Pennon names Maximilian Duke next president and CEO

• By Staff

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Harrisburg, Pa. — Pennon, the parent organization of WITF, Pennon Education and Media Solutions, announced today that Maximilian Duke has been appointed president and CEO, effective July 20, 2026. 

Duke brings more than 25 years of public media leadership to the role, most recently serving as vice president of station strategy and development at PBS. In that capacity, he partnered with member stations across the country to strengthen local journalism, expand educational initiatives, advance workforce development and deepen community partnerships. His career includes leadership roles at both the national and local levels, including positions with PBS and South Florida PBS, where he helped guide organizational strategy, content innovation and community impact. 

Duke succeeds Interim President and CEO Tom Baldrige, who has led the organization since Dec. 8, 2025, following the departure of Pennon’s previous president and CEO. The Pennon board of directors expressed gratitude to Baldrige for providing stability, continuity and thoughtful leadership during a pivotal time in the organization’s history. 

“Max has deep experience across both the national and local public media ecosystems and brings strategic, future‑focused and collaborative leadership to Pennon. His expertise in digital innovation, education program development and community building made him a clear choice for this role,” said Pennon Board Chair Leigh Horner. “His commitment to public service and inclusive, results‑oriented leadership aligns with Pennon’s mission and future direction and positions us for our next chapter of innovation and growth.” 

As president and CEO, Duke plans to meet with staff, partners and supporters to better understand how Pennon can continue to grow its services and impact in the communities it serves. Duke said he was drawn to Pennon because of its mission and potential. 

“At a time when common ground is critical, the work Pennon does across Central Pennsylvania matters more than ever. For more than 60 years, the community has come to expect public media that serves the people through local journalism they can trust, education that reaches across generations and stories that reflect their lives,” said Duke. “That is what Pennon has built, and I am honored to join this team and work together to shape the future of this organization. I cannot wait to get started.” 

 

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For a high-resolution photo,
please contact:

Bailey Cassada, bailey_cassada@pennon.org

For more information,
please contact:

Katina Kauffman, katina_kauffman@pennon.org