ORLANDO, Fla. (May 4, 2026) — WUCF Executive Director Jennifer Cook has been recognized with two of Central Florida's most respected honors, highlighting her leadership in public media and her impact across the region.
Cook was named a 2026 Women Who Mean Business honoree by the Orlando Business Journal and a 2026 Women of the Year honoree by Orlando Magazine.
These recognitions reflect Cook's leadership of one of Central Florida's most trusted public media organizations and her role in expanding how WUCF PBS and WUCF Jazz serve and connect communities throughout its nine-county region.
An award-winning media executive with more than two decades of experience, Cook oversees strategy, operations, fundraising, content and community engagement across WUCF's television, radio and digital platforms. Since joining the station in 2014, she has taken on increasing leadership responsibility, serving as Interim Executive Director in 2021 before being named Executive Director in March 2023. In that time, she has strengthened the station's local storytelling and deepened its partnerships across Central Florida.
Under her leadership, WUCF has expanded its community-based initiatives, bringing educational programming into classrooms, libraries and neighborhoods while increasing its investment in locally produced content. Signature programs such as Meet The Helpers and Florida Road Trip reflect that commitment, highlighting the people, places and stories that define Central Florida while serving as a trusted source of information and connection.
Cook has helped secure more than $20 million in grant funding to support both national and local initiatives, including educational partnerships with Orange County Public Schools and the University of Central Florida. She regularly works alongside educators, nonprofits and civic leaders to ensure WUCF's programming reflects Central Florida.
"Stories matter, especially the ones that help people feel seen, supported and empowered," Cook said. "Public media has a unique ability to serve without an agenda. That responsibility drives our work every day, and these honors reflect what our team is building together."
"Jennifer leads with clarity and purpose," said Melissa Braillard, WUCF's Director of Community Impact. "She has a strong sense of what public media can and should be for this community, and she brings people together to make that vision real."
Cook is also committed to mentorship and leadership development, creating opportunities for others to grow across the media and nonprofit sectors and recognizing the essential contributions of those who support this work behind the scenes.
The Orlando Business Journal will celebrate the 2026 Women Who Mean Business honorees at an event on May 7. This year’s honorees will also be featured in a special section of the May 8–14, 2026 weekly edition of the Orlando Business Journal.
To read more about Cook's recognition as an Orlando 2026 Women of the Year honoree, visit Orlando Magazine online: https://www.orlandomagazine.com/orlando-women-of-the-year-2026-honorees-deb-krekel-jamie-merrill-jennifer-cook-azela-santana/
Cook holds a Master of Arts in Mass Communications from UCF and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Strategic Communications. She also serves on national boards within the public media system.
--
About WUCF: WUCF serves as the region's trusted source for educational programming, arts, culture and local storytelling. As Central Florida's only PBS affiliate and home for jazz, WUCF offers free, accessible content that enriches lives, fosters curiosity and strengthens the community. Guided by the mission "We Change Lives," WUCF is committed to connecting, inspiring and empowering audiences across all platforms. To explore WUCF's impact and programming, visit www.wucf.org.
Media Contact:
Christine Dellert Mullon
christine@sondersays.com
407.718.0199