Model Behavior 2026: Jennifer Biefel

While Jennifer Biefel has never worked professionally in education or community service, these pillars have always steered her volunteer efforts. Serving as board chair of Nashville PBS, she recognizes how effective storytelling can broaden people’s viewpoints and help them understand one another — even when they come from different backgrounds. 

“I am incredibly curious, which is why I love the content of PBS so much,” she says. “There is always something new to learn or a new perspective to understand.”

Jennifer’s core values — empathy, gratitude and a drive toward positive change — were first instilled by her mother, who worked as a teacher. She has since raised her own children with these principles, which also drew her to Nashville PBS. 

Nashville PBS both informs and entertains. This striking balance compelled Jennifer to join the board in 2019 after Ken Burns filmed his Country Music documentary. The project was a natural intersection for the station and Jennifer’s marketing role at Opry Entertainment Group. She credits her former leader, Laura Hollingsworth, for introducing her to the Nashville PBS team and encouraging her to get involved when she was so new to the city. 

Since that fateful moment, Jennifer has worn many hats. She chaired the programming committee for several years before joining the strategic planning committee in 2023, where she helped the station develop its first 3-year plan — necessary to navigate the rapidly changing media consumption and federal funding landscapes. 

Now, as board chair, Jennifer looks forward to deepening her involvement, finding new ways to reach supporters and focusing on longevity. “She continues to exhibit the behavior we hold in high esteem at our station, which is to be positive, kind, collaborative and focused on excellence,” says Becky Magura, Nashville PBS president and CEO. “We are so excited to have Jen at the helm this year, and we strive to emulate her behavior inside our station and within the community.”

A simple truth drives Jennifer’s commitment: Nashville PBS shapes lives. Its programming helps manage emergencies, and its community-minded spirit provides learning resources for the educators shaping the minds of the next generation. Day in and day out, Jennifer helps protect universal access to public media — and information not driven solely by commercial interests or profit. 

“Nashville PBS plays such an important role in our community by helping people learn, stay informed and connect with one another,” says Jennifer. “I’m proud to be a small part of supporting its future.”

Dress: Akris Punto polka dot dress (Gus Mayer)

Shoes: Model’s own

Earrings: Citrine Fois Bois earrings (Patricia Marie Fine Jewelry)

Rings: The Dani ring (Patricia Marie Fine Jewelry), wide band diamond ring (Patricia Marie Fine Jewelry)