PBS Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

PBS has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, technology, finance, legal, and production.

Driven by a commitment to education and culture, PBS shapes public discourse through impactful broadcasting, fostering informed communities and lifelong learning across the United States.

Leadership Roles at PBS

  • Chief Executive Officer - Jenny Jackson
  • Chief Financial Officer - Bernie Pope
  • Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer - Thomas Tardivo
  • Chief Operating Officer - Johnathan Barzilay
  • Owner President - Rocky Diamond
  • Immediate President and Executive Producer - Cari Stein
  • Chief Technology Officer - Scott Nourse
  • Vice President Chief Technology Officer - John Tollefson
  • Technology Chief & Integration Officer & Chief Information Officer & Chief Technology Officer - Andre Mendes
  • Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary - Katherine Lauderdale
  • Jenny Jackson - Chief Executive Officer

    Jenny Jackson, the Chief Executive Officer at PBS, directs the overall strategic vision and operational execution for the organization. Jackson guides the company's mission to serve the American public through high-quality educational and cultural programming. This leadership role involves fostering partnerships with member stations and content creators to expand reach and impact. Jackson ensures alignment with the company's core values, driving innovation in broadcast and digital platforms. Overseeing all major initiatives, Jenny Jackson champions the development of new content strategies that resonate with diverse audiences nationwide. The Chief Executive Officer's purview extends to financial oversight and stakeholder relations, securing the long-term sustainability of PBS's public service mission. Jackson's leadership solidifies PBS's position as a trusted source for news, entertainment, and educational content.

    Bernie Pope - Chief Financial Officer

    Bernie Pope, the Chief Financial Officer at PBS, directs the company's financial planning, accounting, and reporting functions. Pope manages the organization's fiscal health, ensuring robust financial controls and strategic resource allocation. This executive role involves developing budgets, forecasting financial performance, and managing investments to support PBS's mission. Bernie Pope works closely with the Chief Executive Officer and other leaders to align financial strategies with organizational goals. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities include overseeing treasury operations and ensuring compliance with all financial regulations. By providing critical financial insights, Pope enables informed decision-making across PBS. Bernie Pope's financial acumen is essential for maintaining the stability and growth of the organization's operations.

    Thomas Tardivo - Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer

    Thomas Tardivo, the Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer at PBS, directs the company's financial operations, including treasury management and fiscal planning. Tardivo oversees the financial integrity of the organization, managing cash flow, investments, and financial reporting. This executive position involves ensuring compliance with financial regulations and optimizing financial resources. Thomas Tardivo collaborates with the executive team to develop sound financial strategies that support PBS's long-term objectives. The Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer's responsibilities include managing banking relationships and overseeing all financial transactions. By providing strategic financial guidance, Tardivo contributes to the stability and growth of PBS. Thomas Tardivo's financial leadership ensures the responsible stewardship of public funds and organizational assets.
    Thomas Tardivo

    Johnathan Barzilay - Chief Operating Officer

    Johnathan Barzilay, the Chief Operating Officer at PBS, manages the day-to-day operations and ensures efficient execution of the company's strategic objectives. Barzilay oversees critical operational functions, including broadcast distribution, station relations, and internal process optimization. This role demands a deep understanding of the media landscape to drive operational excellence across all departments. Johnathan Barzilay works closely with other executives to implement policies that enhance productivity and service delivery. The Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities include managing resources effectively to support programming initiatives and technological advancements. By streamlining workflows, Barzilay contributes directly to the seamless delivery of PBS content to millions of viewers. Johnathan Barzilay's operational leadership is vital for maintaining the high standards expected of a leading public broadcaster.

    Rocky Diamond - Owner President

    Rocky Diamond, the Owner President at PBS, holds ultimate responsibility for the strategic direction and overall success of the organization. Diamond leads the executive team in setting ambitious goals and ensuring their effective implementation across all operational areas. This leadership role involves fostering a culture of innovation and excellence throughout PBS. Rocky Diamond guides the company's vision, focusing on expanding its reach and impact within the media landscape. The Owner President's purview encompasses major strategic decisions, stakeholder engagement, and ensuring alignment with the company's core mission. By driving key initiatives, Diamond shapes the future trajectory of PBS. Rocky Diamond's leadership is fundamental to the organization's continued growth and influence.

    Cari Stein - Immediate President and Executive Producer

    Cari Stein, the Immediate President and Executive Producer at PBS, spearheads the development and execution of key programming initiatives. Stein oversees the creative direction and production quality of content distributed by PBS, ensuring alignment with the company's educational and cultural mission. This role involves managing production teams and fostering relationships with content creators. Cari Stein is instrumental in identifying and greenlighting compelling projects that resonate with diverse audiences. The Immediate President and Executive Producer's responsibilities include guiding the strategic vision for programming across all platforms. By championing innovative storytelling, Stein enhances PBS's impact and reach. Cari Stein's creative leadership is vital for maintaining PBS's reputation for high-quality, impactful content.

    Scott Nourse - Chief Technology Officer

    Scott Nourse, the Chief Technology Officer at PBS, architects and oversees the organization's technology infrastructure and digital strategy. Nourse is responsible for evaluating and implementing innovative technological solutions that enhance content delivery and audience engagement across various platforms. This leadership position involves managing IT operations, cybersecurity, and the development of new digital products. Scott Nourse collaborates with content teams to ensure technology supports their creative and distribution needs. The Chief Technology Officer's focus includes driving digital transformation initiatives and maintaining the integrity of PBS's technological systems. By leading advancements in streaming capabilities and data management, Nourse ensures PBS remains at the forefront of media technology. Scott Nourse's technical expertise is crucial for expanding PBS's digital footprint and serving audiences effectively.
    Scott Nourse

    John Tollefson - Vice President Chief Technology Officer

    John Tollefson, the Vice President Chief Technology Officer at PBS, supports the strategic direction and implementation of technology initiatives across the organization. Tollefson focuses on enhancing the technical infrastructure that supports PBS's broadcast and digital operations. This role involves collaborating with engineering teams to deploy and maintain critical systems. John Tollefson contributes to the evaluation of emerging technologies that can improve content accessibility and user experience. The Vice President Chief Technology Officer's work ensures that PBS's technology platforms are reliable, scalable, and secure. By driving technical projects, Tollefson plays a key part in the modernization of PBS's operational capabilities. John Tollefson's technical leadership aids in the effective execution of the company's technology roadmap.

    Andre Mendes - Technology Chief & Integration Officer & Chief Information Officer & Chief Technology Officer

    Andre Mendes, the Technology Chief & Integration Officer & Chief Information Officer & Chief Technology Officer at PBS, leads the integration of technology across all facets of the organization. Mendes is responsible for defining and executing the company's information technology strategy, ensuring seamless integration of systems and data. This multifaceted role involves overseeing IT infrastructure, digital transformation, and the alignment of technology with business objectives. Andre Mendes drives innovation in technology solutions to enhance operational efficiency and content delivery. The Technology Chief & Integration Officer & Chief Information Officer & Chief Technology Officer's purview includes managing IT security and ensuring data governance. By championing technological advancements, Mendes supports PBS's mission to reach audiences effectively. Andre Mendes's comprehensive technology leadership is vital for PBS's digital evolution.
    Katherine Lauderdale, the Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary at PBS, provides comprehensive legal counsel and oversees corporate governance. Lauderdale manages all legal affairs, ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations across the organization's operations. This executive role involves advising the board of directors and senior management on legal matters, risk mitigation, and corporate policy. Katherine Lauderdale is responsible for drafting and reviewing contracts, managing litigation, and safeguarding the company's legal interests. The Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary's duties include maintaining corporate records and facilitating board meetings. By ensuring legal integrity, Lauderdale supports the ethical and compliant functioning of PBS. Katherine Lauderdale's legal expertise is critical for navigating the complex regulatory environment of the media industry.
    Katherine Lauderdale

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding PBS Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads PBS?
    PBS is led by Jenny Jackson (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Bernie Pope (Chief Financial Officer) and Thomas Tardivo (Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer).
    Who is part of PBS’s executive team?
    The executive team of PBS includes leaders such as Jenny Jackson (Chief Executive Officer), Bernie Pope (Chief Financial Officer), Thomas Tardivo (Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does PBS have?
    PBS has 10 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, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer, Chief Operating Officer, Owner President.