Audit recommends separating heads of Jefferson Public Radio, fundraising group

An Oregon University System audit of Jefferson Public Radio and its fundraising organization is citing a potential conflict of interest in having Ron Kramer as executive director of both JPR and the JPR Foundation, according to the Mail Tribune in Medford, Ore. Jim Beaver, SOU spokesman, said university administrators agree with the recommendation to have two separate executive director positions and hope to have a plan in place to do so by the end of June. Kramer denies there is a conflict, and told the paper that his oversight of the foundation was a condition of his employment with SOU. Kramer also questioned the timing of the audit and its conclusions. "Times are tough" fiscally, as budgets continue to be slashed, Kramer said. "One could conclude the university is trying to gain control over the foundation's assets." The audit also recommended against the foundation's plans to renovate two historic downtown properties, reports local KOBI-TV News.