TROY, NY – WMHT Public Media has marked an important milestone at the start of the 2026 calendar year by welcoming newly elected leaders to its Board of Trustees, while also celebrating the contributions of those who have transitioned off the board.
WMHT Public Media’s Board of Trustees officially welcomes:
Karen Carpenter | President and CEO of Vanderheyden, Inc. | Returning Trustee.
Tatiana Diaz | Director of Human Resources for the City of Albany.
Kathleen McLean | President/CEO of The McLean Collective.
Mary-Ellen Piche | Author and Consultant. | Returning Trustee.
Brian U. Stratton | Recently retired Director of the New York State Canal Corporation and former mayor of the city of Schenectady.
"It is my sincere honor to welcome these leaders to the WMHT Board of Trustees. Their unwavering belief in our mission and deep ties to the community will be invaluable as we write our next chapter, bringing fresh perspectives to build a stronger future,” said WMHT President and CEO Anthony V. Hayes.
The WMHT Board of Trustees will continue to be led by its dedicated Board Officers: Gwen Wright, Chair; Tammis Groft, Vice Chair; Angela Dixon, Treasurer; and Dr. Tobi Saulnier, Secretary.
"WMHT trustees are united in their commitment to this dynamic organization and incredible region. I am elated to have this exemplary cohort join the board and bring their unique talents, expertise and perspectives to the work of WMHT,” said WMHT Chair of the Board Gwen Wright.
As new trustees begin their three-year terms, WMHT is grateful for the contributions and support of members who have departed the board: Don Applyrs, Bridget Ball Shaw, Martin Mbugua, Karen Opalka, and Teresa Zielinski. WMHT will continue to benefit from the passion and dedication of each one of these esteemed board alumni. The WMHT Board of Trustees thanks them for their steadfast commitment to the mission of public media.
WMHT’s trustees proudly operate as a Triple A (AAA) Board; a model for nonprofit board member engagement that focuses on individual member strengths. A board with a Triple A Rating is one where every board member is motivated to be an Ambassador, Advocate and/or Asker, and roots WMHT in a culture of philanthropy.
To learn more about opportunities to support WMHT, including updated offerings for corporate partnerships, please visit wmht.org.
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About WMHT Public Media
WMHT Public Media broadcasts PBS, NPR, local roots and rock, and classical music programming across New York’s Capital Region. WMHT is an essential service for education, entertainment, and inspiration, producing award-winning local programming and documentaries including AHA! A House for Arts, statewide public affairs program New York NOW, WEXT Radio, Classical WMHT-FM, and Rise Radio Reading Service for the blind and print disabled.
Additional information can be found at wmht.org.
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Contact
Allison Valiquette
VP, Marketing & Communications
WMHT Public Media
avaliquette@wmht.org
518-880-3523