Noted Miami businessman Jorge Plasencia joins PBS board

Republica Havas CEO and co-founder Jorge A. Plasencia was among six people selected to join the Public Broadcasting Service’s board of directors as general directors.

“It is a great honor to join the Public Broadcasting Service board of directors,” Plasencia said. “PBS serves the American public with programming of the highest caliber, as it aims to educate, inform, inspire and entertain. As America’s most trusted institution, the role of PBS is essential to our democracy and the future of our nation.”

Plasencia, 47, leads Miami-based Republica Havas, a communications agency that works with Fortune 500 clients such as Wal-Mart and Google. He previously worked as vice president and operating manager at Univision Radio and as the Florida Marlins’ first director of Hispanic marketing.

Paula Kerger, CEO of PBS, announced the new slate of directors and expressed optimism in having diverse voices on the board like that of Plasencia, a Cuban American.

“With the board’s ongoing leadership, guidance and dedication, public television will continue to serve as a beacon of inspiration and education for generations to come,” Kerger said in a statement.

PBS has 330 member stations nationwide and uses information related to current events and the arts to educate viewers and listeners of all ages.

This story was originally published December 17, 2021 at 8:25 PM.

Michael Butler

Miami Herald

Michael Butler writes about minority business and trends that affect marginalized professionals in South Florida. As a business reporter for the Miami Herald, he tells inclusive stories that reflect South Florida’s diversity. Just like Miami’s diverse population, Butler, a Temple University graduate, has both local roots and a Panamanian heritage.