People and Contacts

Executive Director

Ivy Hoffman

Ivy began her tenure at APT as a research assistant in 1980. She worked many different positions over the years, helping to create the Open Public Events Network and the agency’ before becoming Deputy Director in 1998. Ivy left APT in 2002 to join the NC Department of Correction’s Central Engineering Division, where she served as Assistant Director for Administrative Services. Ivy returned to APT in May 2007. Ivy is a graduate of the Duke University Institute of Policy Sciences.

Creative
Services

Jill Hammergren – Manager

Since January 2003, Jill has managed and supervised APT’s award-winning team of production and media professionals. Jill has more than 20 years experience writing, producing, planning, promoting, directing and managing productions, events, content, special projects, and sponsorships for the media, corporations, organizations and individuals. Jill has worked as a reporter, producer and anchor at KOMU-TV in Columbia, MO; KSTP-TV in Minneapolis, MN; WRAL-TV in Raleigh, NC; and WTVD-TV in Durham, NC. She has a Bachelor of Journalism degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Carrolle Carter- Producer/Director

Carrolle is a graduate of Saint Augustine's College in Raleigh. A native Floridian, Carrolle began her career at the Raleigh NBC affiliate station. From there she worked at the local CBS station WRAL and her Alma Mater. She has been affiliated with APT since 1995 first as part of the freelance crew and then, in 2000 she joined APT's staff full time as Producer/Director. Carrolle directs live and taped productions in the studio and in the field.

Jeff Goldsmith – Production Manager and Producer/Director

Prior to joining APT in 2006, Jeff spent 20 years working at many television and cable companies along the east coast. He has experience working in commercial, promotional, and news environments, with hands–on experience in all aspects of video and audio production. He has shot, edited, written, and produced many commercial and promotion pieces for broadcast and non-broadcast uses, directed live news and sporting events, as well as other long form productions. Jeff also has experience with radio production, print production, and still photography.

Paula Higdon - Media Buyer

Paula has more than 10 years of advertising experience in previous positions including Traffic Coordinator and Media Assistance. As APT’s media buyer, Paula works with the media to bring maximum exposure to APT’s clients and the important messages they want to convey. Paula began her career at APT in 2006.

Kenneth Peterson - Producer/Director

Ken has been producing and directing film and video projects internationally for over 25 years. From the groundbreaking TV series’  “Miami Vice” and “Unsolved Mysteries”  to National Geographic and Discovery channels to the world of broadcast television commercials and corporate communication projects, his work has taken him to locations including Australia, the Middle East, Europe and South America.  Kenneth has worked as Senior Video Producer and Director for the U.S. EPA.  As Producer/Director with the N.C. APT, Kenneth brings a wealth of experience in maximizing resources while keeping a keen eye on visual design and creative direction. He has earned numerous industry awards including a Primetime EMMY commendation.

OPEN/net

Fran Wescott - Manager

Fran began her association with the Agency in 1991 as an OPEN/net Producer/Director. In 1999, Fran left her full-time position to raise a family, retaining her association with the network as a contract host and producer of OPEN/net, and then returned full-time in 2007. In addition to her 16 years of work with the Agency, Fran also has several years’ experience with C-SPAN in Washington DC, and as an account executive with a small radio station in Maine. Fran earned her AB from Bowdoin College, majoring in History and minoring in English.

Amanda Hubbard - Producer/Director

Amanda Hubbard began as a part time crew member working on OPEN/net and then moved to her current full-time position in 2008. Amanda is a graduate of North Carolina State University in Mass Communication. Amanda also attended recording engineering school at Sonic Wave Studio and studied film at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. In addition, Amanda is also an active production volunteer for UNC-TV and has been involved with the Duke City Shootout Film Festival in Albuquerque, New Mexico among other film and television productions.

Engineering

Latham Hamner - Senior Engineer

Latham has more than 30 years experience in broadcast television engineering. He has been APT's Head Engineer since 1995, overseeing all technical aspects of the agency. Prior to coming to APT, Latham was involved in the design layout and construction of SAS Video Production's facilities and was Chief Engineer for WPTF-TV where he served on the NBC Affiliate's Engineering Advisory Committee.

Billing Inquiries

Maria Johnson - Administrative Assistant

Maria works as the Administrative Assistant for APT. She handles payables, receivables, financial reporting. Prior to her work with the State of North Carolina, Maria worked at Duke University Medical Center.