The board of directors of WTCI in Chattanooga, Tenn., has named Bob Culkeen the television station’s new president and CEO.
Culkeen replaces former CEO Paul Grove, who left the station in June to become president of WEDU PBS in Tampa, Fla. Board member Don Jernigan led the search that recommended Culkeen, who was approved unanimously by the WTCI board.
Culkeen begins the role Jan. 20.
Culkeen has been GM of WSRE and executive director of the WSRE-TV Foundation in Pensacola, Fla., since 2016. That station is licensed to Pensacola State College.
He started his career with WUFT in Gainesville, Fla., in 1979 and became chief videographer at the station. He left public media in 1983 to become assistant director of video service and distance learning at his alma mater, Westfield State University in Westfield, Mass.
He returned to public media in 1998 as VP of technology and operations for WJCT in Jacksonville, Fla. From 2012 to 2016 he was COO of Illinois Public Media.
“Bob brings to WTCI a long and successful career in public television,” Jernigan said in a news release. “He has been a strong leader in advocating the use of public television in education. His innovative and creative methods on how to better engage our community through public television will be especially important in a rapidly changing landscape in media content delivery.”
WTCI board chair Steve Gatlin said Culkeen is a collaborative leader who will engage the community.
“Quality and trustworthy media is important and with Bob’s leadership, WTCI will continue to thrive as a vital resource for Chattanooga and the Tennessee Valley,” he said.
Culkeen said he is looking forward to leading WTCI as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.