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Katherine Maher

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Katherine Maher
NameKatherine Maher
Birth date18 April 1983
Birth placeWilton, Connecticut, U.S.
Alma materNew York University, The American University in Cairo
OccupationExecutive, technology leader
Known forCEO of the Wikimedia Foundation, CEO of NPR

Katherine Maher is an American executive and technology leader known for her roles in global digital advocacy and public media. She served as the chief executive officer of the Wikimedia Foundation, the nonprofit organization that operates Wikipedia, and later became the CEO of National Public Radio (NPR). Her career has focused on the intersection of technology, open knowledge, and democratic engagement.

Early life and education

Maher was born in Wilton, Connecticut, and spent part of her youth in West Africa. She attended New York University, where she studied Middle Eastern and Islamic studies. She furthered her education at The American University in Cairo, focusing on Arabic and post-conflict development. Her academic work included research on digital communications during the Arab Spring.

Career

Before joining the Wikimedia Foundation, Maher held positions at organizations like the World Bank, UNICEF, and the National Democratic Institute. She worked on technology and transparency initiatives, including projects in Afghanistan and Libya. She also served as the advocacy director for the digital rights organization Access Now, campaigning for global internet freedom. Her early career established her expertise in international development and technology policy.

Tenure at the Wikimedia Foundation

Maher joined the Wikimedia Foundation as chief communications officer in 2014. She was appointed interim chief executive officer in 2016 following the departure of Lila Tretikov, and the role was made permanent later that year. During her tenure, she oversaw significant growth for Wikipedia and its sister projects, navigating challenges like disinformation and copyright reform. She advocated for policies supporting a free and open internet, engaging with institutions like the European Union and the World Economic Forum. Her leadership also included the Foundation's strategic shift towards knowledge equity and technical initiatives to improve platform safety and accessibility.

Post-Wikimedia career

After leaving the Wikimedia Foundation in 2021, Maher joined the board of directors for the Signal Foundation, which develops the Signal messaging app. In 2023, she was named the president and chief executive officer of National Public Radio (NPR), succeeding John Lansing. In this role, she leads the U.S. public media organization amid evolving challenges in the media landscape and journalism. She also serves on the advisory council for the Stanford University Digital Civil Society Lab.

Personal life

Maher is married to Elliott Zaagman, a leadership coach and writer. She is a frequent speaker on topics including technology governance, free knowledge, and the future of public media at forums such as the Aspen Ideas Festival and the Internet Governance Forum. She resides in Washington, D.C..

Category:American technology executives Category:Wikipedia people Category:1983 births Category:Living people