be helping create a new approach to philanthropic giving across the country in partnership with stations.
Vogelzang, 53, has led VPR since 1993 and is credited with VPR s expansion to two distinct FM networks, one an award-winning news and information service and the other devoted to classical music. When Vogelzang started, VPR broadcast a single service on three transmitters. Today, through growth by strategic acquisitions, the VPR network consists of nine full-power FM stations throughout Vermont. Vermont Public Radio listenership per capita consistently ranks the network as one of the top ten NPR stations in the country, and is one of the top-rated among all commercial and non-commercial stations in Vermont.
"It is with deep regret that the VPR Board reluctantly accepts Mark s resignation. He has been a visionary leader who has helped us create and build the important Vermont-wide community resource that is VPR," said Board Chair Deborah Granquist of Weston. "While Mark is leaving Vermont Public Radio, we are excited that he will be moving to a larger national stage to work with stations across the country, bringing his talent and energy and some of VPR s success.
"We are thrilled to be able to promote Robin to the top job. One of the many lasting legacies of Mark s leadership is that while growing the Vermont Public Radio network, he simultaneously developed a strong management team with deep bench strength. Mark is leaving us well-positioned to meet our future challenges. With Robin s demonstrated leadership skills and determination, the Board is highly confident that she is ready to guide Vermont Public Radio to its next level of success," Granquist said.
Turnau said today that she is very honored and pleased to succeed Mark Vogelzang. "We have worked side-by-side for many years and as a result VPR is now in great shape to face the future. Vermonters and others donate their financial support because they trust and value VPR. That is the strong foundation we will build on for future success and in implementing VPR s mission while being faithful to our core values," Turnau said.
Vogelzang said: "The decision to leave VPR was not easy. It s a terrific place with such wonderful staff, listeners, and supporters, so it s a bittersweet moment. I m incredibly proud of the accomplishments we ve had in building this organization over the last 15 years. The people of Vermont and the surrounding region have come to count on VPR and NPR as their trusted source.
"VPR is in great hands with Robin as its new President and CEO. It s a wise and important decision by the Board. Robin is so well-respected inside VPR, in this region, and across the public radio community for her leadership and experience. She is the major reason for the stability of VPR s annual membership support as well as the recent successful completion of our endowment campaign. It s a remarkable achievement, and Robin has delivered year in and year out.
"I m leaving VPR, but not public radio. Change is in the air these days, so I m eager to take our development success in Vermont and replicate it across the country," Vogelzang added.
Turnau, 43, currently serves as VPR s Vice President of Development, a post she has held since 2004. She joined VPR in 1989 as Membership Coordinator, after graduating from the University of Vermont with a degree in Anthropology. She has also served as VPR Development Manager and Director of Development during her career. Turnau s work at VPR was recognized nationally when in 2006 she was awarded the Development Professional of the Year by the Public Radio Association of Development Officers. She is also a CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) and is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Northern New England Chapter. Robin lives with her family in Charlotte.