For immediate release
Chicago, IL - July 1, 2019
Window To The World Communications, Inc. (WWCI), parent organization of WTTW and WFMT, has announced three key appointments. Longtime WTTW producer, writer, and host Geoffrey Baer has been named Vice President of Original Content Production for television. In his new role, Baer will be leading production across key genres, including local history, documentary, and lifestyle. Jitin Garg has been named Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, after consulting with WWCI on an interim basis. Lisa Tipton, currently Senior Director of Programming, has been promoted to Head of Programming and Pledge.
“WTTW and WFMT are fortunate to have found three extraordinary individuals to lead us forward – two from within the organization, and another who will bring his outside experience in,” said Sandra Cordova Micek, President & CEO of WWCI. “Geoffrey has demonstrated over more than two decades that he has a deep understanding of our mission and what our audiences value in our content. Lisa has a track record of creating audience-driven, innovative, and effective schedules. And Jitin brings with him a wealth of financial and strategic analysis experience and, as a native Chicagoan, he has a passion for and understanding of what we do.”
A multiple Emmy Award winner, Baer is known as the host and writer of WTTW’s popular feature-length specials about Chicago architecture and history including Chicago on Vacation, The Chicago River Tour, Chicago’s Lakefront, Chicago’s Loop: A Walking Tour, and many others. He also hosted the national PBS series 10 that Changed America. Baer also appears regularly on WTTW’s nightly public affairs series Chicago Tonight, answering viewers’ questions about Chicago architecture and history in a segment called Ask Geoffrey.
“I’ve always felt incredibly lucky to work at WTTW, which has a singular voice in Chicago’s public conversation,” said Baer. “I’m looking forward to working with a truly gifted team of storytellers to create new content for years to come.”
Garg is a Senior Finance Professional with deep expertise in corporate finance, financial planning and analysis, project management, and forensic accounting. Recently, he served as Vice President, Finance at GCM Grosvenor and Victory Park Capital Advisors. In addition, he has held positions at Deloitte; Citadel, LLC; HSBC North America; and Huron Consulting Group. Garg graduated with honors from the University of Illinois. He is a registered CPA in the state of Illinois and a CFA® Charterholder.
“Having worked closely with several non-profits throughout my career, I am delighted to join WWCI, and look forward to contributing to its continued success,” said Garg.
Tipton began her tenure in 1997 as an intern, and rose steadily in the organization to the role of Senior Director of Programming. She has been instrumental in the production of several of WTTW’s signature series, including Wild Chicago, Artbeat Chicago, and Chicago Stories, and also served as Executive Producer on the Jay’s Chicago series and Where in Chicago? with Geoffrey Baer.
“I have spent my entire career at WTTW,” said Tipton. “And so I couldn’t be more thrilled to take what I have learned from public media, our audience, and my colleagues, and apply it to my new role.”
Baer, Garg, and Tipton assume their new roles on July 1, 2019, reporting to WWCI President & CEO Sandra Cordova Micek.
About WWCI
Window To The World Communications, Inc. is the parent organization of WTTW and WFMT. WTTW is the PBS member station in Chicago, committed to creating and presenting unique media content across distinct television and digital channels. Recognized for award-winning journalism and local productions such as Chicago Tonight, Chicago on Vacation, Check, Please!, digital-first series Urban Nature and Foodphiles – and national productions 10 That Changed America and Nature Cat – WTTW produces the very best in public affairs, arts and culture, nature and science, history, documentary and children’s public media content. WFMT is one of the country’s most respected classical music radio services, showcasing the finest music programming and live performance, including Live from WFMT and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Series, across broadcast and digital platforms on 98.7FM, wfmt.com, and the WFMT app.
