Daniel Ash

Chicago Public Media is losing its voice.

After nine years as vice president of strategic communications, Daniel Ash is leaving the parent company of WBEZ 91.5 FM to join the Chicago Community Trust as chief marketing officer. Ash confirmed that he will start his new job in early September.

In addition to serving as spokesman for Chicago Public Media, Ash was responsible for corporate sponsorship, individual giving, brand management/marketing and partnerships. He joined the company in 2005 after five years as director of communications at the Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law. He previously was director of marketing for the Chicago Department of Public Health.

In a memo to Chicago Public Media staffers, chief operating officer Alison Scholly credited Ash with introducing the company's High Fidelity membership program, increasing support from corporate sponsorship to record levels, and executing "Go Make Babies," WBEZ's first marketing campaign in more than eight years.

"He also served as [a] consistent source of wisdom on how to convey our institutionality on-air, online and at our events," Scholly added. "As a colleague, friend, and leader of this organization, Daniel will be missed by all."

The Chicago Community Trust is a regional community foundation that provides grants to nonprofit organizations.