Adam Fineske to lead WGTE
Adam Fineske was hired as president and CEO of WGTE Public Media in Toledo, Ohio.
Fineske starts the job Aug. 1, according to a news release. He will succeed Dale Thornton, who has worked as interim president and will return to his role as a WGTE board member. The station’s previous permanent leader, Marlon P. Kiser, retired in March 2025.
“WGTE depends on the support of our community, and in Adam we have a hometown leader whose local roots and relationships will help carry the station forward,” said WGTE Board Chair Olivia Summons in a news release. “The board is confident in the continued growth of Northwest Ohio public media as WGTE heads into its 75th year.”
Fineske will leave his position as superintendent of Ottawa Hills Local Schools in Ohio. He started the job in 2019. Before that, he worked for Sylvania Schools in Ohio from 2000–19, first as an elementary school teacher and as elementary principal and superintendent, among other positions. Fineske has also taught at Lourdes University and Bowling Green State University.
“I couldn’t be more excited for this new challenge and career opportunity. Public media and public education run on the same fuel — a belief that informed, connected communities are stronger communities,” Fineske said in a news release. “I have given my career to that idea in Northwest Ohio classrooms, educational leadership positions, and through service on many community boards and foundations. I am now ready to keep doing it from this new position. WGTE has been part of the fabric of this region for more than 70 years. I do not take that lightly and am honored by the opportunity to continue moving this organization forward with even more success.”
WGTE announced last month that it is partnering with WBGU-TV to enable the Bowling Green station to continue broadcasting PBS programming.
