WASHINGTON – February 28, 2023 – America’s Public Television Stations (APTS) today presented the 2023 National Advocacy Award to Jack Williams, Governmental Relations Manager at Alabama Public Television, for his work in building relationships and support for public broadcasting within the Alabama congressional delegation and State Legislature.
The APTS National Advocacy Award is presented to station leaders who excel in telling the story of their local station’s work in education, public safety and civic leadership and how federal and State funding make that work possible.
“Jack Williams is a tireless advocate for public broadcasting, helping to strengthen our ever-growing bipartisan support both in Congress and throughout the State of Alabama,” said Patrick Butler, president and CEO of America’s Public Television Stations. “Jack has been an extraordinarily effective champion of our cause with the Alabama congressional delegation, investing considerable time and energy in educating these leaders about our public service missions of education, public safety and civic leadership, and about the indispensable nature of the federal investment in our work.
“Jack's passionate and tireless outreach over the last year was particularly important in securing support from a bipartisan majority of the Alabama House Members on our annual public media funding letter for FY 2023. Additionally, Jack was instrumental in securing essential State funding to help Alabama Public Television convert to ATSC 3. We are extremely grateful for Jack’s work and are honored to present him with this most well-deserved 2023 National Advocacy Award.”
“I can’t say enough about Jack’s enthusiasm for sharing Alabama Public Television’s story, or his ability to understand legislators and speak to their interests and concerns,” said Phil Hutcheson, who was Alabama Public Television’s acting executive director during the past three years. “Jack’s experience in government, skill in communication and passion for our mission have been a huge benefit to APT.”
“I am honored to receive this award,” said Jack Williams. “This isn’t a hard job, I love advocating for public broadcasting and reminding our policy makers about not only the wonderful things we do, but sharing the vision for the sky high potential of public broadcasting. As a former legislator and political consultant, it’s a joy to work with old friends in a new role. I am so grateful to Phil Hutcheson for believing in me and giving me this opportunity and for our entire staff at APT. This is the best job I’ve ever had. Thanks also to Pat, to Kate and her team, at APTS -- they are an absolute delight to work with. They challenge, encourage and have supported me as I have learned the intricacies and nuances of the public broadcasting world.”
Jack Williams became Governmental Affairs Manager of Alabama Public Television (APT) in February 2020. His duties include promoting public broadcasting and in particular their funding needs to the Alabama Governor’s office, the legislature and the Alabama congressional delegation.
In that position, Williams has secured more than $9 million in additional funds for capitol upgrades for APT. He has also been active in garnering support from the Alabama congressional delegation for funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
Prior to coming to APT, Williams spent 14 years in the Alabama House of Representatives where he chaired several different committees. He also served as Jefferson County Tax Collector for over eight years. He was the founding director of the Alabama House Republican Caucus and previously served as Operations Director of the Southern Republican Exchange.
During his legislative career, Williams was recognized for his leadership in passing Alabama’s first human trafficking law. He was named Elected Official of the Year by Habitat for Humanity, Legislator of the Year by the Alabama Independent Insurance Agents and the Alabama Optometric Society. In 2014, he was also named National Legislator of the Year by the American Legislative Exchange (ALEC). He also served on the Advisory Board for GOPAC.
Williams lives in Hoover, Alabama, and has two adult sons, Regan and Jordan.
The 2023 National Advocacy Award was presented to Jack Williams during the APTS Public Media Summit on Tuesday, February 28.
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About APTS
America’s Public Television Stations (APTS) is a nonprofit membership organization ensuring a strong and financially sound public television system and helping member stations provide essential public services in education, public safety and civic leadership to the American people. For more information, visit www.apts.org.
Contact:
Stacey Karp
202-654-4222
skarp@apts.org