JPR, sister foundation again have same leader

The new interim executive director of Jefferson Public Radio in Oregon is now filling the same role at the network’s sister foundation, reports the Medford Mail Tribune. That’s despite the fact that Southern Oregon University, which owns some JPR stations, has previously objected to both organizations having the same leader. It recently dismissed Ron Kramer, JPR’s former executive director, to end a similar arrangement.

Paul Westhelle, now serving as JPR’s interim executive director, will be executive director of the JPR Foundation for 90 days. Kramer was dismissed as president of JPR effective July 1 and resigned as head of the JPR Foundation due to concerns about legal liability in an ongoing disagreement between the foundation and SOU (Current, June 25).

Meanwhile, the JPR Foundation has received a $50,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts for refurbishing new headquarters for JPR in Medford.