For the past six years, Martin Ludden has been at the helm of SPNN, the community media and technology center that helps community members learn to use the tools of television and film to tell their own stories and gain job skills.
Now it's time for someone else to take the wheel, he said. Ludden plans to step down as executive director this summer, after helping SPNN find and install its next leader.
Why now?
"During the latter end of COVID lockdowns, it was clear to me to step aside. It's time to make some room for somebody else," Ludden said.
For an organization with the goal of empowering and including people not used to having a seat at the leadership table, Ludden said SPNN has since the 2020 murder of George Floyd been working to create internally the inclusion it promotes.
Inclusion and empowering people of color is "a huge part of our mission," Ludden said. "But our staff of color have not felt as safe or as heard as we want them to be."
An Army veteran and former staff member for Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Ludden said he's worked to diversify SPNN's revenue sources as cable television fees — which have traditionally funded community access programs — have declined.
Under Ludden's guidance, SPNN launched new documentary programs, such as New Angle, Fresh Vantage and Spotlight Shorts. He also helped build the organization's infrastructure, including launching a paid family leave program, upgrading technology and facilities and overseeing a comprehensive review of SPNN's policies and community impact.
