A message from JC Polk, President, Antonio Ortiz, Vice President, and the NFCB Board of Directors
Beginning January 1, 2027, Serah Mead and Gretchen Aston-Puckett will lead NFCB as co-directors. A. Rima Dael will conclude her service as CEO at the end of December. This structure keeps direct member service at the center of NFCB’s work and gives the organization a viable foundation for the years ahead. Serah and Gretchen bring more than four decades of combined nonprofit and community media experience. Gretchen has served NFCB members since 2016, after roles at KVNF Community Radio and High Country News. Serah brings more than 20 years of nonprofit experience, much of it in community media through KZMU Moab Public Radio and service on NFCB’s Board. They know the realities of station work and the members they serve.
Why we are making this change
CPB funding supported training, services, conferences and capacity building that dues alone could not fully sustain. With that funding gone and uncertainty about future music rights costs, NFCB needs to align permanent expenses with reliable, recurring revenue. After scenario planning with Rima and the Board, informed by earlier financial strategies and Public Media Company analysis, the Board chose a two-person staffing model. NFCB is financially sound and has resources to make this transition thoughtfully.
What members can expect
Gretchen and Serah will continue direct assistance, training and webinars, regulatory and compliance information, practical tools and group purchasing opportunities, peer connection, and guidance on music rights and other operational questions. NFCB will represent small, rural, Tribal, HBCU, multilingual, LPFM, independent and volunteer-powered stations. Consultants, contractors, Board members and partners will provide additional expertise when needed. New initiatives in advocacy, fundraising, national partnerships and capacity building will be assessed against staff capacity, funding and member priorities. NFCB will continue bringing community radio’s perspective to national conversations through its established relationships and partnerships.
Investment in member programming
NFCB is using its $1.25 million general operating grant from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation to strengthen member resources while building an operating model recurring revenue can support. Investments include the Rural Research Study, an updated Public Radio Legal Handbook, emergency preparedness tools, station research and data, music rights guidance and advocacy, and station development training. Existing capacity building resources will remain available to members.
Rima’s transition
Rima helped lead the planning for this model and supports the Board’s decision to protect services members use every day. Because the model eliminates the CEO role, she is exploring her next professional opportunity while helping NFCB make a thoughtful transition. She has not accepted another position; this change is not related to her performance. We are grateful for her leadership in strengthening NFCB’s finances, research, partnerships, fundraising and national voice during a consequential period for community radio.
What happens next
Through December, the Board and staff will finalize responsibilities and 2027 priorities. We will hold a member town hall later in October to answer questions and hear from you; details will follow. Reach Rima at rima@nfcb.org, Serah at serah@nfcb.org, Gretchen at gretchen@nfcb.org, or the Board at membership@nfcb.org. The office phone is 970-279-3411.
Thank you for the work you do and for being part of NFCB. We look forward to shaping this next chapter together!
