Filmmaker Jeff Aiello is out at Valley PBS, ending his tenure at the station three years after becoming CEO.
Valley PBS now returns to the days of hunting for a new CEO after running through a number of executives in the last decade.
The big picture: Aiello oversaw a number of projects during his tenure at Valley PBS, including the documentary telling the story of local radio station KMJ last year for its 100-year anniversary, a documentary about the devastating Creek Fire and a documentary exploring the wrongful imprisonment of Japanese Americans during WWII.
- But last May the station was hit with an audit revealing that Valley PBS had to send nearly $340,000 in funds to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Valley PBS was on the hook for nearly $39,000 in fines for infractions and had to repay $300,000 in Community Service Grant funds due to over-reporting non-federal funds.
- Those issues, however, happened mostly before Aiello took charge, with the audit investigating the station’s finances from July 2018 to July 2021. Aiello was hired in May 2021, replacing former CEO Lorenzo Rios.
What they’re saying: Valley PBS administrative support specialist Laura Goodreau sent an email to members of the Community Advisory Board confirming Aiello’s exit.
- “After careful consideration and discussion within the Executive Board, we have collectively decided to initiate the search for our next CEO. Jeff has been an integral part of our journey, and he will continue to support us during this transition period until we find the right individual to lead us forward,” Goodreau’s email reads.
- “This decision has been made with the best interests of our station in mind. We believe that bringing in fresh perspectives and leadership will help propel us toward our goals and further enhance our station’s impact within our community.”
- Goodreau added that the board is committed to exploring all potential candidates to steer the station to greater heights.
What we’re watching: The Valley PBS CEO job posting was put online on Monday and offers a salary ranging from $120,000 to $150,000.
