TPT Leadership

Sylvia Strobel

PRESIDENT & CEO
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Sylvia Strobel joined Twin Cities PBS (TPT) in February of 2020. As the CEO of one of our nation’s foremost PBS stations, she is leading the organization into an exciting new future: expanding TPT’s content, distribution, and funding strategies to take full advantage of 21st century tools, technologies, and consumer interests.

You can learn more about Sylvia’s vision and the strategic plan she has for TPT here.

Sylvia has worked for more than 30 years in the public media industry as an executive and attorney, with positions at ideastream, American Public Media Group, Pennsylvania Public Television Network, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Assuming the role of CEO and President at TPT is a homecoming for Sylvia. Her passion and dedication to public media was developed in her first public media role—Legal Intern in TPT’s legal department. Sylvia has served on numerous national boards and commissions, including the board of NPR, the Alliance for Women in Media, the Association of Junior Leagues International, and the FCC’s Advisory Committee for Diversity in the Digital Age. She currently serves on the boards of the MacPhail Center for Music, The Amherst H. Wilder Foundation, the Mary T. and James J. Hill Library Foundation, and Latino Public Broadcasting. Sylvia received her Bachelor of Arts degree in biology from St. Olaf College, her Juris Doctorate (JD) from Mitchell Hamline College of Law, and her Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Business.

Amina Jaafar

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
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Amina has over 20 years of experience in building and managing high-performing teams, advancing mission-driven strategies in complex cross-disciplinary organizations, and fostering sustainable cultures of operational and inclusive excellence. Throughout her career she has worked within the higher education, nonprofit, and corporate sectors nationally and internationally. Before joining Twin Cities PBS (TPT), Amina served as an Assistant Vice President at the University of Minnesota, where she provided oversight for education programming, strategic planning, communications, evaluation, and employee and student engagement initiatives. In addition to her leadership role, Amina also served as an affiliate faculty member in the College of Education and Human Development, where she taught courses on developing intercultural competence, intercultural communications, and the social and cultural foundations of education. She holds a PhD in Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development from the University of Minnesota.

At TPT, Amina oversees the day-to-day operations of the organization, providing oversight for Human Resources; Marketing, Communications, Creative Services, and Events; Data, Research, and Evaluation; Community Engagement; and Education and Lifelong Learning. Amina views her work as people- and community-centered, and strives to embed inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility in all she does.

Nick Kereakos

CHIEF CONTENT OFFICER
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Prior to joining TPT as Chief Content Office, Nick Kereakos served in multiple executive leadership roles at Minnesota Public Radio | American Public Media, overseeing production of MPR’s Minnesota Regional Services (The Current, Classical and MPR News), national APM programming (Marketplace, The Daily, Performance Today, and the BBC World Service), operations and technology, and live events and broadcasts for major arts and music programs for SXSW, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Minnesota Orchestra, Rock the Garden, the Minnesota State Fair and Rock the Cradle. He is also well-versed in working with the Minnesota State Legislature and national public media organizations, including the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) and America’s Public Television Stations (APTS). Nick holds a BA in Music from the University of Minnesota and is a fellowship alumnus of the Aspen Music Festival and School in Aspen, Colorado.

Doug Roderick

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
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Prior to joining TPT as Chief Financial Officer, Doug spent the last 18 years as VP-Finance and Corporate Controller for American Public Media Group (APMG), the parent company of Minnesota Public Radio, Southern California Public Radio, and Clearspring Holdings (formerly Rivertown Trading). Before his start at APMG in 2006, Doug held Director/Lead Finance Officer positions for American Express in Minneapolis and London, and started his career as an internal auditor for Bemis Company. He holds a BS in Accounting and an MBA, both from the University of Minnesota. Doug is also a CPA, and has been a frequent guest lecturer at the University of Wisconsin in undergraduate and graduate courses.

Christian P. Siebeneck

CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER
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Christian comes to TPT from Ideastream Public Media in Cleveland, Ohio where he was the Chief Technologist. At Ideastream Christian was responsible for the Technology team which included all of IT, Production, Radio Operations, Building and Facilities, Radio and Television Engineering. Before coming to public media, Christian served as CEO/CTO to a regional telecommunications company which provides telephone, ISP, and cable television’s services. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Technology from Kent State University.

Christian has been an innovator throughout his technology career. He has worked to build solutions that bridge technology gaps within organizations while removing technology barriers. At TPT, Christian is responsible for the strategic vision of all technology and innovation. He will lead the technology teams to develop solutions to enhance our viewers experience online and over the air, while building solutions for the staff at TPT to better collaborate and innovate.

Shona Koester

CHIEF ADVANCEMENT OFFICER
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Shona comes to TPT with considerable experience as a public media leader. Her most recent role was as President of iPondr, a digital media startup using the power of multimedia storytelling to foster empathy. In this role, she oversaw all aspects of the business, including building a sustainable business model, platform development, and revenue growth. Shona previously served as Chief Strategy Officer at PRX and Vice President of Distributions and Partnerships at American Public Media.

During her career, Shona developed new programming opportunities, increased revenue, strengthened stations’ relationships with audiences, and cultivated strategic partnerships. She is a results-driven leader who has consistently delivered outstanding revenue growth. Her knowledge, experience, and skills will contribute to building a TPT legacy that serves viewers now and for generations to come.

Andy Rausch

CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER & GENERAL COUNSEL
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Andy comes to TPT with extensive experience as in-house legal counsel working within complex organizations, including positions at Best Buy, Bluestem Brands, and OneBeacon Insurance Group. Most recently he served as the Vice President of Compliance and Associate General Counsel at Goodness Growth Holdings in Minneapolis.

Maureen Barry

CHIEF OF STAFF & BOARD LIAISON
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Maureen joined TPT in 2022 and brings a wealth of experience to her role as Chief of Staff & Board Liaison with over 25 years of professional experience spanning nonprofit administration, executive support, board relations, and sales and marketing. Prior to joining TPT in 2022, Maureen served as the Executive Assistant to the Head of School at Visitation School in Mendota Heights, MN, where she honed her skills in organizational leadership and strategic planning. Her earlier career featured positions in technical sales and marketing strategy with PepsiCo in White Plains, NY, and IBM Corporation in Chicago, IL, accumulating a deep understanding of corporate dynamics. Maureen holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Information Systems from Colorado State University.

As a member of TPT’s leadership team, Maureen serves the daily operations in the Office of the President & CEO, ensures that Board of Trustee matters are professionally and effectively managed, assists with cross-departmental collaboration and communications, and manages the personnel and administrative support for the executive team. Maureen offers a dedication to excellence and takes a proactive approach to advancing TPT’s mission.

Kelly Bigler

VP, MARKETING, COMMUNICATIONS & BRAND STRATEGY
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Kelly has nearly 20 years of marketing and communications leadership in corporate, agency and non-profit settings, serving a variety of audience segments and industries. In her most recent role at The Walt Disney Company, she led a large bicoastal team, developed integrated strategies, and oversaw multichannel partnership marketing campaigns supporting the Disney Parks, Experiences and Products division. She owned relationships with all businesses across Disney and forged new strategic partnerships with the world’s top brands. Kelly is known for collaborating seamlessly with diverse groups and inspiring innovative marketing programs that deliver results. She has a BBA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and an MBA from the University of St. Thomas.

The three pillars of Kelly’s role at TPT – marketing, communications and brand strategy – bring to life the inspiration and connection people feel when they view TPT programming and experience TPT’s events. Her detailed understanding of the marketing landscape, experience leading teams to achieve strong business results, and collaborative approach in connecting organizational mission to diverse audiences position her well to lead TPT’s trusted brand into the future.

Maureen McGinn

VICE PRESIDENT OF MAJOR AND PLANNED GIFTS
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Maureen started at TPT in 2019 and served as Managing Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving before her promotion to Vice President. Maureen came to TPT with over 20 years of development and marketing experience in the nonprofit sector. Maureen led the advancement services team at Mitchell Hamline School of Law. She served as Director of Marketing and Communication at the Saint Paul Jewish Community Center and Membership and Marketing Manager at the local historical society. Over the years, she has assisted numerous local nonprofits with their development and communications needs on a contract basis and via board and committee service. She attended the College of Visual Arts in St. Paul.

During her time at TPT, she has developed a strong team that has seen great success, contributing to a secure and stable financial future for the organization. Most importantly, Maureen has deepened our engagement with more of our supporters and highlighted giving opportunities that meet donor passions. She will continue to guide our major and planned gift efforts, driving our relationship-oriented approach to development.

Amie Miller

VICE PRESIDENT OF INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT
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Amie has worked in public media for over 20 years and has been with TPT since 2015, leading TPT’s Institutional Giving Program. Under her leadership, the Institutional Giving team has successfully raised funds for multiple high-impact local and national initiatives, including Almanac’s One Greater Minnesota and Racism Unveiled, Facing Suicide, ART IS, and more. Amie received her BA in History from DePauw University and MA in Theology from Union Theological Seminary.

As Vice President of Institutional Advancement, Miller is advancing integration in content and philanthropy strategy, and leading planning and execution of all grant fundraising from foundations, corporations, and government agencies. She also oversees TPT’s Government Relations program.

Kristin Pederson

VP, TPT EDUCATION
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Kristin Pederson joined Twin Cities PBS in 2001 to lead educational outreach and public relations for DragonflyTV, an Emmy Award-winning national PBS children’s science series. Her roles within TPT have since varied, but they have held a distinct emphasis on science, health, history, gender equity, and cultural responsiveness. She has developed, contributed to and led projects supported by the National Science Foundation, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Endowment for the Arts, Corporation for Public Broadcasting, National Institutes of Health, and NASA, as well as multiple corporations and foundations.

While Kristin focused on multiple STEM projects, such as SciGirls and When Whales Walked: Journeys in Deep Time, she has developed and led outreach, engagement, and promotion on many of TPT’s award-winning general audience projects. These include Depression: Out of the Shadows, The Forgetting: A Portrait of Alzheimer’s, The New Medicine, FAT: What No One Is Telling You, Slavery by Another Name, and Constitution USA with Peter Sagal. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and Speech communications from St. Olaf College and a Master of Arts in English and Communication Development from Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO.

David Preston

VP, MEMBER SERVICES
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As Vice President of Membership & Viewer Services, David Preston leads a team of staff and volunteers who advance the station’s legacy of viewer support by welcoming and stewarding over 110,000 members. A native Minnesotan, David received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from the University of Minnesota and has worked at Twin Cities PBS for more than 35 years. During that time, he has been instrumental in building one of the largest and strongest membership programs in the nation. He is also a leader in the PBS system, and for more than a decade has served on the PBS Development Advisory Council where he provides guidance on fundraising to stations and is an expert mentor and trainer to station staff nationwide. In 2014, David was awarded the PBS Development Professional of the Year award in recognition of his positive impact.

Sarah Schnell

VP, HUMAN RESOURCES
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Sarah has over 20 years of experience in human resources and most recently, served as Vice President of Human Resources and Title IX Coordinator at St. Catherine University in St. Paul, MN.  In this role, she oversaw all aspects of human resources and was instrumental in the creation of an institution-wide set of leadership competencies and a corresponding leadership development program.  As part of her initiatives at St. Kate’s, she also strategically integrated diversity, equity, and inclusion best practices into her work to create a welcoming culture and one of belonging.  Sarah has a BA in Government from Lawrence University in Appleton, WI and an MBA from the University of St. Thomas.

Sarah has served as a trusted advisor to executive leadership and is well regarded for her sound judgment and thoughtful perspectives.  Throughout her career, she has a track record of creating high-performing teams and environments that value diverse voices and ideas.  She works to empower individuals and enjoys collaborating with others to create innovative solutions to strengthen organizations.  She will work to infuse TPT’s values into the human resources functions and is excited to help accomplish the goals outlined in the 2030 strategic roadmap.