Veteran nonprofit business leader and longtime Central Pennsylvanian to guide parent company of WITF during leadership transition

Pennon, the parent organization of WITF public media, announced that Tom Baldrige has been appointed Interim President and CEO, effective immediately.

Baldrige, a nonprofit executive with more than three decades of relevant leadership experience, will guide Pennon as it advances its mission to showcase local stories and inspire lifelong learning through trusted journalism, thoughtful discussion and educational experiences across Central Pennsylvania. Prior to joining Pennon, Baldrige served as President and CEO of Lancaster Chamber.

“Pennon is a mission-focused organization, and Tom’s fierce support of public media and experience in nonprofit executive leadership made him the perfect choice for this role,” said Leigh Horner, Pennon’s Board Chair. “As we step into a new chapter, Tom’s passion and experience will guide our team in delivering on our mission of expanding educational services and providing trusted local journalism and public media across our 19-county region.”

Horner, who served as Interim President and CEO for a transitional period, is stepping down from that role and will continue serving as Pennon’s Board Chair. Pennon’s Executive Committee voted unanimously to appoint Baldrige on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025.

The Interim Search Committee—comprised of six Pennon Board members—prioritized a mission-driven, trusted community leader with strong communication and management skills to guide the organization during this transition.

“As a Central Pennsylvania resident, I’ve seen firsthand how Pennon has served this community,” said Baldrige. “I’m humbled to serve as Interim President and CEO and committed to leading with transparency, collaboration, and a clear focus on sustainable, community-centered progress. I look forward to working with the board, staff, donors and residents to deepen our impact and build a strong future.”

Throughout his career, Baldrige has played an impactful and influential role in the community, exemplified by his current service on four non-profit boards: the High Foundation; Penn Medicine/Lancaster General Health; Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology; and Lancaster History. Recognitions he has received over his career include: Life Member Award, Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives; Honorary Doctorates from Millersville, Elizabethtown and Thaddeus Stevens colleges; and the Cliff Jones Keystone Legacy Award.

Baldrige will focus on organizational stability and identifying timely opportunities for continued progress as the Board works to recruit a permanent President and CEO.

“Tom understands, believes in, and champions Pennon’s mission," Horner added. “The Pennon Board is confident and excited to have Tom move our organization forward.”

About Pennon

Pennon is a Pennsylvania-based nonprofit organization committed to strengthening public media, education and community journalism across its 19-county region. Through partnerships and philanthropy, Pennon invests in initiatives that foster informed civic engagement and trusted local news. For more information visit, https://pennon.org/

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251208888824/en/

As we step into a new chapter, Tom’s passion and experience will guide our team in delivering on our mission of expanding educational services and providing trusted local journalism and public media across our 19-county region.