American Public Media Group Names First Female CEO

Jean Taylor Named President & CEO of American Public Media Group Taylor will be the organization’s first female CEO 

American Public Media Group’s (APMG) Board of Trustees announced today the selection of Jean Taylor as the next President and Chief Executive Officer of APMG. A search committee appointed by the Board led a rigorous, national search in partnership with Koya Partners, the executive search firm that specializes in partnering with mission-driven clients. Taylor will begin her duties as CEO on Aug. 23.  

Taylor is the first woman to lead the organization. 

“Our goal throughout this seven-month process was to identify and select a strategic leader with a  passion for public media, a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and a vision that will inspire our employees, listeners and donors,” said Jim Dwyer, Chair of the Search Committee and of APMG’s  Board of Trustees. “We are confident Jean embodies these attributes and priorities and believe she is  the right leader to take APMG forward.” 

Taylor is an experienced CEO with proven success leading organizations through transformational change, creating and sustaining strong inclusive cultures and driving growth.  

“It is an exciting and critical time for public media, with tremendous opportunities to deliver quality journalism in new ways, connect with new audiences and more intentionally serve diverse communities,” said Taylor. “I am honored to lead this organization alongside the talented team at  APMG.” 

“Jean is a visionary leader, with an exceptional combination of skills and experiences to bring to her new role,” said Mary Brainerd, APMG Board Vice-Chair. “She is someone who leads with her values, who cares deeply about the role of public media and its importance. She is a listener, and she is a learner.  Her deep roots in our region, her experience in media and digital technologies and her understanding of  APMG are important assets for our future.” 

Taylor’s extensive career includes a number of senior leadership roles and spans a range of organizations and industries. Taylor was President & CEO of Taylor Corporation from 2001 to 2010. Most recently, she served as chair of the Board of Star Tribune Media, where she helped guide the organization through significant digital transformation. During her tenure as Chair, Star Tribune has been lauded and seen as a leader in the industry for its commitment to high-quality public service journalism, its digital subscription growth, and its strong financial results. As an Executive Consultant for 

the Platinum Group, Taylor worked with small to mid-sized family and private business owners to enhance growth, value and transitions. 

“Jean has brought great strategic insight and passion to her role as the chair of the Star Tribune board,”  said Michael Klingensmith, Publisher and CEO of Star Tribune. “We are grateful for her years of leadership and service to our board and Star Tribune as a whole. Jean leaves our organization a better  place, and APMG is very fortunate to have a skilled leader like Jean as its CEO.” 

In transitioning to her new role, Taylor has stepped down from her board position with Star Tribune  Media. Taylor succeeds Jon McTaggart who shared in late 2020 his decision to step down from the role  after leading APMG for nearly 10 years.