Kansas City PBS Community Impact Report - Report - Page 2
Dear Friends and Supporters,
Though I have only been in Kansas City for a few months, I have quickly come to
appreciate what makes Kansas City PBS such an important part of this community, and I’m
honored to join an organization whose work re昀氀ects the very best of public media. Public
media matters because it gives communities a place to come together — to be informed,
inspired, challenged and connected through stories that help us better understand one
another.
Over the past year, Kansas City PBS brought audiences together through stories,
experiences and conversations that re昀氀ect our community. We went behind the
scenes of a beloved Kansas City tradition with Dreaming the Dance: Backstage at the
Nutcracker, expanded the Reel Black Film Festival at 18th & Vine and documented Kansas
City’s historic moment as a FIFA World Cup host city. We also welcomed our 昀椀rst Film
Fellowship class, hosted civic forums and 昀椀lmmaker workshops, and partnered with
Children’s Mercy to help the dream of a young aspiring DJ come true.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chair: David Burke
Vice Chair Futures: Cathi Brain
Vice Chair Operations: Jon Stephens
Treasurer: Adriana Hoskins
There was plenty happening behind the scenes as well. Following federal funding cuts,
our staff came together with determination while an incredible response from our
supporters reinforced just how much Kansas City values public media. We also completed
a transmitter upgrade to improve the reliability of our broadcast signal across the metro.
Thank you for your continued support of Kansas City PBS. I believe deeply in the power
and promise of public media, and I’m excited to build on this strong foundation with you
by continuing to tell stories that matter, create connections and serve Kansas City in ways
that make a difference.
Secretary: Tammy Edwards
Directors: Gary Abram, Elizabeth Alex,
James Amato, Kelly Anders, Bud Bacon,
Dr. Roger Best, Ray Dick, Tom Dowling,
Will Gregory, Chris Harper, Jonathan Hile,
Manjaree Lavers, Michele Markham, Judy Moody,
David Morris, Usha Rafferty, Todd Reiser,
Tanya Remmers, Jeff Simon, Tracie Tempel,
Celina Tio, Sandra Whitaker, Essence Yancey
Cara Williams Fry
President & CEO | Kansas City PBS, 90.9 The Bridge & Flatland
To the Kansas City Community,
Vice Chair: Jason Young
This year has been a testament to the power of public media and the people who believe
in its mission. As chair of the Board of Directors, I’ve witnessed 昀椀rsthand the dedication
of our team and the extraordinary impact Kansas City PBS members and supporters can
have on our ability to serve this community.
Members: Maggie DiMaggio, Shannon DiMaggio,
Nancy Dumoff, Elizabeth Hick, Jeffrey Lehr,
Julie Myer, Leslie Scott, Beverly Victoriano,
Hassan Williams
This year, cuts to federal funding for public media created signi昀椀cant challenges for
Kansas City PBS and stations across the country. But when our community was called
upon, it stepped up. Members, donors, foundations and partners responded with
remarkable generosity.
KCPBS Liaison: Christy Cain
Despite the unprecedented circumstances, the team at Kansas City PBS remained
focused on its mission — telling local stories that matter, covering the issues that impact
our community, providing educational resources for both area children and lifelong
learners, and creating opportunities for connection through events, town halls, debates
and more.
COMMUNITY ADVISORY BOARD
Interim Chair: Jeff Winkel
This was also a year of transition for Kansas City PBS. Following an extensive nationwide
search, the board appointed Cara Williams Fry to join us as the organization’s new
president and CEO. We are all thrilled to have her as our new leader.
As we look ahead, challenges remain, but our commitment to this community is
unwavering. Kansas City PBS will continue innovating, adapting and growing while
remaining a trusted source of information, storytelling, education and connection.
Thank you for standing with us.
David Burke
Chair | Kansas City PBS Board of Directors
