Larry Kirkman
Executive Director
Benton Foundation

At Benton since 1989, Larry Kirkman has developed programs in strategic communications for nonprofits, public media, and communications policy. Under his direction, Benton has become a trusted guide in the emerging communications environment, and a leading nonprofit Internet publisher. Benton has grown with support from other foundations, communications corporations, and government agencies, deploying the tools of research and publishing, convening and networking, technical assistance and grantmaking. As a media producer, educator and executive, Larry has been a pioneer in the use of communications technologies to serve public purposes and to improve the democratic process.

Previously, he set up the TV and Video program for the American Film Institute, where he created The National Video Festival. He was responsible for the AFL-CIO’s Union Yes advertising campaign and public television series, America Works. His repertoire of communications roles has included: producer of public affairs and documentary programs for public television; professor of media production and studies at The American University; editor of TeleVisions magazine, a quarterly on new media in the 1970's; activist in the development of community media centers and public access channels; and, communications strategist for nonprofit organizations and government agencies.

Larry serves on the board of directors of the One World International Foundation, and on the steering committee of Grantmakers in Film and Electronic Media. He has a masters in teaching from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and a bachelor of arts degree from Columbia. He taught in public schools – elementary and secondary – before taking up a career in media production.

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