National Federation Will Appoint New Co-Directors in 2027

The National Federation of Community Broadcasters will shift to a two-person leadership model starting in 2027.

Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in People

Isometric editorial illustration of two matte studio microphones positioned side-by-side on a flat platform, representing a dual-leadership structure. — The National Federation of Community Broadcasters will adopt a co-director leadership model in 2027 to ensure long-term operational sustainability. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Beginning in 2027, the National Federation of Community Broadcasters will transition to a new leadership structure featuring co-directors Serah Mead and Gretchen Aston-Puckett. This change follows the departure of CEO A. Rima Dael, whose tenure ends on December 31, 2026.

Why it matters

The board is implementing this new model to better align permanent operational expenses with reliable, recurring revenue after the organization lost its CPB funding. By reducing full-time staff, the federation aims to ensure long-term sustainability.

The organization is reducing its permanent full-time workforce from three positions to two. This transition is supported by a $1.25 million operating grant provided by the MacArthur Foundation in 2025.

The players

National Federation of Community Broadcasters

This is a professional association that serves and supports non-commercial, community-based radio stations across the United States.

A. Rima Dael

She served as the chief executive officer of the National Federation of Community Broadcasters starting in 2024.

Serah Mead

She currently serves as the director of member engagement for the organization.

Gretchen Aston-Puckett

She is the current chief operating officer at the National Federation of Community Broadcasters.

MacArthur Foundation

This private foundation provides grants to support non-profit organizations working in areas including media, journalism, and public interest.

The details

The board utilized scenario planning and analysis from the Public Media Company to determine the necessity of a two-person staffing model. Serah Mead, the current director of member engagement, and Gretchen Aston-Puckett, the current COO, will assume the new roles.

A. Rima Dael began her role as CEO in 2024.
The MacArthur Foundation issued a $1.25 million grant in 2025.
CEO A. Rima Dael will conclude her tenure on December 31, 2026.
Serah Mead and Gretchen Aston-Puckett will begin their co-director terms in 2027.

Market Landscape

This leadership transition reflects a broader trend of non-profit organizations tightening budgets to survive in a volatile media funding climate. The organization is shifting away from traditional executive structures to prioritize lean, sustainable operations following the Public Media Company's organizational analysis frameworks.

Members and partners of the organization should prepare for potential adjustments in service models as the federation transitions to a smaller permanent staff. These changes are intended to maintain organizational stability for the long term.

The takeaway

Non-profit organizations often turn to data-driven scenario planning when faced with funding shortfalls to preserve their core missions. Developing a leaner staff model can be a necessary, albeit difficult, step to ensure fiscal viability for the future.