Connecticut Public Appointed Community Engagement Lead
The nonprofit news organization has hired a new executive to oversee its statewide audience connections and local programming.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in People
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Connecticut Public has appointed Missy DiNunno as vice president of community engagement. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit, which operates on a $22 million annual budget, intends to use this role to deepen its reach across the state.
Why it matters
The hire signals a strategic push by the organization to better align its journalism and educational content with its weekly audience of 1.2 million people. By prioritizing community outreach, the nonprofit aims to strengthen local connections and partnership-based programming.
Connecticut Public operates with an annual budget of $22 million and serves a weekly audience of 1.2 million people. The new appointment leverages a leader with over 20 years of nonprofit experience.
The players
Missy DiNunno
The new vice president of community engagement at Connecticut Public who previously served as executive director of The Children's Museum Group and the Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center.
Connecticut Public
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit media organization based in Hartford with an annual budget of $22 million and a weekly audience reach of 1.2 million.
The details
Missy DiNunno will lead the organization's engagement strategy by facilitating partnerships and gathering feedback from the communities it serves. The role focuses on operationalizing the station's commitments through direct interaction with the public. This approach aims to integrate journalism and educational experiences across the nonprofit's network, which includes facilities in Hartford, New Haven, and Fairfield.
Timeline
October 13, 2026: Connecticut Public announced the appointment of Missy DiNunno.
Market Landscape
This appointment follows a broader industry trend among public media organizations to prioritize direct community engagement over traditional broadcast-only models. It marks a shift toward localized service delivery as nonprofits look to maintain relevance in a fragmented media environment.
Business operators should watch how Connecticut Public adjusts its local partnership and event strategy under new leadership. The shift suggests potential new avenues for collaboration for organizations looking to align with public programming and community initiatives.
The takeaway
The move underscores the importance of intentional outreach in nonprofit management and audience retention. Operators should track whether the new engagement role leads to specific changes in local programming or community-based event requirements.
Further reading
Explore other leadership transitions within the state in the People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Editor and Publisher.
Live Poll
Should your local media outlets prioritize community engagement initiatives over national or broader content programming?
