A Region philanthropist will fill in as CEO for Lakeshore Public Media until a permanent replacement is found.
The Merrillville-based public broadcaster named Nancy Clifford, who has been active with Northwest Indiana non-profit groups for more than two decades, was named the organization’s interim CEO Sept. 7. She will temporarily lead the organization as it continues its search for a successor to James Muhammad, who announced in late July he was stepping down from the post to become president of the University of Southern California Radio Group.
Organizational Development Solutions Inc. of Westville assisted Lakeshore Public Media in selecting Clifford for the interim CEO role. She will oversee daily operations as Lakeshore continues its search for full-time CEO. which representatives say could take months.
“The board appreciates Nancy Clifford's willingness to step in as interim CEO during Lakeshore's search for a permanent replacement,” said Larry Brechner, Lakeshore’s board chair. “We are confident in her abilities based on her past achievements and believe she will be a great help as we continue to move forward.”
Clifford brings extensive knowledge in strategic planning, staffing, and financial management. Clifford will focus on improving organizational workflow and staff development, while relying on the expertise of current staff to ensure the day-to-day needs of the organization as well as its commitment to the community are being met, Lakeshore said.
“I am excited about the opportunity to work with their board and staff to fulfill and advance their mission of life-long learning, diversity, civic engagement and enriching the lives of people in the communities they serve,” Clifford said.
Clifford is active in philanthropic efforts around the Region. She has been a board member of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana for more than two decades.
Clifford currently chairs Board Governance and headed the completion of a board diversity policy. While she chaired the board in the early 2000’s, Clifford also chaired endowment, and raised about $800,000 for its endowment.
Clifford has also served on the investment committee of Legacy Foundation, Lake County’s community foundation for 23 consecutive years. In that time, she chaired the board for four years during a period reorganization.
