NPR Exec Central in Juan Williams Firing Resigns

In the wake of an extensive internal review at National Public Radio, the senior executive who had a key role in the firing of commentator Juan Williams has resigned.

In a lengthy memo, the NPR Board of Directors announced that VP Ellen Weiss has resigned, but gave no further details.

The board also expressed concern over the roll that CEO Vivian Schiller, who famously said Williams should have kept his opinions between him and his shrink, had in the firing. Although it ruled out terminating Schiller's employment, it said she would not receive a salary bonus for 2010.

Williams was fired by NPR after saying on Fox News' "The O'Reilly Factor" that he gets nervous when he sees people on a plane with clothing that identifies them as Muslim. NPR said his remarks violated its standards of not having on-air personnel giving opinions.

Williams said he was fired because he appeared frequently on Fox News.

The memo from the board also details new internal procedures for personnel decisions and disciplinary action, and announces a new ethics panel.

"We have taken this situation very seriously and the Board believes these recommendations and remedial steps address the concerns raised in connection with the termination of Williams' contract," said Dave Edwards, Board Chairman, in the memo. "The Board regrets this incident's impact on NPR and will work with NPR's CEO, Vivian Schiller, to ensure that these actions will be expeditiously completed, examined, and monitored on an ongoing basis."