After 13 years as President and CEO of WTCI, the Tennessee Valley’s community PBS station, Paul Grove announces that he will be leaving Chattanooga to return to Tampa, Florida to lead WEDU, the 11th largest television market in the nation, serving Florida’s Gulf Coast. Grove shared that “This decision wasn’t easy and it’s with a heavy heart that I have to make this announcement. It’s been a distinct pleasure to be a part of a dedicated and talented team of professionals here at WTCI and the station and community have become an important part of my family’s life.”
The move marks a return to WEDU and Tampa for Grove. Prior to WTCI, Paul served as vice president of national programming and production for WEDU. Under his leadership, WTCI moved to a new digital broadcast center, increased the station’s education outreach, partnered with Tennessee PBS stations to establish the first statewide “datacasting” network, increased local digital content and provide community service productions, forums, town hall events and debates that have informed and engaged audiences throughout the Tennessee Valley.
WTCI’s broadcast signal, community services and resources support success in learning and provide PBS and local programming to over 99% of television households for approximately 1.4 million viewers in Tennessee, Alabama, North Carolina and Georgia. “Paul’s leadership skills and passion for public media have positioned WTCI to move into an exciting new chapter serving our dynamic community in an ever-changing landscape of digital content and quality, trusted programming and resources,” says Board Chairman Steve Gatlin.
During his tenure at WTCI, Grove has been an active leader in the community, serving on volunteer boards ranging from education to technology and civic engagement, including Allied Arts, Rotary, Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce, United Way, Society of Professional Journalists, Boy Scouts, Venture Forward, Chattanooga History Center and Velocity. As a dedicated parent of four sons, Paul has supported the work of Baylor School, Ooltewah High School’s JROTC programs, Ooltewah Middle School’s music programs and the efforts of his eldest son, Daniel, a Navy Seaman deployed on the John C. Stennis Aircraft Carrier serving in the Persian Gulf.
Gatlin has announced that the station will begin the search to fulfill the position of President and CEO. Board member Don Jernigan, a retired U.S. Navy officer and TVA executive, will lead a search committee to recruit a replacement who will guide the community-licensed PBS station into another 50 years of service to the viewers of the Tennessee Valley. Reflecting on Paul’s service to Chattanooga, Gatlin shared that “We’ve accomplished great things under Paul’s leadership and we wish him all the best in his new endeavors.”
Senior Vice President Bryan Fuqua has been tapped to serve as interim President and CEO of WTCI beginning June 1, 2019. Fuqua, who has served at WTCI for 32 years, managed the station’s transition to a new digital broadcast center, is integrating the station into a new era of statewide “datacasting” services with a new tower, antenna, transmitter and transmission line to comply with the mandated FCC repack.
Steve Gatlin remarked that “We hate to see Paul go but our team is strong, is prepared for exciting new ways to serve our members and to engage our viewers. The future looks bright and we are confident that our search team will find the perfect fit for this important community position.” Grove will remain at the helm of the Tennessee Valley community PBS station through May, engaging the community in a national Remake Learning Days Across America initiative spotlighting the successes in our region’s efforts to increase educational opportunities and will culminate his service at the national PBS conference in Nashville, interviewing Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke.
PAUL GROVE TO LEAVE HELM OF WTCI-PBS - WILL RETURN TO LEAD WEDU-PBS IN TAMPA, FLORIDA
