Outstanding Alumni - 2007
Jon McTaggart
Bemidji State University Graduate 1983
Jon McTaggart graduated from Bemidji State University in 1983 with a Bachelor's of Science degree in journalism communication. Upon graduation, Jon joined Minnesota Public Radio as a station manager in Bemidji. Since then he has served as General Manager of MPR's five-station radio group based in Collegeville/Saint Cloud, as Senior Vice President for New Media, as Vice President of Business Development for American Public Media Group, and as Senior Vice President of Content and Media. Almost five years ago, Jon was promoted to Chief Operating Officer and, as such, is the senior executive responsible for daily operations of American Public Media, Minnesota Public Radio and its parent support organization, American Public Media Group. In addition to leading strategic planning for the organization, Jon provides executive leadership for MPR|APM's operating Divisions including Content and Media (Programming), Technology, Development and Membership, Underwriting, Marketing and National Distribution, Corporate Communications and Community Relations, and Business Development. He also leads the services provided by American Public Media Group to its subsidiaries. In addition to his tenure at MPR|APM, Jon has led strategic planning, communications, fund raising and business development as a Director for an east coast hospital group and was Executive Director of the hospital foundation in Reading, Pennsylvania. Prior to returning to Minnesota in 1995, he was Vice President for Advancement and University Relations of a Christian, liberal arts university in Riverside, California. Jon also holds a Masters degree in Public Administration from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania. Jon currently serves as a member of four Corporation for Public Broadcasting leadership boards. He also serves on the Minneapolis Foundation' Minnesota Meeting Advisory Board, is a member of the Oakdale Cornerstone Community Center Board, is on the Board of Advisors of Frank Consulting PLLP and is an assistant coach with the Oakdale Athletic Association. Jon also serves on the BSU Foundation Board of Directors. He and his wife, Debbie, live in Maplewood, MN. They have two daughters, Elizabeth and Sarah.