Valley PBS has found its next leader, promoting Robert Mollison President and CEO.
Mollison replaces Jeff Aiello, who was the CEO for the last three years.
The big picture: Mollison moves up to CEO after most recently serving as the COO, which followed years in a number of roles at the station, including Director of Marketing,Director of Programming.
- Valley PBS received over 50 applications from across the nation, ultimately deciding to go with a familiar face.
- Valley PBS said Mollison refined the station’s strategic vision, enhanced operational efficiency and ensured compliance with FCC, CPB and PBS standards during his time as COO.
- The station also credited Mollison for his leadership in navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent fire that destroyed the station’s transmitter and tower.
What they’re saying: “We are excited to welcome Robert as our new President and CEO,” said Jody Graves, Board President of Valley PBS. “His extensive experience, deep community ties, and unwavering dedication make him exceptionally well-suited to lead Valley PBS forward.”
- The station said Mollison is committed to strengthening Valley PBS’s community connections and driving innovation to serve the diversity of the Central Valley.
Zoom out: Valley PBS has had significant turnover at the top since former CEO Paula Castadio left in 2014.
- The station Phil Meyer, Jenny Toste and Lorenzo Rios all come and go from 2014-2021, leading to Aiello’s hiring. While Aiello lasted longer than his three immediate predecessors, he left the station in April.
- Last May, Valley PBS was the subject of an audit that resulted in the station being required to send nearly $340,000 in funds to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. The audit investigated the station’s finances from July 2018 to July 2021 and hit the station for over-reporting non-federal funds.
