Myrna Johnson, Iowa Public Radio at Emmetsburg Public Library

Myrna Johnson is the Executive Director of Iowa Public Radio. Over the last 12 years, Johnson has led IPR through a period of significant change, guiding a transition of IPR's 27-station network from university-owned to community-owned, reformulating IPR's Governance structure, and leading IPR through a successful first-ever comprehensive campaign. She has grown the IPR newsroom, and established a successful digital footprint including an award-winning newsletter portfolio. Johnson serves on the board of National Public Radio. Her prior experience includes running the Boston Schoolyard Initiative; managing the National Forum on Children and Nature; serving as VP of government affairs for the Outdoor Industry Association; and working for 8 years in the National Affairs department of National Public Radio. Johnson has a B.A. from Wartburg College, and an MPA from the Harvard Kennedy School.  She grew up Ruthven, Iowa and currently lives north of Ames.

On March 19th, Johnson will speak on the importance of journalism for engaged and vibrant communities, and the significant challenges Iowa Public Radio and the broader journalism community face in the current media environment.  She will also share stories of growing up in Palo Alto County and how it led to her work in public media.