Dan Shelley to retire as RTDNA president and CEO, Tara Puckey to succeed him
After more than 25 years of dedicated leadership within the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA), President and CEO Dan Shelley has announced his retirement at the end of 2025. His departure marks the end of a significant era for the organisation, which has grown in influence and impact under his guidance. Effective from January 1, 2026, Tara Puckey, the current Executive Director, will succeed Shelley as president and CEO.
The transition was formally approved last month by a vote of the RTDNA Board of Directors, highlighting the confidence placed in Puckey’s leadership to continue the association’s mission. Shelley's long-standing connection with RTDNA dates back nearly 40 years, starting as a member and advancing through board positions before assuming executive leadership roles. His broad experience in the broadcast and digital news sectors further informed his stewardship of the organisation. Prior to his full-time role with RTDNA beginning in 2017, Shelley served as Senior Vice President of Digital Content Strategy at iHeartMedia and held senior roles at Urban One, WCBS-TV in New York, WTMJ in Milwaukee, and KTTS-AM/FM in Springfield, Missouri.
During his tenure as RTDNA’s Executive Director and later CEO, Shelley spearheaded key initiatives aimed at broadening the organisation’s mission, such as the establishment of the Voice of the First Amendment Task Force, which has been praised for advocating journalistic integrity and press freedom. His leadership was also marked by outreach efforts that extended RTDNA’s influence both nationally and globally in support of transparency and truth.
Reflecting on his career with RTDNA, Shelley expressed, “It has been the honor of my career to serve broadcast and digital journalists through my roles at RTDNA. Throughout my travels around the world on behalf of our association, I have been heartened to see the insatiable thirst for truth and transparency among people even in autocratic societies. During my travels around this country – in the US and state capitols, at journalism schools and professional conferences, and with the general public – I have proudly been a standard bearer for those same principles.”
Board Chair Sheryl Worsley praised Shelley’s contributions, stating, “Dan’s blend of experience and energy, as well as his deep understanding of our mission, has positioned RTDNA for growth and continued success. With this strong foundation and Tara’s proven track record, we are incredibly optimistic about the future of RTDNA and its critical mission.”
Tara Puckey brings to her new role more than a decade of experience leading journalism-focused nonprofits. She joined RTDNA in 2018 and has steadily risen through the organisation, playing a key role in strategic growth and membership development. Puckey acknowledged the responsibility associated with succeeding Shelley, saying, “I’ve spent most of my career serving the inspiring journalists who work each and every day to hold the powerful accountable and tell the stories of their communities. It’s an incredible honor to take the torch from Dan — and a challenge because of the standard of excellence he set — but I am thrilled to continue this work with the smart and talented RTDNA staff and leadership.”
This change in leadership arrives as RTDNA continues to navigate the evolving demands of the journalism industry, particularly within the realms of digital news and the preservation of journalistic standards. The association’s commitment to serving its members remains steadfast, and the appointment of Puckey signals a continuation of focus on growth, innovation, and advocacy on behalf of broadcast and digital journalists.
Executives and leaders within the association sector will be watching closely how the RTDNA under new leadership adapts its services and expands its influence, particularly given the organisation’s crucial role in fostering professional development, ethical journalism, and press freedom.