PUBLIC SESSION
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CORPORATION FOR PUBLIC BROADCASTING
WASHINGTON, D.C.
Wednesday, April 10, 2024
7 in favor; 1 absent
Resolved,
That the Board of Directors
of the
Corporation for Public Broadcasting
Expresses Its Deep Appreciation and Congratulations
for the Contributions of
J. Westwood Smithers, Jr.
Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Corporation for Public Broadcasting
2005 – 2024
The Board of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting recognizes the extraordinary contributions of West Smithers.
Mr. Smithers joined CPB at a time when CPB and the public media system faced increasingly complex issues.
Mr. Smithers facilitated a complete review of CPB’s governance guidelines and clarified the roles and responsibilities for board and committee members to ensure compliance with CPB’s bylaws, committee charters and policies. He also served as CPB’s legal liaison to the White House and to the Office of Government Ethics in clearing candidates for potential nomination to serve on the CPB Board.
CPB benefitted from his extensive legal and public media experience as it addressed major business transactions and policy matters ranging from the FCC spectrum auction to CPB Community Service Grant requirements.
He strengthened the integrity of operations within CPB through a comprehensive review and reform of CPB's contracting and grantmaking practices. He also offered counsel to both the Board and staff on ethical conduct, conflicts of interest and corporate governance best practices and ensuring compliance with federal and D.C. laws.
He worked collegially with the CPB Board, officers and staff to defend CPB and public media’s legal interests.
We mark the end of his distinguished service to CPB with respect, admiration, and gratitude and wish him well on his retirement.