Release Date: 
March 21, 2024
 

WTVP Names Jenn Gordon as Next CEO

Peoria, IL – WTVP announced today that its next CEO and President will be Peoria native, Jenn Gordon.  Chairman of the board, John Wieland made the announcement at a press conference at the station’s headquarters at 101 State Street.

The WTVP board approved the selection by unanimous vote on Wednesday, March 20. “We are excited to welcome Jenn to the WTVP family”, says board member Pastor Martin Johnson, “She brings a plethora of knowledge and vision to match some of the amazing things we are about to do at WTVP.” Board member Heather Acerra adds, “I am excited that Jenn has accepted the position of CEO here at WTVP. She has a proven track record of successfully nurturing nonprofits and arts organizations through astute financial and cultural leadership.”

Over the last decade, Jenn has championed the local arts and cultural scene in central Illinois while working with organizations to promote nonprofit health and community engagement. She previously served as Executive Director for ArtsPartners of Central Illinois (2015 – 2022) where she launched several new initiatives and programs, while serving as host for WCBU’s weekly Out and About radio show. Prior to that she worked in New York City for the prestigious piano maker Steinway & Sons (2011-2015), managing concert and artist activities for 800 of the world’s top pianists. Most recently, she served as Executive Administrator at Grace Presbyterian, a local church with over 1,400 members, overseeing all day-to-day operations and HR needs for a staff of 30.

The WTVP CEO search committee reviewed 70 resumes in the process of selecting the organization’s next leader. “Jenn brings a combination of experience in the non-profit community, the arts community, as well as business acumen to the WTVP family,” notes Vice Chair, Dr. Andy Chiou, “She and her family are grounded in our community and deeply care about the future of Central Illinois.”

Jenn and her husband, Eric, returned to Peoria to raise a family after their first daughter was born in 2015. They have three children, Josie (9), Eliza (5), and Eben (3).

“It is an honor and privilege to step in to this position”, says Jenn. “WTVP is a phenomenal resource in our community and is needed now more than ever. In a post-pandemic era, screens (for better or worse) are here to stay. WTVP cuts through the destructive and pointless content that is out there. This station brings us good quality programing that educates, uplifts, and inspires. As a mother of three young children, that matters to me. I’m thrilled to get to work for WTVP, its members, and our community.”  

Since returning to Peoria, Jenn has served in leadership with various local and state groups including the Local Arts Network – A State Arts Advocacy Group. She has served as a grant reviewer for Illinois Arts Council Agency, and as a Commissioner on the Peoria Arts Advisory Commission. She is the 2021 Recipient of the Women to Women’s Leader Award for the Arts.

“Jenn has the board’s full support,” says Chairman John Wieland. “She is the ideal candidate for President and CEO of WTVP. Our community should remember this moment.”

Jenn will start in her role at the station in late April.

Contact Information:

WTVP 
John Wieland
Board Chairman
309-208-0918
jwieland@mhequipment
 

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WTVP’s mission is to create and broadcast content that educates, informs and inspires everyone throughout central Illinois. To do this, WTVP offers programming that expands the minds of children, documentaries that open up new worlds, news programs that keep citizens informed on world events and cultures, and programs that bring the worlds of music, theater, dance, and art to your living room, all free of commercial interruption and influence.