Richard E. Ottinger
1932-1997

Richard Estes Ottinger was working for the Georgia Department of Education as a planner when he was drafted in 1968 to run the state public broadcasting network. He served as director of the Georgia Educational Television network until 1982 when he became the executive director of the Georgia Public Telecommunications Association. When he retired in 1994, the state network had grown to nine television stations and thirteen radio stations.

Ottinger's memberships included the Southern Educational Communications Association, serving as chairman of the board from 1986 to 1987. He also belonged to the National Association of Public Television Stations and served as its board chairman from 1986 to 1989.

Richard Ottinger died on November 4, 1997.