Welcoming AIR's new Executive Director

We've got big news! This month's AIRblast is excited to announce Sue Schardt as AIR's new Executive Director. We asked Sue to compose a good ol' AIRblast introduction for the occasion. You'll be happy to know that AIR is in terrific hands. An Introduction from Sue Schardt, AIR Executive Director Inimitable Makers:          I'm honored to have been chosen to lead AIR. I've worked with many of you, but for those meeting me for the first time, here's a snapshot: my first introduction to AIR came in 1995 from my perch at Monitor Radio when we published and distributed a Selected Guide to Public Radio Awards to all AIR members. Close to nine years ago, I was elected to the Board of Directors and launched my business, SchardtMEDIA Strategies. Two reports on SchardtMEDIA's 2006 benchmark study, Opportunities for Innovation: Mapping Public Radio's Independent Landscape, were widely distributed.          Most of my SchardtMEDIA focus has been behind the scenes as a strategist, helping stations, producers and networks develop programs, solve problems and execute new ideas. You'll find a list of most of my projects and clients here. I've also produced a live, freeform program at WMBR-FM for 19 years. Listen to an excerpt, if you like, by clicking here. My father was an old-school commercial broadcaster in Syracuse, NY; radio has been part of my life from the start. I love it, and the rich and multidimensional path that is my work.          It is an extraordinary time for public radio and, especially, for our society of "inimitable makers." I'm excited to take up the challenge put to me by AIR's Board of Directors to build on the strong foundation established by Dolores Brandon over her tenure, to set a new direction for AIR and its producers, to build collaborations and to chart new opportunities. I will bring forward in the days and weeks ahead more details on ideas and new initiatives, and eagerly anticipate the path that lies ahead.          - Sue Schardt            Boston, MA Upcoming Fellowship and Grant Deadlines From the AIR Fellowships and Grants Directory Jostens Community Grants September 4 (quarterly deadlines) To provide support to organizations that enhance the lives of youth and promote educational opportunities that significantly and positively impact children from birth through college. Judith Rothschild Foundation September 15 To present, preserve or interpret work of the highest aesthetic merit by lesser-known American artists who have died after September 12, 1976. IRP Fellowships in International Journalism October 1 To strengthen the U.S. public's understanding of key international topics by helping to educate early- and mid-career U.S. journalists by providing them with access to leading international experts in the United States and offering them opportunities for overseas reportage. You can send your comments and questions to airblast@airmedia.org Funding for AIR comes from our members and the generous support of The New York State Council on the Arts, The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts, which believes that a great nation deserves great art.