PBS Western Reserve in Kent, Ohio, announced Wednesday that CEO Trina Cutter will retire in June after more than 20 years leading the station.
The organization’s board has begun a national search for the station’s next leader.
“I am rewiring more than retiring,” Cutter said in a press release. “In my next career, I plan to teach people how they can become the CEO of their body, mind and spirit life using the same strategies and processes I’ve used as the CEO of two public television stations.”
After departing the station June 30, Cutter plans to move to Asheville, N.C., and seek an Ayurveda practitioner’s license, according to the release.
Cutter has worked in public media for nearly 37 years. She previously led WNIT in South Bend, Ind., and worked at KUED in Salt Lake City; WGTE in Toledo, Ohio; and KMOS in Sedalia, Mo.
“Everything has its season,” Cutter said in the release. “Without a doubt the five general managers who came before me contributed to the success that PBS Western Reserve enjoys today. I held the reins during the station’s winter season where we put foundational systems and processes in place; changed the corporate structure to be community-centric; situated the station on solid financial footing; and most recently installed a Blogosphere, Podcast/Vlog Studio and a professional broadcast production studio. The station is currently into the early years of spring, full of growth and infinite possibilities to serve its community.”
PBS Western Reserve is the license holder of the Ohio public television stations WNEO in Alliance and WEAO in Akron.
“Trina’s retirement will mark the end of a remarkable career with PBS Western Reserve,” Board Chair Romona Davis said in the release. “The board and I thank her for her strategic leadership through many changes and challenges, including the transition from analog to digital broadcasting and the Great Recession of 2008. Trina has provided outstanding leadership and service to the staff, board, station and community.”