John W. Hechinger, Jr.

John W. Hechinger Jr., "a member of the WETA Board of Trustees since 1995, was elected chairman in 2003. As chairman, Hechinger guides the strategic planning of WETA’s operations and works closely with station management to lead the flagship public broadcasting station in the nation’s capital.

"Hechinger was chairman and CEO of Hechinger Company, a $2.2 billion home improvement retailer, until the company was sold in 1997. He has more than 25 years of experience in virtually every aspect of the retail business and in managing the complex issues involved in a closely held public company. He was the chairman of the board of AtYourOffice.com, Inc., an Internet-based retailer of office products and services until the company was sold to Winstar Communications.

"Hechinger is currently engaged in a variety of venture capital and real estate activities. He serves on the board of LHD Vending, Inc., a company that develops and markets new vending machine concepts. In addition, Hechinger is the chairman of the board of Office.com, an Internet business focused on the small business market. He is also a managing partner of a commercial real estate investment and management company. His service to the community includes serving on the board of advisors of the Local Initiatives Support Corporation.

"Hechinger is a graduate of Boston University, holding a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He is married to Deborah S. Hechinger, who is president and CEO of BoardSource. They have three children and reside in Bethesda, Maryland."