Susan Zirinsky takes on the new role of CBS News incoming president and senior ep three weeks from tomorrow, and she’s already making changes to the management structure.
Zirinsky names Kimberly Godwin evp of news, with top editorial oversight of newsgathering around the world, including the national desks, foreign desks and bureaus. Godwin, who joined CBS News in 2007, had most recently served as vp of news, as well as CBS News’ executive director for development and diversity since 2014.
Before joining CBS News 12 years ago, Godwin spent more than 20 years as an executive and newsroom leader at some of the top local stations in the country, including New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Dallas and Cleveland. Godwin is the recipient of many awards, including six Emmys; two Murrow Awards; an Alfred I. DuPont-Columbia award; and a Sigma Delta Chi award.
Ingrid Ciprian-Matthews will become evp of strategic professional development, focusing on recruitment and development of off-air talent. Ciprian-Matthews, who helped lead the 60 Minutes executive producer recruitment process, will work closely with CBS News’ new and expanding HR department. Ciprian-Matthews has risen through the ranks at CBS News and served as evp of news since 2018, a role which will now be held by Godwin.
Prior to serving as evp of news in 2018-2019, Ciprian-Matthews was CBS News’ svp of news administration (2015-2018) and vp of news (2011-2015), CBS News’ foreign editor (2006-2011); senior broadcast producer for the CBS Evening News (2004-2006); and senior producer for CBS News’ foreign coverage (2000-2004). In 1998, she became the deputy bureau chief for the CBS News London bureau (1998-2000) and served as senior broadcast producer for CBS News’ This Morning and the CBS Morning News from 1994-1998. She joined CBS News in October 1993 as senior producer for live segments on CBS This Morning.
Charles Pavlounis takes on an expanded role of evp of business development and chief financial officer, overseeing CBS News’ finances, business ops, CBS Newspath, CBS News Radio and new business development initiatives, including content development, audio streaming and podcasting and new revenue streams with strategic partners. Pavlounis, who joined CBS News in 2015, has most served as svp and cfo.
“News is very much a team sport. It is critical to have a strategic, collaborative leadership team as we reset the CBS News of today into a leading news organization of the future,” said Zirinsky. “Kim, Charlie and Ingrid are dedicated to our mission. Each brings a wide-range of talents and skills that immediately makes CBS News a stronger organization.”