Ford stands down at NPACT

John Ford, the general manager of US non-fiction producers’ organisation NPACT, is stepping down from his role.

John Ford

Ford, who joined the organisation in 2015, is leaving due to potential conflicts of interest arising from the recent sale of Justice Network and Quest Network to Tegna Inc in May, according to NPACT.

He is head of programming at both networks and, NPACT said, future plans to engage producers in his new position creates a conflict with managing a producers’ association.

Michelle Van Kempen, NPACT’s head of policy and development, who joined the association in 2016, will become interim general manager while a search for a permanent replacement is underway.

Michelle Van Kempen

The NPACT executive committee said: “John has been a peerless leader, helping transform a nascent organisation with big dreams – and many strong, rowdy opinions – into a mature powerhouse association.

“With some exciting opportunities on the horizon, John made the difficult decision to step down; he has our immense gratitude and best wishes for the future.

“During the transition, we know NPACT will be in great hands with Michelle Van Kempen, whose contributions have encompassed not just outreach to the community and expanding our membership but creating opportunities and access to innovative companies and services from which we all benefit.”