Natalie Pillsbury, ’07, M.P.A. ’23, is championing the growth of community storytelling and fact-based news feature content as CEO of PBS Western Reserve
Natalie Pillsbury came to ºÚÁÏÍø as a first-generation student pursuing a biology degree, but soon found her true passion – journalism. She gained a strong sense of community at the university through her involvement in the Honors College and student media and, after graduation, she set off for Chicago to work with AmeriCorps VISTA. That first job ignited a passion for nonprofit work and armed her with a background in fundraising that led her to positions at the University of Chicago and public media radio station WKSU (now Ideastream) at Kent State. Seeking to sharpen her leadership skills and nonprofit acumen, she earned a Master of Public Administration from Kent State in 2023. A lifelong consumer of NPR and PBS herself, Natalie recognizes the value of public media, which provides free access to trusted, fact-based information and allows citizens to be better informed. As new CEO of PBS Western Reserve, Natalie is driving the strategic vision for the station, building relationships in the community and uncovering exciting new opportunities for the future. Get to know Natalie in her own words.
KSU: What is your idea of perfect happiness?
NP: I love seeing my children flourish and grow. I am grateful to be part of their lives. I always need a challenge to feel fulfilled, and I am happy if I feel like I am contributing positively to the people around me and my community.
KSU: What is your favorite trait in others?
NP: I appreciate a good sense of humor.
KSU: What trait about yourself do you like least?
NP: I have a hard time existing in and enjoying the present. My mind is often on the future.
KSU: Who has had the greatest influence on your life?
NP: My sister has been my lifelong friend and support. We have seen each other through all phases of life.
KSU: What is your favorite Kent State memory?
NP: I enjoyed reporting for the Stater - my beat was the library, which I enjoyed, but I got to cover a major court case and many other stories.
KSU: What is your favorite journey?
NP: I have really enjoyed putting down roots in Kent and Northeast Ohio. I grew up here, and I am glad that I returned and can contribute to our community here on a professional and personal level.
KSU: What is your guilty pleasure?
NP: I love ending the day watching shows with my husband and eating candy - especially Sour Patch Kids.
KSU: What do you consider your greatest achievement?
NP: Personally, raising my children and creating our family. Professionally, growing into an empathetic and strategic leader in public media and nonprofits.
KSU: If you could come back as one person, who would it be and why?
NP: I would choose to come back as someone with considerable wealth and resources so that I could direct those resources toward alleviating the many needs of people in our communities. And of course, to further strengthen public media and journalism across the country.
KSU: What part of your college experience most formed who you are today?
NP: I would say the relationships I created with professors and peers helped to inspire and push me toward my career and life choices. I am happy to maintain many of those relationships today.