Broadcasters Will Appoint Co-Directors for 2027
The National Federation of Community Broadcasters will shift to a two-person leadership model as it restructures expenses.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in People
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The National Federation of Community Broadcasters will appoint Serah Mead and Gretchen Aston-Puckett as co-directors starting in 2027. This move follows the scheduled departure of CEO A. Rima Dael on December 31, 2026.
Why it matters
The board is realigning its permanent operational costs with sustainable recurring revenue after losing CPB funding. This restructuring reflects a strategic pivot to maintain organizational viability through a leaner staffing model.
The organization is reducing its permanent full-time staff to 2 roles from 3 following the loss of CPB funding. The shift is supported by a $1.25 million operating grant received from the MacArthur Foundation in 2025.
The players
Serah Mead
The current director of member engagement who will assume co-director duties in 2027.
Gretchen Aston-Puckett
The current COO who will serve as co-director beginning in 2027.
A. Rima Dael
The outgoing CEO who has led the organization since 2024.
National Federation of Community Broadcasters
A national organization representing community-based media entities.
MacArthur Foundation
A private philanthropic institution that provides grants to support nonprofit operations.
The details
The board conducted extensive scenario planning and utilized analysis from the Public Media Company to design the new leadership structure. By consolidating the director roles into a two-person co-leadership model, the organization intends to align its ongoing expenses with more reliable revenue streams. Serah Mead will transition from her current role as director of member engagement, while Gretchen Aston-Puckett will move from her position as COO.
Timeline
A. Rima Dael began serving as CEO in 2024.
The organization secured a $1.25 million MacArthur Foundation grant in 2025.
A. Rima Dael will depart the organization on December 31, 2026.
The new co-directors will begin their term in 2027.
Market Landscape
The transition reflects a broader trend among nonprofit media entities as they recalibrate operations following the loss of CPB funding. It follows the pattern set by organizations forced to replace lost institutional support with targeted grants, such as the MacArthur Foundation's 2025 contribution.
Operators should evaluate their own expense-to-revenue ratios if primary funding streams like federal grants become less predictable. Focus on rightsizing permanent headcount to match recurring capital rather than relying on one-time grant injections.
The takeaway
When permanent funding sources contract, moving to a co-leadership model can consolidate executive functions without losing continuity. Watch the organization's performance through 2027 to see if the leaner staff model provides enough operational capacity to maintain current member engagement standards.
What happens next
A. Rima Dael will formally conclude her tenure on December 31, 2026, with the new co-directors Serah Mead and Gretchen Aston-Puckett assuming their responsibilities in 2027.
Further reading
For additional context on leadership shifts and organizational restructuring, visit the People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Current.
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