The Arkansas PBS Commission voted Tuesday to appoint Sajni Kumpuris as the public television network’s interim director and CEO. Kumpuris, who is currently the director of both education and production at Arkansas PBS, was selected in a voice vote during a special online meeting. She will begin her new role on Monday.
This decision follows the announcement from outgoing Executive Director and CEO Courtney Pledger, who said in mid-April that she would step down from her role in May, without providing a reason for her departure. The commission chose Kumpuris after spending nearly an hour in executive session. “We’ve had a very good meeting of the commissioners, who took the first step towards finding us a new executive director at Arkansas PBS,” stated Doss, a board member, after the session.
“We had three excellent candidates with excellent credentials, all internal, and we are blessed to have them at Arkansas PBS.” The other candidates considered were Jason Kunau, chief financial officer, and DeWayne Wilbur, operations director.
Kumpuris appointed as interim director
Board member Annette Herrington motioned to appoint Kumpuris, with Anne Cowie seconding the motion.
However, at least one member of the eight-person board, Maria Sullivan, voted against the decision and did not immediately respond to a request for comment. “I am honored to step into the role of interim director at Arkansas PBS,” Kumpuris said in a news release from the network. “This organization has long been a vital resource for our communities, and I’m committed to continuing our mission of providing high-quality educational content and programming that reflects the values and needs of all Arkansans.”
Doss added, “Kumpuris has been an integral part of Arkansas PBS leadership for more than five years, and the Commission is confident in her ability to guide the network while we research candidates to fill the position permanently.
Her dedication to providing educational opportunities for Arkansans has been evident in her many projects.”
Board member Gary Newton commented, “I wish our newly appointed interim executive director, the commission, and the network well as we navigate the search for and transition to a new executive director and CEO on behalf of the people of Arkansas.”
Kumpuris leads ArkansasIDEAS, an online professional development resource for educators in the state, and has produced educational programs like “Rise and Shine” and “Mystery League.” Under her leadership, Arkansas PBS has earned multiple Public Media Awards from the National Educational Telecommunications Association. Kumpuris herself has been nominated for six regional Emmy Awards, winning three. The next meeting of Arkansas PBS is scheduled for June 5.
