Beth Courtney

Beth Courtney, "an award-winning journalist and former producer, was appointed to the CPB board by President George W. Bush and confirmed by the Senate in December 2003. Her term on the board expires in 2010.

"Courtney is President and CEO of Louisiana Public Broadcasting (LPB), which includes a statewide public television network with stations in Shreveport, Monroe, Alexandria, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Baton Rouge and an affiliated station in New Orleans. LPB also supports and develops public radio throughout Louisiana and serves as the state’s educational technology resource center.

"A past chairman of the board of America's Public Television Stations and former Vice Chairman of the board of the Public Broadcasting Service, she currently serves on the boards of the Satellite Educational Resources Consortium, the Organization of State Broadcasting Executives, the National Forum for Public Television Executives and the National Educational Telecommunications Association.

"Courtney started her career in broadcasting reporting on state government and moderating numerous political debates. She was named Communicator of the Year in 1984, elected Broadcaster of the Year by American Women in Radio & Television in 1988, and was one of the YWCA’s Women of Achievement in 1991. Ms. Courtney was inducted into the Louisiana Center for Women in Government Hall of Fame in 1999. She is active in many community and civic organizations, including Rotary, Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana, Inc., Baton Rouge Local Organizing Committee, Inc. – Senior Olympics, Jr. League Advisory Board, Leadership Louisiana and is Vice-Chairman of the WLAE Board. She is a member and past president of the Baton Rouge Press Club, a member of the State Technology Advisory committee and a member of the Women's Network. Ms. Courtney also serves on the board of directors for the Fred Friendly Seminars, Inc.

"Courtney earned a BS in History & Speech and an MA in European History and Government from Louisiana State University. She was awarded an honorary doctorate from Southeastern Louisiana University, and completed UC/Berkeley’s course in public broadcasting management. Prior to her appointment as CEO of LPB in 1985, she was LPB's Executive Producer. During her tenure numerous award-winning programs were produced and aired statewide; some aired nationally and internationally.

"She is married to Bob Courtney, President of Courtney Communications, Baton Rouge, LA. She has one daughter, Julia, an attorney."