Stacy Baum Stepping Down From Kneeland TV News Leadership Training Program

The woman who leads the Carole Kneeland Project is something of a rarity in the broadcast industry. In a business where tenures can be short, Stacy Baum has helped the nonprofit train more than 700 current and aspiring news directors during nearly 20 years at the organization.

“One of the main reasons The Carole Kneeland Project has enjoyed stability over the past two decades and is poised for the future is Stacy Baum,” said Michael Fabac, president of the Kneeland board of directors, and news and marketing director for News-Press and Gazette Broadcasting. “She has passionately led this organization for almost two decades, putting on training sessions — through pandemics and other challenges — with world-class faculty and speakers that have enriched TV newsrooms across the country.”

Baum will step down in the coming months to focus on her family and full-time job as vice president of marketing and community engagement for Catholic Charities of Denver. The Carole Kneeland Project has begun a nationwide search for a successor who will lead the nonprofit as it prepares to mark its 25th anniversary in 2023.

Rashida Jones, vice president of the board, and president of MSNBC (and a one-time fellow in the program), said: “We are looking for a passionate director to build on the foundation that Stacy has laid and further our goal of enriching current and emerging leaders in TV newsrooms across the country. We are grateful for Stacy’s incredible service and for her generosity of time and willingness to continue leading the organization until her successor is in place.”

Baum took over as executive director in 2004, several years after the organization launched as a tribute to a Carole Kneeland, the legendary news director at ABC affiliate KVUE Austin, Texas, and to encourage her brand of ethical leadership and focus on responsible journalism.

“Carole was my first boss after college. She taught me more in the 18 months we worked together than nearly anyone else since,” said Baum. “Helping to lead the organization that bears her name, captures her tenacity and shares her deep commitment to journalism has been a tremendous honor and joy.”

To apply for The Carole Kneeland executive director position, click here.