RTDNA, RTDNF Name Puckey Director of Strategic Initiatives

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, May 15, 2018 | 12:39pm CT

Tara Puckey

The Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) and Foundation (RTDNF) names Tara Puckey as its first-ever Director of Strategic Initiatives, effective June 4. Previously, she was the interim executive director of the Society of Professional Journalists beginning in the fall of 2017. Before that Puckey worked as its associate executive director and its member strategist. She has a journalism degree from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) and an MBA from Western Governors University.

In her new role, Puckey will assist the RTDNA and RTDNF Boards, as well as Executive Director Dan Shelley, in cultivating and managing business partnerships, grant procurement, development efforts and other strategic endeavors. She will focus on enhancing the organizations' status as the world's largest professional association and foundation devoted to advocating on behalf of broadcast and digital journalists.

"As RTDNA and RTDNF elevate their visibility and influence as protectors of, and advocates for, press freedom and professional development for veteran and emerging journalists, Tara's proven record of creating and managing partnerships, and developing lucrative new revenue streams, will serve our members, and the journalism industry, exceptionally well," said RTDNA and RTDNF Executive Director Dan Shelley.

"At a time when the protection and preservation of the First Amendment are critical - when credible, thoughtful journalism goes to bat against disinformation and a free press continues to be challenged at the highest levels of government - organizations such as RTDNA and RTDNF are doing all they can to turn the tide. I'm excited to join an incredible team centered around a collaborative focus on a free, unfettered press," added Puckey.