NPR has appointed Erica Osher as Vice President of AI Labs. As of July 28, Osher will lead the organization’s artificial intelligence strategy, overseeing the development of initiatives that support NPR’s public service mission through emerging AI technologies.
Osher moves into the role following a decade-plus tenure at National Public Media, where she most recently served as Vice President of Sponsorship Products and NPM Creative, NPR’s internal creative agency and sponsorship product development team. While in the role, she helped shape sponsorship strategies for NPR’s digital platforms and played a key role in expanding the organization’s branded podcast presence, including producing Tech Unheard for Arm and The Upload on YouTube.
She played a central role in the founding of NPR’s AI Labs and served as its interim General Manager beginning in December 2024. Her leadership included drafting NPR’s internal AI guidelines and launching early pilot programs.
In her new position, Osher will be responsible for identifying AI opportunities that augment NPR staff capabilities, enhance audience trust, and enable innovation across content and sponsorship initiatives.
NPR Chief Operating Officer Ryan Merkley remarked, “Erica has demonstrated curiosity, leadership, and collaboration as interim GM of AI Labs – leading pilots, seeking new partnerships, and ensuring our work drives towards innovation while upholding NPR’s mission and values. She’s worked closely with member organizations, industry leaders, and NPR staff across teams, and I’m thrilled she’s joining our team.”
Osher added, “I couldn’t be more excited about this opportunity. I’m a lifelong NPR fan, and all of my prior work at NPM has been done with the aim of supporting NPR’s public service mission. Our people and principles are this organization’s greatest assets. We’re at a transformational moment for technology and for journalism, and I’m eager to explore AI solutions that reinforce our values, maintain trust among audiences, and strengthen NPR’s ability to innovate.”
