Alan Chartock, Longtime President and CEO of WAMC, Announces Retirement
Alan Chartock
ALBANY, N.Y. - Alan S. Chartock, President and CEO of WAMC/Northeast Public Radio, has announced his retirement after more than 40 years of dedicated service. Under Chartock's leadership, WAMC transformed from a local radio station into a powerful multimedia platform, covering news, information, and engaging conversations across multiple states.
Reflecting on his remarkable journey, Chartock, 81, expressed his gratitude and the need for new leaders to guide the organization. "This has been the journey of a lifetime, and I have loved every minute, every challenge, and every opportunity for growth this work has afforded me," said Chartock. "But it's time to let a new crop of leaders take the helm, and I have every confidence that the Board and staff will more than rise to the occasion."
Dorothy H. Reynolds, Chair of the WAMC Board of Trustees, acknowledged Chartock's exceptional contributions in building not just a radio station but a vibrant community. "More than all the stations and all the programming, Alan built a community. He built it with a passion and an energy that was just boundless," said Reynolds. While expressing regret at Chartock's departure, she affirmed his readiness to provide ongoing support to the organization.
To ensure a smooth transition, Stacey Rosenberry, Director of Operations and Engineering, has been appointed as the Interim Chief Executive Officer by the Executive Committee of WAMC's Board of Trustees. The Board will initiate an executive search for a new CEO after a strategic planning process.
Rosenberry, expressing her commitment to maintaining the stability and essence of WAMC, said, "I'm committed to maintaining the stability that Alan has built here at WAMC. This is and will always remain the WAMC we all know and love."
Chartock's passion for sharing news, informing, and engaging people in the day's events has been instrumental in shaping WAMC's success. His mentorship and high standards have been widely appreciated by colleagues, including Ian Pickus, WAMC's News Director, who commended Chartock's unwavering commitment and the solid foundation he established.
During his tenure, Chartock led the expansion of WAMC's programming, creating numerous popular shows carried by public radio stations nationwide. These included The Capitol Connection, featuring conversations with New York leaders, and The Congressional Corner, featuring interviews with local congressional representatives. He also spearheaded The Media Project and The Roundtable and provided daily commentary during Morning Edition. Chartock's interviews with renowned artists, musicians, actors, directors, and authors, including folk icon Pete Seeger, became highlights of the station.
Under Chartock's leadership, WAMC extended its reach across 29 locations in the region, while remaining rooted in Albany. His efforts to enhance the community's arts and music capacity led to the establishment of The Linda, WAMC's performing arts center. In recognition of Chartock's contributions, the Board named 318 Central the "Alan S. Chartock Broadcasting Center" in 2021.
In recent years, Chartock prioritized infrastructure modernization, online streaming, podcasts, and social media outreach to ensure WAMC's continued growth and accessibility. Financial support for the station comes from loyal listeners, businesses through underwriting, grants for WAMC's National Productions, and governmental sources.
A celebration honoring Alan Chartock's significant contributions is being planned for the future, while he and his wife Roselle enjoy a well-deserved period of rest and relaxation.
WAMC/Northeast Public Radio serves parts of seven northeastern states and is a member of National Public Radio and an affiliate of Public Radio International.
Source: WAMC Northeast Public Radio via Newswire
