DaytonDailyNews.com

YELLOW SPRINGS — WYSO, the public radio station run by Antioch University out of Yellow Springs, has hired lifelong radio talent Neenah Ellis as general manager.

"She'll be awesome — it's pretty cool for us," said university spokesperson Lynda Sirk.

Ellis replaces Paul Maassen, who left WYSO in March for a job in New Orleans. Ellis, who plans to start in early February, will be in town this week to look for housing and "spend time with the staff and listen as much as I can.

"They've done an incredible job," she said. "They're very motivated. I just need to pay attention to what they say and work with them."

The process of choosing WYSO's GM was closely watched by a vocal and loyal listening public, led by a group called Keep WYSO Local. Larry Halpern, one of the group's members, said the group is happy with the choice.

Ellis is married to well-known public radio personality Noah Adams, who will be joining her in town, Sirk said. The couple now lives just outside Washington, D.C.

"He's still kind of negotiating what he's going to do, but he will be living in Yellow Springs," she said.

Ellis began her career working at her parents' radio station in Valparaiso, Ind. In 1979 she became an associate producer for National Public Radio's "All Things Considered." For the past 20 years she's been a freelance producer of documentaries for public radio and television.

"Neenah was well-liked by the staff and the community, and she's got the ability to work with people and to work creatively," he told the newspaper. "I don't think we could have hoped for

Ellis and Jon Peterson, of Columbus public radio, were the two finalists for the WYSO general manager position brought to Yellow Springs by a search committee in October for community interviews.

Sirk said Ellis was chosen primarily because of her long history with public radio, and though she's never managed a station, she's ready for the challenge.

"During the community interview I heard caring and concern for WYSO programming," said Ellis in a statement. "That community caring goes to the heart of why I love public radio.

"There's a lot of people to help," Ellis said, "and a lot of systems set up to help general managers. My family is in commercial radio, and it's a world I know about.

"I've never actually been in the driver's seat, but once I get my hands on the steering wheel I think I'll know the road."

WYSO is owned and operated by Antioch University as a nonprofit public radio station.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2403 or ldempsey@DaytonDailyNews.com.