Deanna Mackey was named GM of KPBS in San Diego.
Mackey succeeds Tom Karlo, who retired in 2020. Nancy Worlie, associate GM of content and communications, served as interim GM during the search for Karlo’s permanent successor. Worlie will continue as interim leader until Mackey starts the job June 30.
“KPBS demands collaborative, future-driven and thoughtful leadership, especially given the increasing polarization in journalism,” said Adela de la Torre, president of station licensee San Diego State University, in a news release. “We found all of those skills in Deanna Mackey, and more.”
Mackey will oversee a station with an operating and capital budget of more than $37 million and will be the first Latina to serve in the role, according to the release.
She most recently worked as president and executive director for the Public Television Major Market Group. She is also co-founder of Public Media Women in Leadership.
Mackey received her bachelor’s degree from SDSU in 1988. She first began working at KPBS in 1985 as an editorial assistant and was also editor of the university’s student newspaper, the Daily Aztec.
From 1990–2015, Mackey held several roles at KPBS, including director of public relations, associate GM, station manager and COO.
“KPBS, through the continuing and evolving efforts of the full team, has an unprecedented opportunity to continue providing meaningful local news and contributing to the civic engagement of San Diego and Imperial counties,” said Mackey in the news release. “I am so proud of what the team at KPBS has already accomplished in our region, and am excited and honored to continue to be part of the important mission and service we provide.”