America’s Public Television Stations Elects Board Leaders

America’s Public Television Stations (APTS) on Wednesday announced the election of its new board leaders.

Bert Schmidt, president-CEO of WHRO Norfolk, Va., has been elected chairman of the APTS board of trustees.

Molly Phillips, executive director and general manager of Iowa Public Television in Johnston, Iowa, has been elected professional vice chair.

Carol Kellermann, lay trustee of Thirteen/WNET New York, will continue to serve as lay vice chair.

These elections follow the retirement of Roy Clem, executive director of Alabama Public Television, as chairman of APTS. 

“We are extraordinarily appreciative to Roy Clem for his leadership both as Executive Director of Alabama Public Television and Chair of the APTS Board of Trustees,” said APTS President-CEO Patrick Butler. “Roy has been one of public media’s most effective and respected leaders for many years, and he never stopped leading. We will be forever grateful for Roy’s tremendous contributions to our organization and our system, which will continue for generations to come.

“We are delighted to welcome Bert Schmidt as chair and Molly Phillips as professional vice chair of the APTS Board of Trustees. “Under their leadership, public media will continue to educate America’s children, protect lives and property, and enable a well-informed citizenry to guide the world’s most important democracy.

“We are grateful for their willingness to serve in these leadership roles and their dedication to the importance of local public service in the areas of education, public safety and civic leadership.”

The newly-elected officers began their terms Nov. 20, and will serve until the next board elections are held on Feb. 25, 2020.