In June 2023, OPB’s President and CEO Steve Bass informed OPB’s board of directors, staff and members of his decision to step away from OPB in spring or summer of 2024.

In response, the board convened an executive search committee and embarked on the process of selecting the next CEO of OPB.

We’ve included a summary of information from the position and candidate specification below. For the complete specification and application information, please download this PDF.

The Opportunity

Public media outlets are faced with an unprecedented opportunity to increase the breadth and depth of their journalism. With an existing network of influence embedded in communities across the state, OPB offers a framework to support dynamic news ecosystems throughout Oregon’s communities through the delivery of highest-quality, trusted journalism, accessible to all, that enriches and strengthens communities.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of OPB will inherit and lead an organization respected for its strong brand, loyal base, and contributions to a compelling mission at a critical moment in the sector. As the “Innovator in Chief”, OPB’s CEO will create the blueprint for OPB’s future. With primary responsibility for all creative, operational and strategic aspects of the organization, they will set and execute a forward-leaning vision that ensures continued community impact through OPB’s public service journalism.

Desired outcomes and priorities for OPB

  • Produces journalism and other content at the highest professional standards
  • Supports the creation of a responsive audience strategy
  • Builds a cutting-edge infrastructure
  • Furthers a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility and belonging
  • Creates increased internal collaboration
  • Enhances OPB’s external influence, reputation and partnership cultivation
  • Raises OPB’s profile

Ideal experience

Our ideal CEO candidate has experience in the following areas:

  • Mission orientation and creative competency
  • Organizational leadership
  • Relationship building and revenue generation
  • Technological and digital fluency
  • Experience serving as the face and voice of an organization
  • Evidenced commitment to core values of diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility and belonging
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education, training and experience

For more information

Please download the complete Position and Candidate Specification.

If you wish to submit application materials or nominate someone to serve as the next President and CEO of OPB, please email OPBPresident@SpencerStuart.com.

To learn more about OPB, please click here.

OPB Board of Directors’ Executive Search Committee

John Tapogna, Chair

Jesse Beason, Vice Chair

Betsy Cramer

Graciela Gomez Cowger

Sandy Rowe

Ron Saxton

Paul Speer

Sheryl WuDunn


Holly Bullock-Denniston, Staff Liaison

Shayna Schlosberg, Staff Liaison