PBS Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

PBS has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, technology, operations, finance, legal, and production.

Committed to educational excellence and cultural enrichment, PBS delivers high-quality programming to audiences across the United States while maintaining a mission of public service and community engagement.

Leadership Roles at PBS

  • Chief Executive Officer - Paula Kerger
  • Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer - Thomas Tardivo
  • Chief Operating Officer - Johnathan Barzilay
  • Immediate President and Executive Producer - Cari Stein
  • Chief Technology Officer - Scott Nourse
  • Vice President Chief Technology Officer - John Tollefson
  • Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary - Jill Patrone
  • Paula Kerger - Chief Executive Officer

    Paula Kerger, the Chief Executive Officer at PBS, directs the overarching strategic vision for the national broadcasting network. Overseeing the entire organizational structure, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that content distribution remains aligned with the core mission of public service. Kerger manages relationships with member stations across the country, fostering a collaborative environment that supports educational programming and cultural initiatives. By prioritizing long-term sustainability, the Chief Executive Officer drives growth in digital media and audience engagement. Paula Kerger maintains a focus on expanding the reach of high-quality television shows and movies to diverse demographics. Through consistent leadership, Kerger secures the financial and operational health of the network, ensuring that the organization continues to provide valuable resources to the public while adapting to the evolving landscape of modern media consumption.
    Paula Kerger

    Thomas Tardivo - Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer

    Thomas Tardivo, the Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer at PBS, directs the financial planning, budgeting, and fiscal reporting processes for the organization. Overseeing the management of capital assets, the Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer ensures that funds are allocated effectively to support the production of educational programming and movies. Tardivo monitors the financial health of the network, providing critical insights to the board regarding revenue streams and expenditure control. By maintaining rigorous accounting standards, the Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer safeguards the fiscal integrity of the institution. Thomas Tardivo manages the treasury functions, ensuring liquidity and optimizing the investment of corporate resources. This leadership role involves coordinating with external auditors and internal stakeholders to ensure transparency and compliance with regulatory requirements. Tardivo drives financial strategies that enable the network to continue its mission of public service while maintaining a sustainable economic foundation for future growth.
    Thomas Tardivo

    Johnathan Barzilay - Chief Operating Officer

    Johnathan Barzilay, the Chief Operating Officer at PBS, manages the daily business operations and internal workflows that sustain the network. Overseeing the execution of strategic initiatives, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that departmental activities align with the organization's mission of broadcasting quality content. Barzilay coordinates cross-functional efforts to optimize resource allocation and improve operational efficiency across the Arlington headquarters. By streamlining administrative processes, the Chief Operating Officer supports the production and distribution of movies and television shows. Johnathan Barzilay works closely with other executive leaders to implement policies that enhance organizational performance and long-term stability. This role involves monitoring key performance indicators to track the success of various media projects. Barzilay drives the implementation of operational standards that allow the network to maintain its position as a leader in public broadcasting while effectively managing the complexities of a national media organization.

    Cari Stein - Immediate President and Executive Producer

    Cari Stein, the Immediate President and Executive Producer at PBS, oversees the creative development and production of high-impact television content. Managing the editorial direction of key programs, the Immediate President and Executive Producer ensures that all shows align with the network's commitment to educational and cultural programming. Stein coordinates with creative teams to bring compelling stories to the screen, focusing on quality and audience relevance. By supervising the production lifecycle from concept to final broadcast, the Immediate President and Executive Producer maintains the high standards expected of the network. Cari Stein collaborates with writers, directors, and producers to foster innovation in storytelling and visual presentation. This leadership role involves balancing creative vision with the practical requirements of television production. Stein drives the creation of content that resonates with diverse audiences, ensuring that the network continues to provide meaningful and engaging media experiences.

    Scott Nourse - Chief Technology Officer

    Scott Nourse, the Chief Technology Officer at PBS, architects the digital infrastructure required to support national broadcasting operations. Managing the technical systems that power content delivery, the Chief Technology Officer ensures seamless streaming experiences for viewers across all platforms. Nourse oversees the integration of advanced software solutions that enhance the accessibility of movies and educational shows. By implementing robust cybersecurity protocols, the Chief Technology Officer protects the integrity of the network's digital assets. Scott Nourse collaborates with engineering teams to modernize legacy systems, facilitating a transition toward cloud-based distribution models. This technical leadership supports the broader organizational goal of reaching audiences through innovative digital channels. Nourse maintains a focus on scalability, ensuring that the network's technological capabilities keep pace with the increasing demand for high-definition content and interactive media experiences throughout the United States.
    Scott Nourse

    John Tollefson - Vice President Chief Technology Officer

    John Tollefson, the Vice President Chief Technology Officer at PBS, focuses on the development and maintenance of the network's broadcast hardware and transmission systems. Overseeing the technical teams responsible for signal integrity, the Vice President Chief Technology Officer ensures that television shows reach member stations without interruption. Tollefson manages the deployment of specialized equipment that supports the high-quality standards of the broadcasting industry. By evaluating emerging hardware technologies, the Vice President Chief Technology Officer identifies opportunities to improve transmission efficiency and signal coverage. John Tollefson collaborates with regional partners to ensure that the technical infrastructure remains compatible with modern broadcasting requirements. This role involves managing the lifecycle of critical broadcast assets and ensuring that the network's physical transmission capabilities remain robust. Tollefson drives the implementation of hardware upgrades that support the organization's commitment to delivering reliable, high-quality media content to audiences across the country.
    Jill Patrone, the Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary at PBS, manages the legal affairs and corporate governance framework of the organization. Overseeing compliance with broadcasting regulations, the Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary ensures that all content and business practices adhere to federal and state laws. Patrone provides counsel on intellectual property matters, protecting the rights associated with the network's extensive library of movies and shows. By facilitating board meetings and maintaining corporate records, the Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary supports the administrative functions of the leadership team. Jill Patrone navigates complex legal landscapes to mitigate risk and resolve disputes that may arise during the course of business operations. This role involves drafting contracts and overseeing legal agreements with production partners and distributors. Patrone drives the development of internal policies that promote ethical conduct and legal compliance throughout the entire national network.
    Jill Patrone

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding PBS Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads PBS?
    PBS is led by Paula Kerger (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Thomas Tardivo (Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer) and Johnathan Barzilay (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of PBS’s executive team?
    The executive team of PBS includes leaders such as Paula Kerger (Chief Executive Officer), Thomas Tardivo (Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer), Johnathan Barzilay (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does PBS have?
    PBS has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in PBS’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of PBS includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer, Chief Operating Officer, Immediate President and Executive Producer, Chief Technology Officer.