WRFI Announces Leadership Transition and Recommitment to Community Programming

Following months of strategic planning work by WRFI’s leadership, staff, and community, in June, Executive Director Felix Teitelbaum proposed a plan to restructure station management to improve its organizational resilience and deepen its commitment to local programming. 

In July, WRFI’s Board of Directors unanimously approved that plan. The station has since begun a search for its next Executive Director and announced that Felix will remain at the station to provide continuity, support the new director, and assume the role of Program Director. 

WRFI’s Board of Directors is enthusiastic about the search for an Executive Director who will lead the organization’s next stage of growth and further develop its strong community ties. Amie Herman, Board member and Development Chair said, “through our strategic planning work, we’ve heard great interest from the community in more local programs, local voices, community conversations, and live music. To answer that call, we’re thrilled Felix will stay at WRFI to leverage his wealth of community connections and years of radio experience.”

“This transition couldn’t come at a more exciting time in the station’s development,” says Peter Bakija, WRFI Board President. “The station is fortunate to be able to build upon the strong foundation Felix built over the last 10 years, and to have a thriving, enthusiastic volunteer base.” During his tenure, the station expanded local programming, tripled its broadcast reach, and doubled its donor base. The station can now be heard across a wide swath of the Finger Lakes, Southern Tier, and northern Pennsylvania.

Felix is energized by the changes coming to WRFI. “I am 100% committed to a sustainable future for WRFI. This expansion of our capacity, and the hiring a new Executive Director, are important steps toward ensuring WRFI grows with our community and remains an essential part of local civic and cultural life for years to come.” 

WRFI’s commitment to high-quality community radio is unchanged. Felix added, “The programs and voices our listeners have come to love and trust aren’t going anywhere. In fact, this expansion sets the stage for even closer engagement with the community. So, stay tuned!”

Learn more about our search for an Executive Director and read the job description.