I worked with John when he was head of news for Univision, and then did several of the Radio Martí evaluations and some unnamed projects with him as well. He is indeed on of the very best I have ever worked with.I'm surprised John Lippman, the Acting Director didn't get the job. Read some great stuff about his time as the KCBS Los Angeles News Director. He reportedly had Michael Tuck, the head News Anchor by the throat during an altercation. That is hands on management~
Knowing John, it must have taken a truly dreadful act by Tuck to make him that annoyed. John is one of the best "let's cut to the chase" problem solvers I have met.