Dr. Jeffrey Gefter
WTCI PBS announced the election of Dr. Jeffrey Gefter as the new chair of its board of directors. Dr. Gefter will lead the Greater Chattanooga Public Television Corporation Board of Directors, the governing board of WTCI PBS.
Also joining Dr. Gefter on the 2025-2026 Executive Committee are:
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David Martin, vice-chair
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Cole Powell, treasurer
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Kimberly Biddy, secretary
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Cindy Todd, past chair
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Agnes Richmond, chair of the Development Committee
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Bob Culkeen, president and CEO
Dr.
Gefter is a respected radiation oncologist who has practiced in the Chattanooga community since the early 1980s. He previously served on the faculty at the University of Florida in radiation oncology before moving to Chattanooga to help develop cancer treatment centers at several of the region’s hospitals. He was instrumental in spearheading the transition to full-service oncology programs, which are recognized by national oversight commissions.
A former member of the National Children’s Oncology Group (COG), of which he remains an emeritus member, Dr. Gefter is currently semi-retired and continues to work part-time with a local oncology group. In recognition of his work, he received the Life Inspiration Award from the American Cancer Society of Chattanooga in 2017, and was honored at Erlanger Foundation’s Dinner of Distinction in 2024 for his “enduring commitment to improving the community’s health and demonstrating unquestionable character and human compassion”.
"I am honored to take on this role and want to extend my deepest thanks to Cindy Todd, the immediate past board chair, for her effective leadership and organizational strength," said Dr. Gefter. "I also want to recognize Bob Culkeen, WTCI’s president and CEO, for his remarkable visionary leadership. The recent rescission by Congress, which claws back already appropriated funds, creates a challenging landscape for public media. I am pleased to be able to support Bob during this time. He is a leader with the necessary skills to navigate the challenges facing this extraordinary community asset."
WTCI President Bob Culkeen thanked Cindy Todd and welcomed Dr. Gefter, saying, “The WTCI Board of Directors are key contributors to our organization's successes. It is an honor to work with such a talented group of volunteers and outstanding individuals. We look forward to Dr. Gefter leading the Board and to another great year of service to the Greater Chattanooga community.”
In addition to the Executive Committee, serving on the 2025-2026 WTCI Board of Directors are Kenny Andejeski, Deborah Arfken, Ed.D, David Barrett, Kimberly Biddy, Jo Coke, Michael Costa, Steve Gatlin, Yousef Hamadeh, Kerry Hayes, Paula Henderson, Leslie Kahana, Sarah Moore, Chloé Morrison, Florence Pipkins, Adam Schreader, Martin Trimiew, Edna Varner Ed.D, Cynthia Wilson, and Anna Harrington, Chair of the Community Advisory Board (CAB).