Cindy Todd
Cindy Todd was named chairwoman of the Greater Chattanooga Public Television Corporation Board of Directors, the governing board of WTCI PBS. WTCI PBS's mission is to enrich lives through quality programs and services that educate, engage, and inspire a lifetime of learning and exploration.
Ms. Todd is joined on the 2024-2025 executive committee by Dr. Jeffrey Gefter, vice-chair; Cole Powell, treasurer; Jo Coke, secretary; Julie Brandao, past chair; David Martin, chair of the Development Committee; and Bob Culkeen, WTCI president/CEO.
Ms. Todd retired in 2020 from her long-time role as vice president, chief marketing and communications officer for the Tennessee Aquarium and has since worked part-time with other nonprofit organizations. During her 28 years with the aquarium, she led several departments that were responsible for generating approximately 70% of the aquarium’s revenue through attendance, membership, corporate fundraising, sponsorship, concessions, and facility rental. She also served as a member of the organizational executive team.
Ms. Todd was appointed to WTCI’s board of directors in July 2021 and has served on the executive committee since 2023.
“With a bold, new strategic plan in place, this is an exciting time to lead the board and support the WTCI team as we work to build a stronger community by enriching lives and engaging with our local community,” said Todd.
Ms. Todd offered thanked outgoing board chair Julie Brandao, who has served on the WTCI board of directors and served as the 2023-2024 board chair. “I would like to thank Julie Brando for her leadership during the past year,” she said. “The station achieved so much last year with new educational programs, new partnerships and enriching events.”
WTCI President Bob Culkeen thanked Julie Brandao and welcomed Cindy Todd as the new board chair and praised the WTCI board of directors members at their June 26, 2024, board meeting. Culkeen said, “The WTCI board of directors are key contributors to our organization's successes. It is an honor to be working with a talented group of volunteers and outstanding individuals. We look forward to Cindy leading the board and another great year of service to the Greater Chattanooga Community.”
In addition to the executive committee, serving on the 2024-2025 WTCI Board of Directors are Deborah Arfken, Ed.D, David Barrett, Kimberly Biddy, Danny Fell, Steve Gatlin, Yousef Hamadeh, Kerry Hayes, Paula Henderson, Chloe Morrison, Florence Pipkins, Azurae Redmond, Agnes Richmond, Adam Schreader, Jim Tanner, Martin Trimiew, Edna Varner Ed.D, and Jenny Wells (Non-Voting Board Member).
WTCI began broadcasting on March 4, 1970. WTCI serves Southeast Tennessee, Northeast Alabama, North Georgia, and the Western tip of North Carolina as a community licensed public television station and PBS member station. WTCI serves 35 counties, providing quality, trusted local and national programming to over 440,000 households. The station’s signal is broadcast over a 60-mile radius and is received in four states (Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, and North Carolina) and is carried on over 35 cable systems.