A Message from Mary Brainerd, APMG Board Chair and Jon McTaggart, CEO

Sep 23, 2020

For more than 53 years, you have made it possible for us to live the promise of our mission to enrich minds, nourish spirits, expand perspectives and strengthen communities. We can only fulfill our mission with your support, and when we have a diverse, inclusive and equitable work environment for all employees. 

Recently, we’ve heard from current and former employees whose experiences conflict with the values we hold close. We are deeply saddened by the pain felt by individuals within our organization.  The Board and the entire leadership team are committed to continuing to listen carefully, learn from others, and take actions – guided by our shared values – that ensure a work environment where everyone is truly safe, welcome, respected and appreciated, and programming that reflects the rich diversity of our communities.

Earlier this summer, we announced to Minnesota Public Radio and American Public Media staff and our audiences twelve actions that we are taking to accelerate our progress in becoming a more diverse, equitable and inclusive organization.

We’ve heard from a number of employees that this plan doesn’t yet adequately address some of the changes we need to make. Some of our colleagues outlined a series of actions that would further transform MPR to meet the changing needs of the audiences we serve. If our plan isn’t working, we’re going to identify the gaps and expand it to make it work. 

We’ve discussed, many times this year, that change and true transformation can be hard and messy, and that it takes time. We aren’t going to shy away from the change that is needed. We are listening to our employees, and we’re taking every point to heart. The action plan that was announced in July will continue, and we will build on those efforts based on input we receive from employees and other stakeholders. Our employees expect it, and they deserve it. Importantly, so do our audiences. 

We also want to share news about an upcoming organizational change. For the past two years, Jon McTaggart (APMG President and CEO), has been discussing his succession plan with leaders of the board and he believes now is the time to begin the transition to new leadership for APMG.  Jon has asked the board to begin the search for the next CEO of this great organization. The board understands and supports his decision, has confidence in the leadership team in place, and will soon outline more specifically the plans to move forward with the succession process. Jon will remain CEO of the APM Group until his successor is in place.

We will keep you informed and involved in this important work as we move forward, together. Thank you for your ongoing commitment and your generous support of our public service.    

Mary Brainerd                                               
Chair
MPR and APMG Boards

Jon McTaggart
President & CEO
APMG