Mark Leonard, g.m. for Illinois Public Media in Urbana, takes over as g.m. and c.e.o. of NET in Lincoln, Neb., Aug. 1.
Leonard
He will step into the spot vacated by current G.M. Rod Bates, who is retiring June 30 after 30 years in pubcasting and 18 years of leadership at the station.
Leonard’s appointment was announced today by Ken Bird, chair of the Nebraska Educational Telecommunications Commission, who said Leonard “is the right fit for Nebraska and NET.”
Leonard has worked at six pubcasting stations over 32 years. In addition to IPM, he was chief administrative officer at KCTS, Seattle; g.m. for KYVE, Yakima, Wash.; v.p. for television, WXXI, Rochester, N.Y.; and was a videographer/editor at South Dakota Public Broadcasting.
He is president of the Illinois Public Broadcasters Council, a board member of the University Licensee Association, a member of the Communications Advisory Committee for PBS and a board member of the Public Media Business Association.
After Bates departs, David Feingold, NET assistant g.m. for content, will serve as interim g.m. until Leonard arrives.