Wendy Wilk Named Program Director of the Hearst Foundations’ United States Senate Youth Program

NEW YORK, September 9, 2024 - The Hearst Foundations announced today that Washington Bureau Chief of Hearst Television Wendy Wilk has been named program director of the United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP), succeeding Rayne Guilford who will retire after successfully serving in the position since 2006. Wilk will begin in the role in January 2025.

Commenting on the announcement, Executive Director of the Hearst Foundations Paul "Dino" Dinovitz said: "Wendy has been an exceptional leader and journalist whose in-depth knowledge of Capitol Hill and dedication to delivering high-quality news has greatly benefited the public. Her experience at Hearst Television has been marked by integrity and excellence, and I'm confident Wendy will bring the same level of commitment and insight to the USSYP that Rayne established. The entire staff of the Hearst Foundations and USSYP extends thanks to Rayne for her exceptional service in building the program."

Eastern Director of the Hearst Foundations Donna Kalajian Lagani added: "It is with great pleasure that we welcome Wendy to the United States Senate Youth Program. Wendy's profound understanding of the legislative process has made her an invaluable asset to Hearst Television and to its audiences. I look forward to seeing her inspire and mentor the next generation of leaders in her new role. I thank Rayne for her tireless work leading the USSYP for the past 18 years and wish her all the best in the future."

Wilk has served as Washington Bureau Chief for Hearst Television since 2004, overseeing national, political and breaking news coverage from the nation's capital for more than two dozen television markets, reaching 24 million U.S. households. The Washington Bureau team is instrumental in groupwide coverage across Hearst Television stations and digital platforms of major national news events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the opioid crisis, the federal government's response to weather catastrophes and Olympics coverage. During Wilk's tenure, the Washington Bureau contributed to Hearst's group-wide coverage which was honored with numerous awards including 10 consecutive Walter Cronkite Awards for political journalism and a Peabody award for political journalism.

"My career as a journalist has always been rooted in service to our viewers and communities," Wilk stated. "And I feel so fortunate that in this role, I'll be able to serve in new ways-building on the program's rich history and furthering its mission to educate, encourage and embolden the next generation of public servants."

Operating independently from Hearst, the Hearst Foundations are national philanthropic resources working in the fields of culture, education, health and social services. The USSYP is one of the Foundations' signature programs.

Established in 1962 by U.S. Senate Resolution as an educational experience for outstanding high school students, USSYP provides a foundation of knowledge and encouragement for those considering a future in public service at the local, state or national level. Among the program's distinguished alumni are U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, Chairman of the Democratic National Committee Jaime Harrison, former U.S. Senator Cory Gardner, former Chief Judge Robert Henry of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, and many military officers, members of state legislatures, Foreign Service officers, congressional staff, healthcare providers and university educators.

About Hearst Foundations
The William Randolph Hearst Foundation and The Hearst Foundation Inc. are independent private philanthropies operating separately from Hearst. Since their creation in the 1940s, the Hearst Foundations have awarded $1.5 billion in funding across over 22,730 grants, reflecting the philanthropic interests of William Randolph Hearst. In 2023, the Hearst Foundations made 283 grants totaling $68 million. The Foundations act as a unified national philanthropic resource for nonprofit organizations and institutions working in the fields of education, health, culture and social service. Their work helps to ensure that people of all backgrounds have the opportunity to build healthy, productive and satisfying lives. For more information about the Hearst Foundations, please visit www.HearstFDN.org.

Contact: Paul J. Luthringer, Hearst, 212-649-2540, [email protected]