May 22, 2026
Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB) welcomes Ellie Pierce as its new vice president of marketing and communications. She will guide strategic marketing and communications for both OPB and KMHD.
“OPB and KMHD are both loved and admired around the Pacific Northwest, in the larger public media system and across the nation — and for good reason.” said Pierce. “I am thrilled to be joining this incredible team and grateful for the opportunity to contribute.”
A University of Oregon graduate, Pierce is an experienced communications leader who has spent nearly two decades telling stories for newsrooms, nonprofits and purpose-driven brands.
She grew up in the Portland area and started her career at The Bulletin in Bend, Ore., as a newsroom administrator then a features reporter, where her beats ranged from the arts to consumer news.
For the past four years, Pierce has provided strategic communications leadership at Minnesota Public Radio | American Public Media.
“Ellie’s combined experience in newsrooms, ad agencies and public media, along with her Oregon roots, make her the ideal choice for this role in a pivotal moment,” said Rachel Smolkin, president and CEO of OPB. “We’ll have exciting new offerings in the coming months. Ellie will help ensure that they reach the audiences and communities we serve throughout the Pacific Northwest.”
Pierce begins her role as vice president of marketing and communications in June 2026.
OPB partnered with URL Media Recruiting & Talent Development on the search.