Michael Leland

Expertise: Organization, planning, listening, advocacy, editing, reporting, hosting and photography, all to help IPR listeners and readers understand and connect with their communities and the state where they live

Education: Masters degree from Kansas State University, Bachelors degree from Curry College

Favorite Iowa Destination: Lime Creek Nature Center in Mason City (particularly for cross-country skiing!)

Experience:

• Leads IPR's multi-award-winning news team in bringing top-quality reporting, features and stories to IPR's listening audience; has previously led newsrooms at Wisconsin Public Radio and Michigan Radio
• Edits stories from IPR reporters for style, accuracy and substance
• Has overseen growth initiatives for IPR, including the establishment of IPR's western Iowa beat and IPR's full-time health reporter
• Has reported from a variety of locations, from Chicago City Hall to a former coal mine 600 feet under southern Illinois to an Inuit community in far northern Canada
• Is a multi-award-winning reporter, receiving awards across his career, including during his time at Michigan Radio and Voice of America
• Has reported and produced features for Morning Edition, All Things Considered and Marketplace
• Served as a weekend newscaster for NPR