FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, contact:
Marissa Norris – 216.916.6318
ideastream Chief Operating Officer to Retire
Photo Credit: Rodney L. Brown
Pictured: Kathryn P. “Kit” Jensen
Nov. 2, 2017 (Cleveland) – Kathryn P. “Kit” Jensen, chief operating officer of ideastream, announced plans to retire in spring 2018. Her responsibilities include corporate planning, partnerships, and translating the mission and vision of the organization into programs, products, and services for the broader community. She has direct responsibility for stations, technology, content, news, community engagement and education.
Jensen served in national public broadcasting roles on the board of directors of National Public Radio (NPR) from 1983–1989 and 2010–2016 including three years as chair. Kit served on the board of directors for Public Radio International (PRI) from 1997–2009. She co-founded the Alaska Public Radio Network (APRN), serving as an officer and director from 1978–1985. In Cleveland, she serves on the boards of Radio Seaway, LAND Studio, ideastream, and recently, Cleveland Play House.
“I knew of Kit’s stellar reputation in public media long before I knew ideastream would be in my future. I am so glad I had an opportunity to work beside her as I have focused my energies on ideastream’s digital strategy. I simply could not have hit the ground running without Kit’s solid professional companionship,” said Kevin Martin, president and CEO of ideastream. “I know Kit will be my touchstone of support and advice for years to come.”
“Kit has been a transformational leader in public media,” said Julie Adler Raskind, chair of the board of trustees for ideastream. “We are fortunate that her caliber of leadership allowed ideastream to become a dynamic organization that delivered public service through the lens of public media.”
Kit was president and general manager of 90.3 WCPN, Cleveland Public Radio (1987–2001) and general manager of KUAC FM/TV for the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Kit’s honors include the 2016 YWCA Women of Achievement Award, the 2015 Richard A. Shatten Professional Leadership Award from the Greater Cleveland Partnership (GCP), and the 2009 Cleveland Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame. She is a joint recipient of the 2006 Cleveland Arts Prize and the 2006 Cleveland Restoration Society Preservation Award for the Idea Center at Playhouse Square. Kit received the Leadership in Nonprofit Management Award from Case Western Reserve University’s Mandel Center for Nonprofit Organizations in 1999 and was the 1999 Public Radio General Manager of the Year. In 1995, Kit was the first recipient of the PRI Award for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
“ideastream is in superb hands with Kevin Martin as its CEO and with the strength of its board,” said Jensen. “After an exciting and fulfilling career spanning well over 40 years, it is time for me to focus on other aspects of life. I do plan to continue to reside in the area and remain a supporter of ideastream.”
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About ideastream
The mission of ideastream is to strengthen our communities. ideastream pursues this mission as a multiple media public service organization by providing distinctive, thought-provoking programs and services that enlighten, inspire, educate and entertain.