Kate Riley was appointed president and CEO of America’s Public Television Stations, the advocacy organization for public media.
Riley will succeed Pat Butler, CEO since 2011, who is retiring. Riley was the unanimous choice by APTS’ board and will assume her leadership duties Oct. 1.
“Kate Riley is the ideal candidate to lead America’s Public Television Stations into the future,” said APTS Board Chair Franz Joachim, who is also CEO of New Mexico PBS, in a news release. “She has the intelligence, the experience and the vision we need to succeed in an increasingly challenging and complex media environment, and her passion for public service will inspire us every day.”
Riley joined APTS in 2010 as director of government relations, back when the organization was called the Association of Public Television Stations. She was promoted to her most recent role as VP of government and public affairs in 2015.
Before APTS, she worked for former U.S. Rep. Loretta Sanchez, D-Calif., first as a homeland security legislative assistant and later as legislative director. She was also a legislative assistant for former U.S. Rep. Sam Farr, D-Calif.
“I’m deeply honored to accept this new responsibility,” Riley said in the news release. “Local public television stations are part of the fabric of our nation, and I am thankful to the board for the privilege of serving in this role and the opportunity to broaden and strengthen support for public television. I am confident that our future holds extraordinary promise, and I am eager, along with my colleagues at APTS, to help our members succeed in serving their communities and our country as never before.”
Outgoing CEO Pat Butler said he and Riley “have worked closely together every day since January 2011, and Kate has been constructively involved in every aspect of our operations. …This organization and the mission it pursues will be in very good hands.”