Susan Scott, a media executive who leads growth strategies for PBS North Carolina, will join the Public Television Major Market Group as president and executive director.
Scott succeeds Deanna Mackey, who departed this summer to become GM of KPBS in San Diego. Linda O’Bryon, a principal for O’Bryon Media and retired station executive, has served as interim leader during an executive search led by Iris Drayton-Spann of Stanton Chase.
“We are thrilled to welcome Susan into this key role. Her experience in developing and implementing strategy along with her commitment to innovation and collaboration are invaluable skills that will support the growth of the members of the Major Market Group and public media as a whole,” said Rob Dunlop, board chair of PTMMG and CEO of Cascade Public Media in Seattle.
Scott departs her role as chief growth officer for PBS North Carolina. She joined the state network in 2015 as senior director of strategic alliances and also served as chief advancement and marketing officer.
Earlier in her career, Scott worked in telecommunications and commercial television. She was GM of Frontier Communications, SVP of distribution and sales for the Weather Channel and a VP of business development in the late 1990s for Fox News.
“Susan’s success is rooted in her care of and for people,” said Amanda Mountain, hiring committee chair and CEO of Rocky Mountain Public Media in Denver. “Her leadership style is reflective of not only her business acumen, but her desire to support others in achieving their own potential through thoughtful change management and creativity.”
“I have a deep love for the vital work that all PBS stations carry out as essential community partners,” Scott said in the news release. “I can’t wait to dig in on the opportunities that PTMMG can create and leverage to advance our stations’ needs with vigor, energy, integrity and excitement to a broad universe of partners. Our membership is comprised of terrific people who are committed to ensuring we meet this moment of digital transition and consumer choice.”
Scott starts the role on Oct. 17, which coincides with the group’s in-person gathering in Denver. She will continue to live in North Carolina.