Society bids farewell to Ragsdale as they commence search for new leader
Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) Announces Executive Director Departure
The Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE), a nonprofit professional society based in Indianapolis, Indiana, has announced the departure of James Ragsdale from his role as executive director. Ragsdale succeeded John Poray in January 2021 and served for approximately four years.
Ragsdale, who previously worked as a finance executive at Anderson University in Indiana, was chosen from a field of 28 candidates to take on the position. During his tenure, the SBE increased its international outreach efforts, as evidenced by the creation of Eastern Europe Chapter 148.
The SBE did not provide details about the reasons for Ragsdale's departure, and Ragsdale did not respond to Radio World's request for comment. The executive director responsibilities at SBE are being handled by the rest of the staff and SBE President Ted Hand in the interim.
Despite the change in leadership, the SBE's programs and projects remain unaffected. The staff and volunteer members of SBE will continue to provide the quality services its members need. The position of executive director at SBE is still being advertised on appropriate outlets.
A search committee has been formed by SBE to fill the vacant executive director position. The committee is still in place, and the new Executive Director has not been explicitly named. However, Kevin Trueblood was elected as the new president of the SBE as of September 25, 2025, succeeding Ted Hand, who completed his term as president.
The SBE released the SBE Self-Inspection Guides this year, a project that involved Ragsdale's work with a committee. This resource is designed to help broadcasters assess and improve their engineering practices, demonstrating the commitment of the SBE to promoting excellence in the field.
The departure of Ragsdale does not mark the end of an era for the SBE. The organization continues to thrive, with its members and staff dedicated to advancing the broadcast engineering profession. The SBE's programs and projects remain a testament to its commitment to the industry, and the search for a new executive director is a significant step in ensuring the organization's continued growth and success.
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