Maryland Public Television’s (MPT) Linda Taggart, vice president, Development, was inducted into the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences National Capital Chesapeake Bay Chapter’s (NATAS-NCCB) prestigious Silver Circle. Taggart, who, states a release, “has been a key contributor to the statewide public TV network for nearly 40 years, was one of nine television industry professionals who entered the NATAS-NCCB Silver Circle as part of the class of 2023. MPT’s John Davis, creator and host of the national series MotorWeek, was inducted into the Gold Circle the same evening.”

The Silver Circle recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the broadcast or cable industry for at least 25 years, while the Gold Circle honors individuals who have made significant contributions for 50 years or more. The Gold and Silver Circles are often referred to as the Academy’s “Hall of Fame.” With the induction of the 2023 honorees, the Silver Circle totals 271 individuals, and the Gold Circle totals 26.

In a letter of endorsement for Taggart’s Silver Circle nomination, famed host and musician John Tesh noted her willingness to take chances in developing initiatives and her “instincts for creating and recognizing programming with a strong ‘story’” as creating an indelible benefit to public television.

Taggart’s responsibilities include oversight of all fundraising efforts at MPT including major and planned giving, audience engagement, individual giving (membership and on-air fundraising), corporate underwriting, digital fundraising, special events and community engagement, and volunteers. She oversees a department of 32 full-time employees.

(In May, PBS named Taggart as the recipient of the 2023 C. Scott Elliott Development Professional of the Year Award.)

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