NPR has hired Susanne Reber away from CBC, where she has steered the investigative news unit since 2003. The appointment is effective Jan. 4.

Reber will lead Washington-based NPR’s new investigative unit as deputy managing editor, and will report to executive editor Dick Meyer. She is tasked with developing the organization into a ‘leading investigative source,’ according to a release, and will work closely with field and beat reporters across the U.S. radio network’s newsrooms, as well as partner with other non-profit news organizations.

‘[Reber’s] arrival and the creation of a dedicated investigative unit is just the start of NPR’s deep commitment to expand and strengthen serious, ambitious investigative and accountability reporting at a time when so many other newsrooms are retreating,’ commented Meyer.

Reber’s long career with CBC included stints such as exec producer and deputy managing editor of CBC National Radio News. She is credited with creating an investigative program at the pubcaster that reported on the excessive use of Tasers by police and Canada’s food safety mechanisms. She also co-authored the book Starlight Tour: The Last Lonely Night of Neil Stonechild.