Kelu Chao

Kelu Chao is a Taiwanese-American journalist and the deputy CEO of the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM). She was previously the acting interim CEO of USAGM from January 20, 2021, to December 29, 2022.

Early life and education Kelu Chao was born in Taiwan and graduated from Taipei Municipal Zhongshan Girls High School . Her father, Chao Ting-Chun, was the vice president of one of Taiwan's oldest newspapers, the Central Daily News. Chao moved to the U.S. and earned a master's degree from Kent State University.

Career Journalism Chao has worked for more than 40 years for the Voice of America (VOA).

She was the VOA's first Language Programming Director from 2001 to 2007. She also worked as a VOA editor, VOA's Mandarin Service Chief, VOA's East Asia Division Director, VOA's Hong Kong Bureau Chief, a field reporter, and radio announcer.

Chao has received more than 30 awards as a VOA programmer, including from the New York Radio Festival and the Asian Broadcasting Union.

When Amanda Bennett was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in September 2022 (to be sworn on December 6, 2022 ) as the CEO of USAGM, Chao issued a statement commending the decision. "A proven journalist, public servant, and business leader, Amanda has both the vision and experience to build on our progress, while equipping USAGM to anticipate and confront threats to independent media and reach audiences in need," said Chao. "Now more than ever, people across the world are depending on USAGM's fact-based news to triumph over increasing misinformation, disinformation, and censorship. I join our entire agency in welcoming Amanda back to serve during this crucial moment for freedom and democracy." Chao subsequently assumed the role of deputy CEO of the agency.