NPR elevates Kristin Hume and Juliet Barbara to Vice President roles to drive audience growth and public trust

NPR announced that Kristin Hume has been promoted to Vice President of Marketing and Juliet Barbara has been named Vice President of Communications. The appointments strengthen NPR’s leadership as the organization sharpens its focus on reaching audiences across new platforms and reinforcing the role of public service journalism in civic life.

“Kristin’s appointment positions the NPR Network to strengthen long and short-term strategies for building our audiences across podcasts, programs, and platforms,” said Mishka Pitter-Armand, NPR’s Chief Marketing Officer. “She has proven her ability to use audience insights to deliver business results in both audience and revenue growth. I look forward to Kristin’s continued positive impact as we imagine and execute initiatives that attract, grow, and retain audiences.”

As Vice President of Marketing, Hume will oversee marketing and audience development for NPR’s products, shows and platforms. Working in close partnership with the Chief Marketing Officer, she will continue to lead a team of talented professionals, creating cohesion and consistency across marketing strategy, developing strong partnerships, and cultivating new audiences. Since joining NPR in 2019, Hume has been a key driver for some of NPR’s most visible campaigns, including “For Your Right to be Curious” and “More Voices, More Ears.” Her work has focused on evolving how the network connects with younger and more diverse listeners.

“I view this work as a form of community building — using insights to connect new audiences with the stories and music they’ll love,” said Hume. “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. It is a privilege to lead such a talented team and to help extend the reach and impact of the incredible work my colleagues produce every day.”

Heather Walls, Senior Vice President of Communications, said of Barbara’s appointment: “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. 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.”

As Vice President of Communications, Barbara will oversee NPR’s media relations, editorial reach, talent publicity, and internal communications functions. Working in close partnership with the Senior Vice President of Communications, she will lead the team’s work to advance public appreciation of NPR’s journalism, translate NPR’s brand and strategy for staff, Member stations and the public, and build relationships with national press and key stakeholders.

Since joining NPR in August 2025, Barbara drove the organization’s media relations and publicity work, during a consequential period for public media. Barbara brings more than a decade of experience advancing major brands across the non-profit and technology sectors. She previously served as Communications Director for the Wikimedia Foundation, the non-profit that operates Wikipedia, where she led strategic messaging, media relations and product outreach.

“NPR’s journalism, and the journalists, Member organizations, and supporters who make it possible, play an essential role in American life,” said Barbara. “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, and to make sure our work is understood for what it is: indispensable.”

About NPR

NPR’s rigorous reporting and unsurpassed storytelling connect with millions of Americans every day — on the air, online, and in person. NPR was founded on a mission to create a more informed public — one challenged and invigorated by a deeper understanding and appreciation of events, ideas, and cultures. With a nationwide network of award-winning journalists and more than a dozen international bureaus, NPR and its Member organizations are never far from where a story is unfolding. Listeners and readers can find NPR everywhere — through their local Member stations (npr.org/stations ), online at NPR.org, wherever podcasts are available, and by downloading the NPR App. The NPR app brings together the best of the NPR Network from around the world and right in your community — live radio, podcasts, the latest local and national news and more — available wherever you are and whenever you want. Get more information at npr.org/about and by following NPR Extra on Facebook, LinkedIn, Threads, and Instagram.

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