Award-winning television executive named new general manager of Arizona PBS


January 6, 2017

Mary Mazur, an award-winning television executive who has played a key role in leading one of the nation’s top public media organizations, is joining Arizona PBS as the station’s new general manager.

Mazur, executive vice president and chief operating officer of the Los Angeles-based KCETLink Media Group, will lead Arizona PBS, one of the country’s largest public television stations, which reaches nearly 1.9 million Arizonans each week through four channels. Mary Mazur Arizona PBS Mary Mazur, executive vice president and chief operating officer of the Los Angeles-based KCETLink Media Group, is joining Arizona PBS as its new general manager. Download Full Image

Starting in February, Mazur will lead day-to-day operations of Arizona PBS, reporting to Arizona PBS CEO Christopher Callahan, who also serves as dean of Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

“Mary Mazur has established herself as one of the top public media innovators in the nation’s second-largest TV market, spearheading exciting new programs and community engagement initiatives that foster lifelong learning,” Callahan said. “We are thrilled to welcome her to Arizona PBS and look forward to her guiding our station in an ever-changing media environment.”

As general manager, Mazur will lead more than 65 full-time employees at Arizona PBS, guiding program development, community engagement, strategic partnerships, marketing and philanthropy.

“It is an honor to join such a passionate team and I am thrilled to take a leadership role at such a dynamic and forward-thinking organization,” Mazur said. “I am looking forward to getting to know and collaborating with community partners to expand the reach and impact of the terrific programming and production coming from Arizona PBS.”

Mazur has had a successful career in both commercial and nonprofit public media. She served as executive producer of nationally distributed programs such as the early childhood care series “A Place of Our Own” and its Spanish-language companion program “Los Niños en Su Casa,” the multi-part documentary “Auschwitz: Inside the Nazi State,” and the drama series “PBS Hollywood Presents.”

She is the recipient of two George Foster Peabody Awards, an Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Award and a regional Emmy Award. Under her direction as chief content officer for KCET, the station received more than 380 awards for programming, including four Peabody Awards and three duPont Awards.

As chief operating officer, Mazur oversaw KCET’s move from its historic lot in Hollywood to a new state-of-the-art facility in Burbank. She was part of the senior executive team that ushered in the merger between KCET and Link TV to form KCETLink Media Group and currently has oversight of KCET’s revenue departments.

Prior to joining KCETLink Media Group, Mazur was senior vice president of series development at Cosgrove/Meurer Productions, where she was responsible for all drama and reality program development. Earlier, she worked in a similar capacity as senior vice president of development for Patchett Kaufman Productions.

Before joining the production ranks, the Santa Clara University graduate was vice president of series development for CBS Productions. In addition to her network experience at CBS, Mazur also worked at NBC, where she was director of drama development.

Mazur comes at a time of significant growth at Arizona PBS since becoming part of the Cronkite School in 2014. Recently, Arizona PBS co-hosted a nationally televised debate between U.S. Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick and U.S. Sen. John McCain. Arizona PBS and the Cronkite School also have commissioned three major polls in the run up to this year’s election. Other initiatives include an expanded weekday news and public affairs lineup and online news presence, a new magazine for members, and a 24/7 children’s channel to launch Jan. 16.

Arizona PBS has been part of ASU since the station launched in 1961.

ASU Gammage completes fundraising for Elevate and Alleviate Campaign


January 6, 2017

ASU Gammage, its donors and the community helped raise more than $9 million during the Elevate & Alleviate Campaign as part of the 50th Anniversary Golden Gammage Initiative, to sustain the performing arts center for future generations and make improvements to enhance patrons’ show experience.

Renovations include expanding the venue’s restroom facilities, improving accessibility by building elevators and revamping the theater’s sound system. ASU Gammage auditorium renovations ASU Gammage, its donors and the community raised more than $9 million to help renovate the auditorium and ensure its use by future generations. Download Full Image

Construction on the new restrooms and elevators began over the summer and is set to be completed in March 2017.

The campaign began in March 2015 with a $3 million lead gift from The Kemper & Ethel Marley Foundation, which was matched by Arizona State University.

Fundraising capped off in December 2016 with an additional personal gift from ASU Gammage 50th Anniversary Board members and local philanthropists Laurie and Chuck Goldstein. Laurie is also an ASU trustee.

Other major gift donors include Susan and William Ahearn, Pat Langlin-Brazil and George Brazil Plumbing & Electrical and the Margaret T. Morris Foundation.

Rendering of upgraded restrooms at ASU Gammage

ASU Gammage Elevate and Alleviate contributions helped fund the renovation and expansion of the venue's restrooms, which are expected to be completed in March.

More than 1,500 donors contributed to the project, including significant investments from ASU Gammage as a result of the success of its last two seasons.

“We are grateful to all of the supporters who have shared our vision on this project,” said Colleen Jennings-Roggensack, executive director for ASU Gammage and associate vice president cultural affairs for ASU. “Based on the extraordinary support and ticket sales the last few years, we’re able to turn this into a reality.”

Since 2006, ASU Gammage has created more than $500 million of economic impact for Arizona with its Broadway series, and provided nearly 5 million people with world-class arts experiences.

What started as former ASU President Grady Gammage’s idea to create a distinct university auditorium, is now a world-class presenting organization and a vital cultural and economic engine for Arizona.

The 50th Anniversary Leadership Board includes co-chairs Leslie and Jeff Rich, co-chair Mary Way, William Ahearn, Felice Appell, JO Finks, Grady Gammage Jr., Laurie and Chuck Goldstein, Pat Langlin-Brazil, Albert Leffler, Michael Manning, Sarah Nolan, Bill Way and the late Jerry Appell.

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