WXXI PUBLIC MEDIA NAMES MONA ISLER CHIEF OF STAFF

Rochester, New York (July 1, 2025) – WXXI Public Media today announces the promotion of Mona Isler to Chief of Staff. Isler has been with the public media organization since 2013, serving as the Executive Office Administrator to the President & CEO and Executive Vice President, and liaison to the Board of Trustees. In her new position, she will serve as a strategic advisor and operational leader to the President & CEO, ensuring that the CEO’s priorities are effectively executed across the organization. 

“Mona Isler has always been the heart of WXXI, ensuring our mission reaches every corner of our organization and our community,” said President & CEO Chris Hastings. “As I continue to reshape my leadership team, Mona is exactly the strategic partner I need – her talent, dedication, and deep local connections will help us guide WXXI into its next chapter.” 

As Chief of Staff, Isler will also oversee cross-departmental coordination, manage key strategic initiatives, and provide leadership in board governance including external community relations. She will continue to serve as liaison to the Board of Trustees and the Community Advisory Board. 

A strong supporter of this community, Isler’s volunteer work includes serving on the board of the Susan B. Anthony Museum. She previously served as the Board Secretary and Chair of the Governance Committee of the Interdenominational Health Ministry Coalition, which assists faith organizations in developing, sustaining, and growing health ministries to help mitigate health disparities in communities of color.  She also sat on the Wilmont Cancer Center African American Advisory Council, HealthiKids PlayRocs Advocacy Group, and served as a Support Group Volunteer for the Greater Rochester Scleroderma Support Group. She was previously a member of the Center for Community Health’s COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Council. 

 Isler is a graduate of the United Way’s African American Leadership Development Program, Class of 2016. She was a nominee in the inaugural class of the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce Colors of Success DEI Awards in 2022.  

 Isler has two adult children, Andrew and Aja, and is the grandmother to her pride and joy, Aizen. She enjoys doing improvisational comedy with her troupe Guilt & Mirrors, baking, and traveling.