PBS Executive and Leadership Team

Paula Kerger, the Chief Executive Officer at PBS, directs the overarching strategic vision for the organization. Kerger manages the complex relationships between member stations and national content providers to ensure consistent delivery of educational media. By prioritizing public service and audience engagement, the Chief Executive Officer maintains the integrity of the broadcasting mission. Paula Kerger oversees the long-term sustainability of the network, balancing fiscal responsibility with creative innovation. This leadership role involves navigating the evolving digital landscape to expand reach across North American markets. Through constant collaboration with the Board, the Chief Executive Officer aligns organizational goals with the needs of diverse viewers. Kerger drives initiatives that strengthen the brand presence while fostering partnerships that support high-quality programming. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer secures the future of public media by championing accessible, non-commercial content for every household.

Bernie Pope, the Chief Financial Officer at PBS, manages the fiscal health and budgetary planning for the entire broadcasting network. Pope monitors revenue streams from federal grants, private donations, and corporate sponsorships to ensure operational stability. By implementing rigorous financial controls, the Chief Financial Officer optimizes resource allocation across all departments. Bernie Pope analyzes market trends to forecast funding requirements, supporting the expansion of digital distribution platforms. This leadership role requires constant coordination with station partners to maintain transparent reporting standards. Through precise financial modeling, the Chief Financial Officer mitigates risks associated with fluctuating media markets. Pope drives efficiency by streamlining internal accounting processes and auditing expenditures. By maintaining a balanced budget, the Chief Financial Officer enables the organization to invest in high-quality educational content. Ultimately, Pope ensures the long-term financial viability of the network through disciplined fiscal management.

Thomas Tardivo, the Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer at PBS, manages the corporate treasury functions and long-term investment strategies. Tardivo oversees the management of cash reserves and endowment funds to ensure the financial security of the organization. By directing capital allocation, the Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer supports the funding of major media projects and infrastructure upgrades. Thomas Tardivo monitors market volatility to protect the financial assets of the network. This leadership role involves reporting to the Board on financial performance and investment outcomes. Through strategic treasury management, the Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer optimizes liquidity and minimizes financial risk. Tardivo drives the development of financial policies that govern corporate spending and asset protection. By maintaining strong relationships with financial institutions, the Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer secures the necessary capital for growth. Ultimately, Tardivo ensures the financial stability of the network through prudent asset management and treasury oversight.

Johnathan Barzilay, the Chief Operating Officer at PBS, directs the daily business operations and internal workflows that sustain the broadcasting network. Barzilay manages the integration of content distribution across linear television and digital streaming platforms. By optimizing operational processes, the Chief Operating Officer ensures seamless collaboration between production teams and member stations. Johnathan Barzilay oversees the execution of strategic initiatives designed to increase viewer engagement and platform accessibility. This leadership role involves managing cross-functional teams to improve service delivery and organizational agility. Through data-driven decision-making, the Chief Operating Officer enhances the efficiency of content delivery systems. Barzilay drives improvements in operational infrastructure to support the evolving needs of the audience. By aligning internal resources with the broader mission, the Chief Operating Officer maintains high standards of service. Ultimately, Barzilay secures operational excellence by fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

Cari Stein, the Immediate President and Executive Producer at PBS, directs the creative development and production of high-impact media content. Stein manages the editorial vision for flagship programs, ensuring alignment with the educational mission of the network. By overseeing the production lifecycle from concept to broadcast, the Immediate President and Executive Producer maintains the quality standards of the brand. Cari Stein leads creative teams in developing compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences. This leadership role involves collaborating with independent producers and internal staff to curate a balanced programming schedule. Through strategic content planning, the Immediate President and Executive Producer drives viewer engagement and educational value. Stein manages production budgets and timelines to ensure the efficient delivery of series and specials. By fostering creative excellence, the Immediate President and Executive Producer strengthens the cultural impact of the network. Ultimately, Stein shapes the public identity of the organization through impactful storytelling.

Scott Nourse, the Chief Technology Officer at PBS, architects the digital infrastructure and broadcasting systems that power the network. Nourse manages the development of streaming platforms and cloud-based delivery solutions to reach audiences across North America. By overseeing the implementation of advanced media technologies, the Chief Technology Officer ensures reliable content distribution. Scott Nourse leads the engineering teams responsible for maintaining the technical integrity of the broadcasting network. This leadership role involves evaluating emerging technologies to improve user experience and platform performance. Through strategic investment in digital tools, the Chief Technology Officer supports the transition to modern media consumption habits. Nourse drives innovation by integrating scalable software solutions into existing workflows. By collaborating with other executives, the Chief Technology Officer aligns technical capabilities with the organizational mission. Ultimately, Nourse secures the technological future of the network by building robust, future-proof systems for all viewers.

John Tollefson, the Vice President Chief Technology Officer at PBS, directs the technical strategy for specialized broadcasting hardware and network security. Tollefson manages the deployment of transmission systems that connect local stations to the national feed. By overseeing the maintenance of critical broadcast infrastructure, the Vice President Chief Technology Officer ensures uninterrupted service for millions of viewers. John Tollefson leads the technical teams focused on hardware reliability and signal quality. This leadership role involves managing vendor relationships and technical partnerships to optimize equipment performance. Through rigorous testing and quality assurance, the Vice President Chief Technology Officer minimizes downtime and enhances system resilience. Tollefson drives the adoption of new transmission standards to improve the quality of the viewing experience. By focusing on the physical and digital backbone of the network, the Vice President Chief Technology Officer supports the broader mission of accessible public media. Ultimately, Tollefson maintains the technical foundation of the organization.

Jill Patrone, the Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary at PBS, directs the legal strategy and corporate governance framework for the organization. Patrone manages intellectual property rights, licensing agreements, and regulatory compliance across all broadcasting platforms. By overseeing the legal department, the Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary ensures that all content distribution adheres to federal broadcasting standards. Jill Patrone provides counsel to the Board on governance matters and corporate policy. This leadership role involves mitigating legal risks associated with media production and distribution. Through proactive contract management, the Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary protects the interests of the network and its member stations. Patrone drives compliance initiatives that uphold the ethical standards of public media. By navigating complex legal landscapes, the Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary enables the organization to operate with transparency and integrity. Ultimately, Patrone secures the legal foundation of the network through diligent oversight and expert counsel.