Marv Nyren to head WBEZ sales

Chicago Public Media

Chicago Public Media

Marv Nyren, former general manager of classic rock WLUP FM 97.9 and alternative rock WKQX FM 101.1, is shifting to the rarefied air of public radio.

The veteran broadcast executive has been hired as vice president of corporate sponsorships for Chicago Public Media, parent company of WBEZ FM 91.5. Starting February 1, he will run the station’s sales team.

Marv Nyren

Marv Nyren

Since last July, Nyren has been working for Chicago-based Tribune Broadcasting as director of group sales and marketing for the company’s 42 television stations nationwide, WGN America and Antenna TV.

Nyren headed the Loop and Q101 for seven years as regional vice president and market manager for Emmis Communications. He left in 2011 when the company sold the stations to Merlin Media. He later worked for Total Traffic Network and for iHeartMedia radio stations in Jacksonville, Florida. Earlier he worked in Phoenix and Atlanta.

Goli Sheikholeslami, president and CEO of Chicago Public Media, said Nyren will report to Michel Ballard, chief digital officer, who oversees all sales operations for the station.

Jennifer Bell

Jennifer Bell

Sheikholeslami also confirmed the hiring of Jennifer Bell as vice president of development. She started January 11.

Bell, who most recently was vice president of advancement for the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, helped lead the hospital’s $300 million capital campaign. She previously was director of corporate relations at Adler Planetarium.

At Chicago Public Media, Bell will serve as chief fundraiser from major donors and foundations.