Tegna’s Denver NBC affiliate KUSA has named Jesse Ogas executive director of social responsibility and community affairs.
Ogas joins from Firefly Autism, which he joined in 2013 and presently serves as executive director. He starts at KUSA Oct. 1. He will play a strategic role in supporting diversity, equity and inclusion efforts at the station. He’ll also regularly keep in touch with community leaders and groups to make sure the station “reflects the audiences we serve, including underrepresented communities in Colorado,” KUSA said.
He is also tasked with reworking the station’s 9Listens program and audience engagement efforts to get community feedback more regularly. He’ll also develop plans to provide support for community issues through grants and fundraising for nonprofits.
KUSA gm Mark Cornetta said the station is “delighted” to have Ogas join the station.
“His leadership, experience and community relationships make him the perfect person for this role,” said Cornetta. “Earlier this year, we celebrated Jesse as our ‘9NEWS Lead of the Year’ for his work as executive director of Firefly Autism where he increased access to medical care for all communities by bridging language and cultural gaps. We are proud to welcome him to 9NEWS.”
Ogas said he was “not only looking forward to this challenge and working with a great team but being able to make an impact for our Comunidad!”