CHICO, Calif. – On Wednesday, Chico State University announced that North State Public Radio has named Helen Barrington as its new executive director.
According to Chico State, Barrintgon officially started in the role on May 4.
Officials say that Barrington brings 30 years of public media experience to the position. Her background includes work at Radio Netherlands, GBH in Boston, Virginia Public Media and CapRadio in Sacramento.
As managing editor for news at CapRadio, she previously worked with members of NSPR’s staff. This gives her valuable familiarity with the station and its service region.
According to Chico State, throughout her career, Barrington has produced local and national programs and managed newsrooms of various sizes. She also served as general manager at the public radio station at Cal State Monterey Bay.
Most recently, she worked as the major gifts officer at From the Top, a National Public Radio and youth leadership program for accomplished young classical musicians. She has trained and mentored students throughout her career.
The hire comes as NSPR has returned to California State University, Chico and looks to renew its commitment to local news, storytelling, education and public service.
After several years apart, NSPR transitioned back to the university to be stewarded through Chico State Enterprises in fall 2025.
“It is the honor of my career to work with the NSPR staff and the communities the station serves at this pivotal time, as we co-create NSPR’s next chapter,” Barrington said.
Barrington says that her initial priorities include ensuring the station has the necessary financial resources to provide communities throughout Northern California with reliable, fact-based information and cultural programming.
She also plans to meet people throughout the region and provide students with training and mentorship opportunities, as well as engage with the wider Chico State community and academic programs.
“I feel so strongly that those of us working in the media, especially nonprofit media, have a responsibility to train the next generation,” Barrington said. “I am committed to this work and have been so inspired by what I’ve seen Chico State students accomplish.”
Chico State Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Leslie Cornick said she is excited by the depth and breadth of experience Barrington brings to the role.
This will be critical as NSPR looks to strengthen its connection to the local community and plans for its long-term future.
“NSPR has been a trusted voice for our community for decades and has an incredibly bright future ahead,” Cornick said. “Chico State’s commitment to informing, engaging and empowering our community has never been stronger, and we thank Helen for becoming our newest partner in this vital work.”
Barrington says that she is eager to hear from community members and listeners as she gets settled into her new role.
Those interested in reaching out to Barrington can do so by email at helen.barrington@mynspr.org or by phone at 530-898-5231.