Resolution Recognizes CPB President and CEO for Advancing Public Media’s Public Service Mission
Washington, D.C. (December 12, 2025) — The Board of Directors of the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) on Wednesday, December 10 adopted a resolution honoring The Honorable Patricia “Pat” de Stacy Harrison for her extraordinary leadership as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) and for her longstanding partnership with PBS and its member stations.
As the longest-serving President and CEO in CPB’s history, Harrison served as a steadfast steward of the federal investment in public media since 2005. Under her leadership, CPB advanced digital innovation, expanded diversity in content and talent, strengthened local journalism, and deepened public media’s engagement with communities nationwide.
During her tenure, CPB supported some of public television's most impactful programming and filmmakers, including Ken Burns, Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr., and Stanley Nelson, as well as flagship series such as FRONTLINE, PBS News Hour, NATURE, NOVA, and AMERICAN MASTERS. CPB also invested in landmark children’s programming, including Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Super Why!, and Molly of Denali, expanding access to high-quality educational content for families across the country.
Harrison championed inclusive and innovative storytelling through partnerships with ITVS and the National Multicultural Alliance and helped establish regional journalism collaborations that reinforced public media’s role as a trusted source of news and information.
Among her most significant initiatives was American Graduate, which raised awareness, highlighted solutions and contributed to an increase in the nation’s high school graduation rate after years of decline. In 14 years, more than 135 local stations, 40 national producers, and 1,700 local and national partner organizations have become part of the American Graduate initiative.
Throughout her tenure, Harrison consistently defended public media’s independence and public service mission. Earlier this year, CPB received the Television Academy’s Governors Award, recognizing the organization for making a “profound, transformational and long-lasting contribution to the arts and/or science of television.”
“I am deeply honored by this recognition from the PBS Board, and grateful as well for Paula Kerger’s leadership of PBS,” said Harrison. “It has been the privilege of my career to work alongside public media leaders, general managers, producers, filmmakers, content creators, and journalists who are committed—without fear or favor—to serving the American people. Together, they ensure that all Americans have access to trusted, fact-based educational and informational content essential to a strong democracy of, for, and by the people.”
About CPB
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting is a private, nonprofit corporation created by Congress in 1967. It has helped support the operations of more than 1,500 locally managed and operated public television and radio stations nationwide. CPB is the largest single source of funding for public radio, television, and related online and mobile services. With the rescission of federal funds for FY 2026 and FY 2027, CPB is in the process of winding down operations. For more information, visit www.cpb.org and follow us on Facebook or LinkedIn.