Dr. Judy Lewis Named New MPB Executive Director

(Jackson, Miss)-- Dr. Judy Lewis, veteran educator and former United Nations World Food Program official, is the new Executive Director of Mississippi Public Broadcasting (MPB). The MPB Board of Directors unanimously appointed Lewis to the post on Wednesday, July 8.

“Judy Lewis brings significant leadership and management ability to this position, as well as an enthusiasm for public broadcasting and its mission here in Mississippi,” said board chairman Perry Sansing. “We had a strong pool of candidates and were pleased to hear during the interviews from individuals throughout the country that MPB is held in high regard.”

“I am first and foremost an educator and since education is at the heart of our mandate at MPB, I am very comfortable in accepting this challenge,” said Lewis. “MPB has a bright future, and I am humbled to have been selected to be part of that future. Marie Antoon is leaving a wonderful legacy at MPB. I am thrilled, while at the same time very cognizant of the fact that the bar for excellence has been set.”

Since 2007, Lewis has served as an associate professor of communication and theatre at Mississippi College. She previously served as director of the United Nations World Food Program’s U.S. Relations Office in Washington. As director of the U.S. Relations Office, Lewis was responsible for advising Congress and the Administration on humanitarian and development issues important to U.S. foreign policy. She also served in several executive capacities for the World Food Program, overseeing complex emergency operations in 10 African country offices with an international staff providing assistance to more than 12 million people suffering from hunger.

“Judy Lewis has extensive experience in the field of education and the kind of public service background that will help MPB and its staff rise to the next level,” said Marie Antoon, current executive director. “Not only is she a native Mississippian, but she has experience in the international arena, which makes her an exceptional choice to lead our state’s public broadcasting network.”

Lewis holds a doctorate degree in higher education from the University of Mississippi, as well as bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education and speech communications from Mississippi College. She has served as an adjunct professor at the U.S.D.A. Graduate School in Washington and George Mason University, as an assistant professor at Troy State University, and as a special assistant in the Department of Postsecondary Education at the U.S. Department of Education.

Lewis has written numerous articles for both domestic and international print media and has been recognized by the United Nations with several awards for her leadership abilities.

“Through Marie Antoon’s leadership and an excellent staff of professionals, MPB has become recognized nationally for its quality, creativity and innovation. From producing the award-winning Between the Lions children’s television program in Mississippi in cooperation with WGBH-Boston and Sirius Thinking to work in emergency preparedness, MPB is making a difference in the lives of Mississippians,” added Sansing.

MPB is a state agency that encompasses a statewide network of commercial-free public radio, television, learning and community outreach services designed to enrich the lives of Mississippians through the creative use of technologies.

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Mississippi Public Broadcasting (MPB) provides relevant instructional and public programming to Mississippians through its statewide television and radio network. MPB enhances the work of educators, students, parents and learners of all ages through quality programs, resources and services that educate, entertain and enlighten. Children’s programs constitute a major portion of the daytime and weekend morning schedules. Since 1970, MPB has won over 350 national and regional awards, including Emmys and Parents’ Choice Awards, for its productions.

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	CONTACT: Mari Irby
July 10, 2009	601.432.6683
Dr. Judy Lewis Named New MPB Executive Director
(Jackson, Miss)-- Dr. Judy Lewis, veteran educator and former United Nations World Food Program official, is the new Executive Director of Mississippi Public Broadcasting (MPB). The MPB Board of Directors unanimously appointed Lewis to the post on Wednesday, July 8. “Judy Lewis brings significant leadership and management ability to this position, as well as an enthusiasm for public broadcasting and its mission here in Mississippi,” said board chairman Perry Sansing. “We had a strong pool of candidates and were pleased to hear during the interviews from individuals throughout the country that MPB is held in high regard.” “I am first and foremost an educator and since education is at the heart of our mandate at MPB, I am very comfortable in accepting this challenge,” said Lewis. “MPB has a bright future, and I am humbled to have been selected to be part of that future. Marie Antoon is leaving a wonderful legacy at MPB. I am thrilled, while at the same time very cognizant of the fact that the bar for excellence has been set.” Since 2007, Lewis has served as an associate professor of communication and theatre at Mississippi College. She previously served as director of the United Nations World Food Program’s U.S. Relations Office in Washington. As director of the U.S. Relations Office, Lewis was responsible for advising Congress and the Administration on humanitarian and development issues important to U.S. foreign policy. She also served in several executive capacities for the World Food Program, overseeing complex emergency operations in 10 African country offices with an international staff providing assistance to more than 12 million people suffering from hunger. “Judy Lewis has extensive experience in the field of education and the kind of public service background that will help MPB and its staff rise to the next level,” said Marie Antoon, current executive director. “Not only is she a native Mississippian, but she has experience in the international arena, which makes her an exceptional choice to lead our state’s public broadcasting network.” Lewis holds a doctorate degree in higher education from the University of Mississippi, as well as bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education and speech communications from Mississippi College. She has served as an adjunct professor at the U.S.D.A. Graduate School in Washington and George Mason University, as an assistant professor at Troy State University, and as a special assistant in the Department of Postsecondary Education at the U.S. Department of Education. Lewis has written numerous articles for both domestic and international print media and has been recognized by the United Nations with several awards for her leadership abilities. “Through Marie Antoon’s leadership and an excellent staff of professionals, MPB has become recognized nationally for its quality, creativity and innovation. From producing the award-winning Between the Lions children’s television program in Mississippi in cooperation with WGBH-Boston and Sirius Thinking to work in emergency preparedness, MPB is making a difference in the lives of Mississippians,” added Sansing. MPB is a state agency that encompasses a statewide network of commercial-free public radio, television, learning and community outreach services designed to enrich the lives of Mississippians through the creative use of technologies. ### Mississippi Public Broadcasting (MPB) provides relevant instructional and public programming to Mississippians through its statewide television and radio network. MPB enhances the work of educators, students, parents and learners of all ages through quality programs, resources and services that educate, entertain and enlighten. Children’s programs constitute a major portion of the daytime and weekend morning schedules. Since 1970, MPB has won over 350 national and regional awards, including Emmys and Parents’ Choice Awards, for its productions.