Longtime ‘Today’ Executive Producer Don Nash Steps Down

By Jacob Elyachar

Longtime Today executive producer Don Nash has now left Rockefeller Center's Studio 1-A. Nash has been with the newscast for 30 years.

Nash's 'Today' History

Nash started out his career at the network as an NBC page at the broadcast network's California headquarters. One of his many responsibilities as an NBC page was working on NBC's morning newscast.

Over time, Nash rose through the ranks and became one of Today's significant off-camera supporting players. In 1999, Nash became one of the show's leading producers. During his first years in the role, the show's primary anchor team was comprised of co-anchors Katie Couric and Matt Lauer, weatherman Al Roker, and news reader Ann Curry.

Throughout his time as a producer, Nash helped the show cover significant news stories such as the 9/11 attacks, Hurricane Katrina, and the War on Terror. Also, he saw numerous talent changes as Couric exited the program in 2006 and former The View moderator Meredith Vieira joined Lauer at the anchor desk until 2011.

Move To Executive Producer

In 2012, NBC News promoted Nash to the executive producer position at one of the show's most alleged controversial periods. Audiences and spectators blamed Lauer for Curry's on-air departure, and Lauer's reputation took a significant hit.

Nash and his team spent months helping Lauer and Savannah Guthrie rebuild the show as they welcomed Carson Daly, Willie Geist, and Megyn Kelly into the Today family. In addition to the on-air personalities, Nash also fine-tuned the show by taking away the newsreader position and adding the Orange Room, which serves as the show's pop culture center.

The Changing Times

On Nov. 29, 2017, Nash helped Guthrie and co-anchor Hoda Kotb deliver the shocking news surrounding NBC News' termination of Lauer following sexual misconduct allegations that were revealed. He also helmed that highly anticipated and irregular period between Lauer's firing and Kotb's hiring.

The show ent ered a new chapter on Jan. 2 when Kotb was named permanent co-anchor of the morning news program.

Nash Exits The Building

While Nash installed the show's first female co-anchor team, he stepped down from his position to spend time with his family.

"For many years, I have had two families: the one at home, and everyone at Today. The balance of my love for both of them has been out of whack for too long. The time has come for me to step away from Today, and be a better dad to my two beautiful girls. They are what matter to me most," said Nash in a statement.

The same day that Nash left Today, the show's former anchor Ann Curry spoke to CBS This Morning for her first television interview since leaving NBC in 2015. Curry revealed to the CBS This Morning anchor team Today's behind-the-scenes culture.

"I would be surprised if many women did not understand that there was a climate of verbal harassment that existed. I think it would be surprising if someone said that they didn't see that."

NBC News announced that Libby Leist will be Nash's successor and will be executive producer for the 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. hour.