Sajni Kumpuris Named Interim Chief at Arkansas PBS

Sajni Kumpuris (Photo provided by UA Little Rock)

Arkansas PBS has a new interim director and CEO, Sajni Kumpuris.

Kumpuris will fill the shoes of Courtney Pledger, who announced in April her plans to retire effective this month. Previously, Kumpuris was the state educational network’s director of education and production.

The Arkansas PBS Commission approved her appointment in a special online meeting Tuesday. She will take over her new role on Monday, May 26.

The board selected Kumpuris over two other candidates after a private hourlong executive session. “We had three excellent candidates with excellent credentials, all internal, an we are blessed to have them at Arkansas PBS,” panel Chair West Doss of Fayetteville said after the executive session.

He identified the other candidates as CFO Jason Kunau and Operations Director Wayne Wilbur.

Sullivan Votes No

One member of the board, Maria Sullivan of Jonesboro, voted against Kumpuris’ appointment but did not state a reason. Her husband, state Sen. Dan Sullivan, has campaigned in the past to abolish the PBS Commission and assign its duties to the Arkansas Department of Education.

Doss said Kumpuris was an integral part of Arkansas PBS’ leadership for more than five years. He called her a good choice to take the reins as it mounts a national search for a new leader. Pledger led the organization for eight years.

In a news release from Arkansas PBS, Kumpuris expressed honor in accepting the role. “This organization has long been a vital resource for our communities, and I’m committed to continuing our mission of providing high-quality educational content and programming that reflects the values and needs of all Arkansans.”

Past Success

In the release, Doss praised Kumpuris’ “dedication to providing educational opportunities for Arkansans.” He cited projects like “Arkansas AMI,” “ArkansasIDEAS,” “7 Days — The Opiod Crisis,” and other programs Kumpuris helped execute.

The release noted that Arkansas PBS offers more than broadcast television. Its services include on-demand programming, online content and live streams of state government meetings. In fact, the organization livestreamed Tuesday’s meeting that appointed Kumpuris.

The network has won numerous Public Media Awards from the National Educational Telecommunications Association for works involving Kumpuris, it said. She gained nominations for six regional Emmy Awards. She won three, for her work on “Arkansas AMI” and on “Mystery League,” which claimed two prizes.