As Shae Hopkins prepares to retire at the end of 2026, her four decades at KET mark a defining chapter in the network’s story, guided by the power of KET’s mission to educate, inspire and connect people across the Commonwealth.

We are deeply grateful for Shae’s exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to KET’s mission to serve Kentuckians across the Commonwealth.

G. Dan Griffith, Kentucky Authority for Educational Television, Chair

What began as a temporary position working on pledge production grew into a career spanning nearly every corner of the organization and eventually serving the past 17 years as Executive Director & CEO. With two million people now relying on KET programs and services each week, Hopkins has led a period of growth and innovation.

Under her leadership, KET expanded its local productions and services, including the launch of the Kentucky Channel, production studios in the state capitol, and most recently, the new Louisville Production Center. She also led the creation of programs that brought Kentucky stories to national audiences, including Big Family: The Story of Bluegrass Music, Becoming bell hooks, The Packhorse Librarians of Appalachia, Lexington: 250 Years and the nightly current events series, Kentucky Edition.

Beyond productions, Hopkins helped guide the further development of KET’s educational resources, including the nationally utilized GED preparation system FastForward,  the Let’s Learn Kentucky collection for kindergarten readiness, and Careers in Demand, a series of videos designed to introduce job seekers to Kentucky’s high-demand career sectors.

Her tenure has been defined by a commitment to ensuring KET continues to serve Kentuckians as technology and the way we consume media changes. She oversaw the network’s transition to high-definition production. Under Hopkins, KET became one of the first 15 public television stations to launch NEXTGEN TV. She has also overseen the expansion of KET programs and services across multiple platforms.

Kentucky Authority for Educational Television Chair Dan Griffith praised Hopkins, saying, “We are deeply grateful for Shae’s exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to KET’s mission to serve Kentuckians across the Commonwealth.” He added, “Her profound impact on KET’s programming and operations is a lasting legacy that is recognized and celebrated by us all.”

From classrooms to living rooms, KET has become a place where Kentuckians can discover their history, hear new perspectives and see their own stories reflected. KET’s mission will continue stronger than ever – with new stories to tell, new ways to learn and a new generation of Kentuckians to serve.

Thank you, Shae!