Elizabeth Román Promoted to Executive Editor at NEPM News
SPRINGFIELD — Elizabeth Román has been promoted to executive editor for NEPM News. Román joined New England Public Media (NEPM) as managing editor in 2022 after reporting for nearly two decades at the Republican. In her new role, she will oversee NEPM’s award-winning local newsroom, ascertaining community needs, setting editorial priorities, and supervising journalists, local program hosts, freelancers, and interns.
“Elizabeth is a natural leader whose smarts, dedication, and good humor inspire everyone she meets,” said Matt Abramovitz, NEPM president. “She’s got great news judgment and the perspective that comes from growing up and pursuing a career in journalism right here in our region.”
Sam Hudzik, who has led the NEPM newsroom for over a decade, will leave NEPM and the world of public media for a position in housing law in March. As executive editor for news, Román will assume oversight of the newsroom, reporting to NEPM’s vice president for content and audience strategy.
“Elizabeth’s instincts, talent, and hard work have helped power this newsroom since the moment she arrived,” Hudzik said. “I could not be more thrilled she was picked to lead this amazing group of reporters and hosts. As her friend, I’m proud. As an NEPM listener, I’m excited.”
Abramovitz said he is confident in Román’s leadership of the NEPM newsroom. “When trustworthy and balanced information about our community is more vital than ever and can’t be taken for granted, we are so lucky to have Elizabeth take the reins from Sam. We could not have a better person leading us forward at this time.”
Román is a graduate of Holyoke Community College and UMass Amherst. In recent years, she has also edited El Pueblo Latino, co-founded Colectivo de Medios Latinos, and appeared as a panelist on NEPM’s “The Fabulous 413” and “The Rundown with Carrie Saldo.”
“Being a part of the NEPM newsroom has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life,” she said. “I’m thankful to all of the editors, fellow reporters, and newsroom leaders throughout my career, especially Sam, who have helped me get to this point. I believe in our mission of delivering news that is not only impactful and informative, but that also makes listeners curious about the important things happening in Western Massachusetts every day. I am a proud Springfield native and Puerto Rican woman who will continue to work with our talented news team to deliver stories that include underrepresented voices in our community.”
