A couple of years ago, I wrote a book called “Be A Leader, Not Just a Manager.” The premise was that some people get elevated to positions of power but are not effective at having a vision and strategy that compels people to want to follow them.
Joyce Slocum was an incredible manager and a leader.
Joyce died this weekend in Texas at the age of 66. She has led Texas Public Radio since 2014. I met her while she worked at NPR from 2008 to 2013.
Shortly after I became chair of the NPR Board, we needed to replace the CEO, and the company went through a lot of turmoil and controversy. The Board turned to Joyce as the interim CEO. She had headed up the legal department at NPR and was our choice to take over while a national search could be conducted. We got a highly motivated woman who could make tough decisions and deal with difficult situations while making us feel good about the organization’s direction.
Joyce had the mind of a lawyer and the heart of a caring person.
That combination made her a successful leader.
I had many conversations with her, and each time, I was impressed with her ability to find solutions that worked while still meeting the needs of staff, stations, and others.
She tackled many projects for NPR that only some interim leaders would. She won over those who didn’t think the company had a future.
When she left NPR for Texas Public Radio, she exuded excitement about using what she had learned to help build a solid local public radio station. She did just that.
We have lost a dynamic leader, a tireless advocate for journalism and public radio.
I have lost a friend.
Even though I protested, I loved it when she acknowledged me by saying, “Hey, boss.”
Rest in peace, dear Joyce.
Here is the obituary published in Current, the national trade publication for public media:
Joyce Slocum, CEO of Texas Public Radio, dies at 66
By Tyler Falk, Reporter | Current
Joyce Slocum, who led Texas Public Radio since 2014 and served in leadership roles at NPR, died Sunday of complications from colon cancer, the station announced Monday. She was 66.
“Joyce’s passing is a tremendous loss for TPR and the public media sector,” said TPR Board Chair Lori Castillo in a press release.
During her time at TPR, Slocum led a capital campaign and the completion of a new headquarters in downtown San Antonio.
“Slocum was instrumental in TPR’s growth from an organization of modest size and ambition to one whose reach and influence is recognized nationwide, with a deep passion for storytelling rooted in South Texas,” said an obituary on the station’s website.
She also led the growth of local journalism and the expansion of podcasts and Spanish-language news at the station.
Slocum began at NPR in 2008 and served in various roles, including chief administrative officer, general counsel and chief ethics officer. She served on NPR’s board of directors from 2015–21.
Dave Edwards, who was NPR’s board chair when Slocum was elevated to interim CEO in 2011 and served in the role for nine months, called her a “dynamic leader, a tireless advocate for journalism and public radio” in a post on his website.
“I had many conversations with her, and each time, I was impressed with her ability to find solutions that worked while still meeting the needs of staff, stations, and others,” Edwards said. “… She won over those who didn’t think [NPR] had a future.”
Slocum received the Public Radio Regional Organizations’ annual PRRO Award in 2013, in part for her work leading NPR following a political controversy that led to the ouster of CEO Vivian Schiller.
“Because of her impact as NPR’s interim CEO, Joyce was admired and respected across the industry,” Castillo said in the release. “Moreover, her ambitious vision for TPR has made it one of the country’s preeminent public media organizations.”
Slocum “made countless contributions to this network throughout her distinguished career,” NPR CEO John Lansing said in a statement. As interim CEO, Lansing said, Slocum led NPR “during a critical moment of transition for the organization.”
“Joyce was a leader in the collaborative journalism efforts of NPR and Member organizations,” Lansing added. “She will be remembered as a strong advocate for the promise and power of our local/national network and our shared mission of journalism in the public interest.”
Slocum began her career in private practice as an attorney. She went on to work for 10 years as a legal and business adviser for 7-Eleven Inc. Prior to joining NPR, she was executive VP of global legal and business affairs and general counsel for HIT Entertainment, a children’s entertainment company.
“Instead of sending flowers, Joyce would rather see people contribute to TPR,” her brother, Michael Slocum, said in the release. “She was so proud to make TPR her legacy.”
Rebecca Caven has stepped into the role of TPR’s interim CEO
Dave Edwards helps professionals become more effective leaders through executive coaching, leading workshops, and consulting services. Previously, he transformed WUWM Milwaukee Public Radio into one of the most successful public radio stations in the country and served as chair of the NPR Board of Directors. He also teaches classes for Marquette University and Alverno College in Milwaukee, plus online at Udemy. He blogs on productivity and management related issues at www.DaveEdwardsMedia.com
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