Iowa Public Radio settlement pays former CEO $197,000

Former Iowa Public Radio Chief Executive Officer Mary Grace Herrington will receive a $197,000 settlement in exchange for releasing all claims against the organization.

The settlement agreement, dated April 19, was signed by Herrington and her attorney as well as by Iowa Public Radio board Chairwoman Kay Runge and an attorney for IPR. The settlement releases Iowa Public Radio from any court claims or damages.

The Iowa Public Radio board of directors in February voted 6-1 to fire Herrington, who had been the system's chief executive officer since January 2009.

Herrington "acknowledges that she is releasing claims under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act," according to the settlement.

The agreement also states that if IPR receives inquiries about Herrington's employment from potential employers, the organization's comment will be limited to her salary, position and dates of employment.