PBS President and CEO Paula Kerger announced that Bob Culkeen, president and CEO of WTCI, was elected to serve as a professional director on the PBS Board of Directors, filling one of two vacancies. Mr. Culkeen's selection reflects his career in public television and his commitment to community service through public media.
The 27-person PBS Board includes both professional directors, who are station leaders, and general directors, who serve as lay members of the Board. PBS member stations elect professional directors. The general directors are elected by the entire Board, as are the PBS president and the Board officers. The board is a governing body that manages the property, affairs, and business of PBS. The Board plays a crucial role in helping PBS achieve its mission to educate, engage, and inspire audiences nationwide.
"To be elected to the PBS Board of Directors is a profound honor and a testament to the collective dedication of the public media community," said Mr. Culkeen. "I look forward to contributing to PBS's vital mission of delivering trusted, high-quality content and educational resources to communities across the country. This opportunity will allow WTCI to further strengthen its voice at the national level, ensuring the needs and perspectives of the Tennessee Valley are represented in the strategic direction of public media."
Mr. Culkeen assumed the leadership position as president and chief executive officer of WTCI on Jan. 20, 2020, as the station celebrated its 50th year in the Greater Chattanooga area. Before joining WTCI, Mr. Culkeen served as the WSRE general manager and executive director of the WSRE-TV Foundation in Pensacola, Fl. His career in public media also includes service at WILL in Illinois and WJCT in Jacksonville, Fl.
Mr. Culkeen’s commitment to the public media industry is further demonstrated by his service as vice chair of the PBS Small Station Association, and his service with the PBS Affinity Group Coalition. Among other past board roles, he has served as an Executive Board member of The Programming Service, Executive Board member of the Florida Public Media, and Executive Board member of the Illinois Public Broadcast Council, as well as on the Board of the University Station Alliance. Mr. Culkeen was a founding member of the Digital Convergence Alliance (FL).
Mr. Culkeen is active in the Chattanooga Rotary Club, Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce, and serves on the board of directors of the Bessie Smith Cultural Center and Museum.
PBS President Paula Kerger said, “Bob Culkeen has had a long and distinguished career in public broadcasting, and currently serves as CEO of WTCI in Chattanooga. With his significant experience, and dedication to the mission of PBS, we are grateful that he has joined our board.”