Roslyn Nieves Named First Female President & CEO of Queens Public Television
Roslyn Nieves Named First Female President & CEO of Queens Public Television
Emmy-Nominated Media Executive Unveils Vision to Transform QPTV into One of New York City’s Premier Multimedia Production Centers
QUEENS, N.Y. — July 8, 2026 — Queens Public Television (QPTV) proudly announces the appointment of Roslyn Nieves as its new President & CEO, marking a historic milestone as the organization’s first female President & CEO. A longtime public media leader, Emmy-nominated producer, and community advocate, Nieves begins her tenure with an ambitious vision to expand QPTV into one of New York City’s premier multimedia production centers while strengthening its longstanding commitment to community engagement, education, and public service.
“Roslyn Nieves is an extraordinary leader whose vision, integrity, and decades of service to Queens Public Television uniquely prepared her for this role,” said Al Harris, Chair of the Board of Directors, Queens Public Television. “Throughout her career, she has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to community engagement, innovation, collaboration, and public service. The Board is confident that under Roslyn’s leadership, QPTV will enter one of the most exciting chapters in its history as we expand our impact throughout Queens and beyond.”
Nieves brings decades of leadership experience spanning public media, nonprofit development, government relations, workforce development, strategic partnerships, and community engagement. Her appointment signals a transformative chapter for QPTV as the organization broadens its role as a hub for television production, podcasting, livestreaming, digital storytelling, media education, and civic participation.
During her 17 years in executive leadership within QPTV’s Community Development Department, Nieves has produced more than 400 original community television programs highlighting nonprofits, small businesses, entrepreneurs, educators, artists, veterans, government leaders, and grassroots organizations across the World’s Borough. Her work has documented many of Queens’ most significant civic, cultural, educational, and historic moments while giving voice to thousands of residents whose stories may otherwise have gone untold.
Before joining QPTV, Nieves served for 20 years with the New York City Police Department as a police officer, crime prevention specialist, media liaison, television producer, and on-air host, using media and Public Access as a powerful tool to strengthen community relationships, educate residents, and promote public safety.
Her distinguished career has earned Emmy nominations, nine Alliance for Community Media Overall Excellence Awards, numerous programming honors, and civic recognitions. Her Ground Zero photograph was also selected by the Governor’s Office and the National September 11 Memorial & Museum for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s “We Never Forget” MetroCard campaign.
Strengthening Community Through Media
Nieves envisions QPTV as a modern media hub where nonprofit organizations, educators, artists, filmmakers, podcasters, businesses, government agencies, and community organizations collaborate to create programming that informs, educates, inspires, and strengthens communities.
One of her first signature initiatives will be The Power of Nonprofits, a new television and podcast series highlighting organizations that are transforming lives throughout Queens while connecting them with businesses, volunteers, philanthropic partners, and the communities they serve.
Her strategic priorities also include:
Expanding workforce development programs
Increasing youth media education
Strengthening corporate and nonprofit partnerships
Modernizing production technology and enhancing digital programming
Creating new pathways into careers in broadcasting and digital media through targeted partnerships
A Message from President & CEO Roslyn Nieves
“Queens is one of the most diverse and creative communities in the world, and my vision is to transform Queens Public Television into a place where creativity meets opportunity—where television, podcasting, livestreaming, education, and emerging technologies come together under one roof to serve our community in new and innovative ways,” said Nieves.
Power Women of Queens: From the 1980s to 2026
From the pioneering leadership of Nancy Littlefield, the founding Executive Director who helped build Queens Public Television into a powerful voice for community media for decades, to Roslyn Nieves, who now carries that legacy forward as President & CEO. QPTV’s story is one of visionary women leading with purpose. As QPTV celebrates the Power Women of Queens—from the 1980s to 2026—Roslyn proudly takes up the baton, honoring the past while shaping the future of community television for generations to come.
Community Leaders Welcome President & CEO Roslyn Nieves
Community leaders across Queens and New York City praised Nieves’ appointment, recognizing both the historic significance of her presidency and her decades of service to public media, nonprofit organizations, education, government, and the Queens community.
Elected Officials
“Congratulations to Roslyn Nieves on her appointment as President & CEO of Queens Public Television. This achievement is a testament to her years of dedication, leadership and commitment to serving the people of Queens. For nearly 17 years, Roslyn has helped ensure that our communities have a platform to tell their stories, celebrate our diversity and stay informed on the issues that matter most. I have no doubt that her experience and vision will continue to strengthen QPTV’s mission and expand its impact across our borough. I look forward to working with Roslyn in her new role and wish her continued success as she leads Queens Public Television into its next chapter. Congratulations again on this well-deserved achievement.”
— New York State Senator Leroy Comrie
“A huge congratulations to Roslyn Nieves on being named the first female President & CEO of Queens Public Television! Roslyn has a long and storied history with QPTV, both in front of the camera as a journalist and award-winning talk show host, and behind it as an Emmy-nominated producer and director of the Community Development Program. Her Queens roots and intimate knowledge of journalism, television production and community media make her the perfect fit for this role, and I look forward to seeing her take Queens’ only public television network in a new direction that better serves our borough.”
— New York State Senator John C. Liu
“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Roslyn Nieves on her appointment as President & CEO of Queens Public TV. This is a great milestone not only for her but for the many women and girls who she inspires every day. I’m sure Roslyn’s leadership, vision, and commitment to community-focused storytelling will strengthen Queens Public TV’s role as a beacon of local journalism.”
— New York State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr.
“Roz Nieves is a true force of nature who can always be counted on to provide outstanding coverage of all the big events and newsmakers in Queens. She is an incredible talent both in front of and behind the camera, and is sure to do an incredible job as she boldly leads QPTV into the future as its new CEO and President. I offer my heartfelt congratulations to Roz on her well-earned promotion, and I look forward to seeing all she is going to do to make QPTV an even better and more impactful media resource for Queens residents.”
— Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr.
“Congratulations to Roslyn Nieves on becoming the first woman to lead Queens Public Television as its newest President & CEO. Breaking the glass ceiling is never easy, but I know that as a trailblazer you will leave an indelible mark at QPTV, an award-winning media center that keeps the people of the World’s Borough informed of the latest news in the area while training the next generation of journalists and media mavens. I’m looking forward to many years of your leadership at QPTV.”
— Assemblywoman Alicia L. Hyndman, Chair of the Assembly Committee on Higher Education
Community, Business & Youth Development
“On behalf of the Queens Chamber of Commerce, I congratulate Roz Nieves on her appointment as President & CEO of QPTV. This is a well-deserved recognition of her outstanding leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to telling the stories that make Queens such a vibrant place to live, work, and do business. For years, Roz has been an invaluable partner to the Queens Chamber, helping showcase our borough’s businesses, entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and community events with professionalism and genuine enthusiasm... Under Roz’s leadership, I have no doubt the station will continue to grow its impact and deepen its service to the community.”
— Tom Grech, President and CEO, Queens Chamber of Commerce
“Congratulations to Roz on a well-deserved promotion to President & CEO. This milestone is a testament to her dedication, integrity and unwavering commitment to our community. I can’t think of anyone more deserving.”
— Joanne Persad, Chief Operating Officer, Queens Chamber of Commerce
“Queens is going to be amazed at the vitality and vision of the newly appointed President & CEO of QPTV, Roslyn Nieves. I have had the good fortune to partner with Roz and her team on designing an innovative Summer Youth Employment media production learning program that can be replicated borough-wide, covering our events and activities, and now the planned expansion of QPTV programming at RDRC. We are excited by the decision of the QPTV Board that will truly benefit our beloved borough of Queens.”
— Kevin Alexander, President & CEO, Rockaway Development & Revitalization Corporation (RDRC)
“I am absolutely thrilled that Roz Nieves has been appointed President & CEO of QPTV. Her proven leadership, extensive experience in media and community engagement, and extraordinary commitment to ensuring that the people and nonprofit organizations of Queens have a voice, make her exceptionally qualified for this role. QCP is proud of our longstanding partnership with QPTV and the incredible work Roz continues to do on behalf of our entire borough.”
— Wendy Phaff Gennaro, Director of Development, Queens Centers for Progress (QCP)
“Roz. I just heard that you were going to be the President & CEO of QPTV. So excited for you and can’t think of anyone who could do a better job! Best of everything and you know that Transitional Services for New York staff and consumers are behind you and in support of QPTV all the way.”
— Larry S. Grubler Psy.D., Chief Executive Officer, Transitional Services for New York
“Here at The Showing Hearts Foundation, we are excited to hear the news! Who better than Roslyn Nieves to be the President & CEO of QPTV? Roslyn brings with her years of experience working with the community, engaging with us on projects and events, and being there to document these moments. Roslyn knows what’s important to the community and we thank her for making sure voices are heard and our stories are shared. QPTV is in capable and truly gifted hands, Congratulations!!!”
— Denise Dixon, Executive Director, Showing Hearts Foundation
Education & Cultural Leaders
“QPTV could not have chosen a more capable and inspiring leader as its President & CEO than Roz Nieves, who embodies the spirit of public media—visionary, dedicated, and deeply committed to empowering communities through storytelling. Over the years, I have proudly collaborated with Roz and QPTV to help create community-focused content at St. John’s University and to raise civic awareness and government engagement... I look forward to working with Roz and her capable team to create content to advance political discourse and public dialogue in Queens County and beyond.”
— Brian Browne, Associate Vice President of University Communications & Public Affairs, St. John’s University
“On behalf of Flushing Town Hall, Flushing Council on Culture and the Arts, our heartfelt CONGRATULATIONS on being named the first female President & CEO of QPTV! Roz is perfect for this role: proactive, curious, interested, interesting—and most importantly, has a deep and authentic passion for everything Queens. We’re looking forward to working with Roz and her team. With best wishes for great success.”
— Ellen Kodadek, Executive and Artistic Director, Flushing Town Hall / Flushing Council on Culture and the Arts
“Roz Nieves has her finger firmly on the pulse of the borough, bringing both a deep understanding of our communities and a clear vision for what public access media can be. Her years of experience, combined with her passion for interesting, intelligent programming, will take QPTV to new heights.”
— Susan Agin, Executive Director, Queens Culture & Arts Network
“It is exciting news to hear that QPTV will live on as a public access service to Queens under the leadership of Roz, especially as the first female leader President & CEO of the organization. She has been out in the field across the borough and knows the stories and people of Queens deeply. We are in good hands.”
— Karesia Batan, Founding Executive Director, Queensboro Dance Festival
“Like many stakeholders in Queens, I am elated at the appointment of Roslyn Nieves as the President & CEO of QPTV. Who better to lead the organization forward than Roz given the 17-year fierce commitment she has already shared with QPTV and all its viewers. Not only is Roz a well-known TV personality, she is deeply engrained in the fabric of our borough... I pledge my support to doing whatever Roz tells me towards helping her fulfill QPTV’s legacy under her leadership.”
— Jeffrey Rosenstock, AVP of External and Government Affairs, Queens College
Media, Production & Professional Colleagues
“Congratulations to Roslyn Nieves for breaking another glass ceiling by becoming the first female to become president & CEO of a Community Access facility. Well done and well deserved!”
— Madeline Johnson, Former Co-worker, Retired
“Congratulations to Roslyn Nieves; I’m very happy for you being promoted to be the new president and CEO of QPTV. I know great things will transpire from your leadership. The community is grateful to have you! Cheers to your new chapter.“
— Pauline Swift, President and CEO, Our World Media Network
“I am thrilled to extend my heartfelt congratulations on your appointment as the new President & CEO of QPTV!... As the CEOs of the New York City Musicians Collective, we have had the pleasure of collaborating with you on various events at LaGuardia Performing Arts Center. Your commitment to excellence and your ability to engage the community have always been evident... I have no doubt that under your leadership, QPTV will continue to thrive and make a positive impact.”
— Damon Mendes & Carmen Whipp, New York City Musicians Collective
“Congratulations to our dear friend and colleague Roslyn Nieves on your well-deserved appointment as President & CEO of Queens Public TV. You have been so dynamic in serving our communities through community media over the years, including through your role as a Host of the series ‘Policing in the Bronx’ on BronxNet. We look forward to continuing to work together with you and QPTV to ensure the public will be served by community media well into the future with the Technology Education + Arts through Media Act and more.”
— Michael Max Knobbe, Executive Director, BronxNet Public Media
“Congratulations to Roz Nieves on your appointment as President & CEO of QPTV!... As Co-Founder and CEO of The Nourish Spot and a longtime QPTV-trained producer, I’ve experienced firsthand the incredible value that community media brings to local businesses, nonprofits, and residents. Roz, you and the dedicated QPTV team have been instrumental in helping The Nourish Spot share our message that food is medicine and wellness should be accessible to everyone... I look forward to seeing QPTV continue to flourish under your leadership.”
— Dawn Kelly, Co-Founder & CEO, The Nourish Spot & Longtime QPTV-Trained Producer
“Congratulations to QPTV and Roslyn on this announcement. She has demonstrated her leadership nationally, advocating for community access television in Washington D.C., and we believe she will be a good leader for the people of Queens. Again, congratulations! I truly look forward to doing more work with you and QPTV in the future!”
— Mike Wassenaar, President & CEO, Alliance for Community Media
“Roz Nieves as the 1st female President & CEO of QPTV is not only a historic milestone for the organization, but a deeply meaningful moment for all of us who have had the privilege of working alongside her. I’ve collaborated with Roz for over 15 years, and in that time, we’ve produced award‑winning Public Access programs together and have covered many programs as a team... QPTV’s future is in exceptional hands.”
— Bryan Chan, Senior Director of Classroom & Laboratory Technologies, Columbia University
“Roz Nieves was just announced as the new President & CEO of QPTV! Congratulations to her and to QPTV. Ms. Nieves has been a longtime advocate for high quality programming for ALL the people of Queens. She has been instrumental in so many wonderful programs that would not be possible without her expertise, experience, and leadership. Let’s all cheer to Roz Nieves. We look forward to what will be a wonderful Presidency! My very best wishes.”
— Joseph J. Abularrage, MD, MPH, M.Phil (Epidemiology), FAAP & QPTV Access Producer
About Queens Public Television
Queens Public Television (QPTV) empowers residents through television production, livestreaming, podcasting, digital media education, and community storytelling. For decades, QPTV has provided access to professional media resources while preserving the voices, culture, history, and diversity that define the World’s Borough. Under the leadership of President & CEO Roslyn Nieves, QPTV is entering a transformative new era of innovation, collaboration, and multimedia excellence.
Media Contact:
James Faber
Creative Operations & Strategy Manager
Queens Public Television (QPTV)
QPTV.org
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