Delano E. Lewis, former U.S. ambassador to the Republic of South Africa and former president and chief executive officer of National Public Radio, has led a long and successful career in global, corporate and public affairs.

Lewis joined NPR as President and CEO in January, 1994, with his vision to make NPR "the leading provider of high quality news, information and cultural programming worldwide." During his tenure, he focused on three areas: top-quality programming, financial strength and customer service. 

Before coming to NPR, Lewis was president of C&P Telephone Company, a subsidiary of Bell Atlantic, where he had served in various positions since 1973. Earlier in his career, he worked with former Congressional Delegate Walter Fauntroy of the District of Columbia and Senator Edward Brooke of Massachusetts. He also served as Country Director in Uganda for the U.S. Peace Corps, and was an attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice. 

Lewis served on the Boards of Directors of Colgate-Palmolive, Black Entertainment Television, Halliburton and Guest Services, Inc. He served as chairman of the board of the Eugene and Agnes Meyer Foundation. He is an honorary member of Mainstream, a national board member of Africare, and an emeritus member of the board of the Washington Performing Arts Society.