Stevan Smith

Born and raised in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn New York, Stevan Smith Jr. was surrounded by musical influences that became ingrained in his DNA. Graduating from the exceptional Boys and Girls High School with several business scholarships to attend the Earl G. Graves School of Business and Management at Morgan State University (Baltimore, MD), Stevan decided to switch to a path that would allow him to follow his passion for music. Introduced to Jazz music via Hip-Hop, Stevan started a radio programming internship at the MSU owned WEAA 88.9 FM. It was there that a deeper passion for jazz music and public radio was nurtured.

As an intern/volunteer host, and later full-time employee, Stevan took full advantage of his opportunities to learn the ins and outs of radio programming, production, audience development, and more. After serving as Assistant Program Director, he decided to take a job at WBGO as their Traffic and Continuity Manager. Serving in that role for close to 12 years, Stevan contributed to the station's digital efforts, produced features for broadcast, and filled in as a guest announcer. Outside of WBGO Stevan became heavily involved in digital media, producing podcasts for himself and others.

Seeking greater opportunities to expand on his Public Radio skills set, Stevan left WBGO and became Assistant Program Director at WNYC, New York Public Radio. Serving in this role at such a high powered organization gave Mr. Smith the challenge and experience he required to reach the "next level". After 3 plus years in this role, Stevan has returned to WBGO as it's first Chief Content Officer.

"Returning to WBGO in the role of Chief Content Officer is the culmination of everything I've worked for since I was 19 years old. Jazz music/radio has remained a constant throughout my journey, and it feels good to come HOME. It's time to be great!"