Skip to main content

After an extensive nationwide search, the Chicago Council on Global Affairs is delighted to announce the appointment of Sarah Gilbert as Chief Content Officer. Gilbert comes to the Council from NPR where she was the Vice President of News Programming.  

In its centennial year, the Council is embarking on an ambitious digital transformation, an exciting new chapter of growth, impact, and content innovation supported by its board of directors. Gilbert will lead the Council’s strategy to develop and distribute digital current affairs content across products and platforms to engage larger, younger and more diverse audiences in Chicago and nationwide.

“The Council has an ambitious plan to engage wider audiences and cultivate a community of people who care about what’s happening in the world through innovative digital content and engagement opportunities,” says Gilbert. “I’m delighted to be part of this new era in the Council’s storied history and look forward to making global affairs more accessible and actionable for more people.” 

At NPR, Gilbert created and launched Up First, NPR's biggest podcast, and Consider This, NPR's evening news podcast. She also oversaw the organization’s flagship news shows including Morning Edition, All Things Considered, Weekend Edition and the Newscast.  

“Sarah’s outstanding experience connecting audiences to global news and her deep expertise in cross-platform innovation make her an unparalleled fit for this role,” says Council President Ivo Daalder. “We look forward to investing in her efforts to grow and diversify our audiences in Chicago and around the country as we position the Council to foster even greater global engagement in its second century.” 

Gilbert spent a decade at the BBC in a variety of roles including that of Executive Producer of Americana, the BBC’s weekly show on American politics and culture, and in the field, running international bureaus and teams in the U.S., Europe and the Middle East. Gilbert has also served as Managing Editor of Marketplace, American Public Media's signature business and economic news program. 

Gilbert’s first day with the Council will be July 11.

About the Chicago Council on Global Affairs

Founded in 1922, the Chicago Council on Global Affairs celebrated its centennial earlier this year with an event honoring President Barack Obama and cellist Yo-Yo Ma. A nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, the Council is dedicated to increasing knowledge and engagement in global affairs. Our in-depth analysis and expert-led research influence policy conversations and inform the insights we share with our growing community. Through accessible content and open dialogue of diverse, fact-based perspectives, we empower more people to help shape our global future. Learn more at thechicagocouncil.org.