IPR Director Retiring After Guiding Station Through Tough Times

Myrna Johnson will step down in July after 12 years leading Iowa Public Radio.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 5:39am

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Myrna Johnson, the director of Iowa Public Radio (IPR), has announced her retirement effective July 2026 after 12 years at the helm. Johnson says she is leaving the station in good financial shape, having overseen IPR's transition from a university-owned network to an independent, community-supported public radio station.

Why it matters

Johnson's retirement comes at a pivotal time for IPR, which has weathered significant challenges in recent years including the COVID-19 pandemic, loss of state and federal funding, and its shift to independent status. Her leadership has been credited with putting the station on solid financial footing, including the successful $8 million endowment campaign that exceeded the original $6.5 million goal.

The details

During Johnson's 12-year tenure, IPR has expanded its digital team and launched a 24-hour music station in Des Moines. She is particularly proud of IPR's strong national programming as well as its local reporting and community-focused initiatives. With Johnson's retirement, the IPR board will soon begin a national search for her successor.

  • Myrna Johnson will retire from her role as IPR Director in July 2026.
  • Under Johnson's leadership, IPR launched a successful $8 million endowment campaign that exceeded the original $6.5 million goal.

The players

Myrna Johnson

The retiring director of Iowa Public Radio, who has led the station for the past 12 years through a period of significant challenges and transition.

Iowa Public Radio

A public radio network that transitioned from being university-owned to an independent, community-supported station under Johnson's leadership.

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What they’re saying

“I feel like we're in good financial shape, and it feels like it's a good time for me to step aside.”

— Myrna Johnson, Retiring IPR Director (Des Moines Register)

“We've got really strong national programming, but our local reporting and local programming is also really strong. It provides a way to build community in the state and helps shine light on the important things that are going on in Iowa.”

— Myrna Johnson, Retiring IPR Director (Des Moines Register)

What’s next

The Iowa Public Radio board will begin a national search for Myrna Johnson's successor in the coming months.

The takeaway

Myrna Johnson's retirement from Iowa Public Radio comes at a time of stability and strength for the station, which she has guided through a challenging period of transition to an independent, community-supported model. Her leadership has positioned IPR well for the future as it continues to serve Iowans with high-quality national and local programming.