June 2, 2026 — Rachel Smolkin, president and CEO of Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB), has been elected to serve as a professional director on the PBS board of directors. The 27-person PBS board includes professional directors, who are station leaders, and general directors from outside public media, who serve as lay members.
“The PBS board of directors is critical to helping PBS provide essential programming and service to the American people,” said Paula Kerger, president and CEO of PBS. “We are delighted to welcome Rachel to the PBS board. She has spent her career building and leading top-notch, collaborative teams grounded in public service, committed to the future of journalism, and responsive to rapidly evolving audience needs.”
Smolkin, who began her term today, fills the vacancy on the PBS board created by the retirement of Mark Contreras, president and CEO of Connecticut Public. She will be helping to guide PBS during a transformational moment for public media.
“I am honored to serve on the board of PBS during this pivotal time for public media,” said Smolkin. “I look forward to working with this terrific group and colleagues across the country. We’re committed to serving our communities with programming that connects, informs and inspires for generations to come.”
Known as “America’s largest classroom,” PBS offers programming that educates audiences on science, history, nature and public affairs, and provides front-row seats to world-class drama and performances. PBS reaches more than 36 million adults through linear primetime television and millions more across streaming, YouTube and social media. Go here to read the full press release about Smolkin’s appointment to the board.