NPR's Diversity Leader Set to Retire Amid Political Focus on DEI

Keith Woods, the Chief Diversity Officer at NPR, has announced that he will be retiring. His tenure with NPR began in 2010.

After dedicating 46 years to journalism, 15 of which were spent with NPR, Woods is stepping down, a move that coincides with heightened political attention on diversity, equity, and inclusion—a cause he has ardently supported.

At 66, Woods expressed that the choice to retire was personally made.

"It's a joy to finally announce my retirement after over forty years in journalism," Woods stated in a release from NPR. However, he noted the diminished pleasure due to ongoing criticisms of DEI work.

His retirement is slated for May 2, happening as some governmental bodies and corporations retract their diversity commitments amid executive orders leading to changes at institutions like PBS. These orders, initiated by President Trump, required compliance by terminating contracts with equity-related stipulations.

Subsequent legal actions have ensued, while Trump and advisor Elon Musk have advocated for cutting NPR, PBS, and related public broadcasting funding entirely. Congress has received Republican-supported proposals advocating for such funding eliminations.

NPR's Chief Executive, Katherine Maher, commended Woods in an internal memo, asserting the unwavering dedication of NPR to maintaining a diverse and inclusive environment and workforce.

Maher reminded staff that NPR's commitment to embody a breadth of American stories will persist. Post-departure, Whitney Maddox, the Vice President for DEI, and a deputy will report to the COO.

Woods joined NPR after working at outlets like the New Orleans Times-Picayune and the Poynter Institute, effectively advancing projects like the renowned podcast Code Switch and diversifying NPR's content sources. His influence extended across public radio stations nationwide.

His collaboration with the late NPR CEO Jarl Mohn was pivotal, reinforcing diversity as a central mission for NPR. Mohn saw it as both ethically imperative and strategically beneficial, driving staffing diversification.

Reflecting on his time, Woods noted the significance of his NPR tenure. "I leave with pride in our achievements and confidence that my colleagues will continue prioritizing this vital work," he concluded.