Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting
July 27, 2004
Appreciation to Robert T. Coonrod
Six in favor, two absent
Resolved, That the Board of Directors of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting Expresses Its Deep Appreciation for the Contributions to Public Broadcasting of
ROBERT T. COONROD
Public Broadcasting Leader Bridge Builder and Consensus Seeker Longest Serving President and CEO of CPB 1997 - 2004
As CPB's longest-serving president, Bob created the CPB we know today -- one that is stronger, more respected, and better positioned to help shape the future of public broadcasting.
He brought new talent into CPB and encouraged the staff to excel. Under his leadership, CPB rededicated itself to promoting the welfare of individual stations within the framework of national public broadcasting.
Bob recognized the power of CPB's position as a convener, and used it to promote a new spirit of cooperation and collegiality within the disparate parts of the public broadcasting community. He reinvented CPB as a more active participant in setting the direction of the system. He encouraged an environment for producers that fosters creativity and attracts new voices. He worked to strengthen CPB's relationship with Congress, creating an unprecedented degree of respect and trust.
Throughout his tenure, Bob celebrated the unique power of public broadcasting to educate, inform, entertain and inspire.
The CPB Board of Directors is deeply grateful for his contributions to public broadcasting and for the opportunity to have worked with him and wishes him the greatest success in all his future endeavors.