Courtney Pledger

Executive Director & CEO, Arkansas PBS

Courtney Pledger currently serves as CEO of Arkansas PBS where her bold vision for the network led to its transformation as a multi-platform storyteller for both local and national audiences and brought about exponential growth in K-5 educational content and services. Prior to joining the statewide network, Pledger worked for multiple decades as a senior executive and producer in the film and television community where she shepherded or produced projects recognized by the Emmy Awards, the BAFTAS, and the Golden Globes. She has served as director of Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival where she revitalized the longest-running nonfiction festival in North America. Pledger currently serves as professional vice chair of the PBS Board of Directors and sits on the board of American Public Television. She is past chair of both the National Educational Television Association (NETA) and the Organization of State Broadcasting Executives (OBSE).