CNN Digital Senior Vice President of Global News Rachel Smolkin has announced she’s departing the organization to become the CEO of Oregon Public Broadcasting.
After joining the network more than a decade ago, Smolkin ascended to the role of Executive Editor of CNN Politics before becoming Vice President of News for CNN Digital in 2021. She eventually took on the title of Senior Vice President in 2022.
“I am honored to lead OPB in its next chapter serving Oregon and the Pacific Northwest,” said Smolkin. “I am energized by the commitment the board has shown for building news and public affairs programming for all Oregonians and Southwest Washingtonians, for leading conversations about solving our most urgent challenges, and for innovating new ways to connect with communities.”
Before joining CNN, Smolkin worked at USA Today, and the American Journalism Review, among other reporter positions.
“As we celebrated our first 100 years, we were looking for a dynamic leader to chart the way forward during this time of transformational change in media,” said Oregon Public Broadcasting Chair Rukaiyah Adams. “Rachel will advance our work with deep experience in journalism, wide professional networks, and adaptive leadership skills.”
