Tom Axtell

Director since 2010. He is General Manager of Vegas PBS since 1994.  He has integrated emerging technologies, new business models, and community partnerships to expand the range of sustainable public media services offered locally.  The company recently moved into the nation’s first LEED Gold Television facility. Vegas PBS operates a multi-cast television service; programs four additional cable and six EBS channels; manages a media library with over 170,000 online and 16,000 on the shelf titles; an emergency communications data-casting service for police, hospitals, and schools; and a statewide Described and Captioned Media Center.  Vegas PBS produces 20 local TV series and specials annually plus extensive web content. Vegas Virtual is the company’s brand for 620 online courses for high school students, teachers, medical professionals, and workforce training programs.  Over 8,600 course enrollments and 100,000 training programs were served last year.  Mr. Axtell has broad experience in radio, television, politics, and education.  He has worked in many markets including Chicago, Milwaukee, Spokane, Fargo, and St. Paul / Minneapolis.  He has worked in markets where the PBS station was a sole source, an overlap, and a duopoly. Mr. Axtell has also served two colleges in the capacity of vice president for Advancement and Dean of Telecasting.  He has managed election campaigns in Illinois and Wisconsin, served as a legislative assistant in a state legislature, and coached swimming teams. He is active in Las Vegas community affairs serving on the boards of the Atomic Testing Museum, United Way of Southern Nevada, Nevada Development Authority, Green Chips, and Las Vegas Rotary.  He has served on several industry boards including the Nevada Broadcasters Association, and NETA. He previously served on the PBS Board from 2001-2007. Mr. Axtell graduated from Gonzaga University Law School, Spokane, Washington, and also holds a bachelor's degree in history from Macalester College, St. Paul, Minnesota.  He is married with twin daughters in graduate school. Mr. Axtell serves on the PBS Finance, and Corporate Support Advisory Committees and Strategic Planning Advisory Group.