The 2013 National Advocacy Awards
The 2013 National Advocacy Awards recognize two exceptional individuals who exemplify effective advocacy on behalf of public television. This year's awards were given to Ruby Calvert, General Manager of Wyoming PBS, and Mark Leonard, General Manager of Illinois Public Media.
Ruby Calvert, General Manager, Wyoming PBS
In addition to her service as general manager of Wyoming PBS, Ruby Calvert is president of the Wyoming PBS Foundation, which manages all fundraising for the statewide network. She has been at the station since its founding in 1983, and she recently announced her intention to retire in June 2013.
Before becoming general manager, Calvert served as director of programming for 23 years, and supervised production, promotion and education services at various times during her tenure. Calvert is a former member and board chair of the Wyoming State Board of Education (2000 – 2006), and also a former member and board chair of the Riverton Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees (1999-2004).
Calvert currently serves on the PBS Board. She served one year on the NETA Education Council, and two years on the Teacherline Station Advisory Council. Calvert was selected to participate in “Leadership Wyoming” in 2005, is currently on the Community Resource Board for the Wyoming Job Corps, co-chair for the Wyoming PBS Advisory Council, secretary for both Riverton Rotary and Riverton Rotary Foundation.
Calvert also serves on Sen. Mike Enzi’s Academy Appointment Committee for Wyoming and the State of Wyoming Boy Scout Council, and she was recently appointed to serve on the Advisory Board of the Wyoming Land Trust.
Mark Leonard, General Manager, Illinois Public Media
Leonard is general manager for Illinois Public Media, the public television and radio services of the University of Illinois. Illinois Public Media operates two radio and one television station, in addition to having a large on-line presence. Under Leonard’s leadership, Illinois Public Media has been the recipient of numerous industry awards, including being named the outstanding development program among all PBS member stations for 2009. Earlier this year, Illinois Public Media was honored with a Peabody award for its work on The Lord is Not on Trial Today, the story of the Supreme Court ruling that established the separation of church and state in public schools.
In a 32-year public broadcast career, Leonard has worked at six public broadcasting stations. He was chief operating office for KCTS Seattle, general manager for KYVE Yakima, and vice president for television at WXXI Rochester. He has served as producer and executive producer on many local, regional and national television productions, winning numerous industry awards including three EMMYs, a Cine Golden Eagle and five New York State Broadcasters’ awards.
Leonard currently serves as the president of the Illinois Public Broadcast Council, the association of all public television and radio stations in Illinois, as well as serving as a board member of the national University Licensees’ Association.
