Key facts
- Jill Patrone appointed Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary of PBS.
- Patrone replaces Katherine Lauderdale in the role.
- Lauderdale will become Chief Legal Officer Emerita and Senior Advisor to the CEO.
Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) announced on June 4, 2026, that Jill Patrone has been appointed as the new Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary. Patrone, who has a long tenure as an attorney with PBS, will take over the responsibilities from Katherine Lauderdale. Lauderdale is set to transition into a new role as Chief Legal Officer Emerita and will serve as a Senior Advisor to the CEO. The announcement highlights a significant leadership change within PBS's legal and corporate governance structure.