Retired QPTV executive director dies

Ask 10 people for a one-word description of Nancy Littlefield and you may get 10 different answers. Nevertheless, there is one thing about the late Queens Public Television (QPTV) Executive Director upon which everyone agrees.
“She was a consummate professional,” said Sandy Delson, Ed.D., a member of QPTV’s Board of Directors. “She knew her industry well.”
Littlefield, who spent 20 years at QPTV, died Thursday, August 30 at her home in Florida after a long battle with lung cancer. She was 77.
“She was highly professional and knew her trade,” said Stuart Domber, QPTV President. “She was a super person to work with.”
But colleagues and employees say Littlefield’s legacy stretches far beyond the workplace.
“She was professional, and she was a perfectionist, but she also cared about her employees,” said Toni Marie Gasparro, Comptroller at QPTV.
When she joined the station in 1992, Gasparro said Littlefield accepted her for who she was, and didn’t flinch when Gasparro revealed her many tattoos.
“She saw that the tattoos didn’t interfere with my professionalism,” said Gasparro. “I love her for that.”
Francene Tobias, QPTV’s Director of Outreach, said Littlefield’s ability to connect with people generated loyalty.
“We have longevity here; no one ever leaves,” said Tobias.
Born in the Bronx in 1929, Littlefield’s noteworthy film career includes an Emmy Award, which she won in the 1970s for her documentary about single-parenthood, “And Baby Makes Two.” As Director of the Office for Motion Pictures and Television under Mayor Ed Koch, Littlefield was integral in simplifying the permit process to allow more directors to film in New York City.
Littlefield took over QPTV in 1985 on a recommendation from then-Borough President Claire Shulman.
“She was a gallant, wonderful, creative person,” said Shulman. “She is solely responsible for bringing QPTV to where it is today.”
When Littlefield stepped down in 2005, employees threw her a surprise party, decorating the office to look like Hollywood, flying her daughter in from Florida, and even giving her a star on a makeshift Walk of Fame.
“She thought no one could pull one over on her, but that one time, we got her,” said Gasparro.
Dan Leone, who became Executive Producer when Littlefield left, said her impact on local television cannot be matched.
“The borough of Queens, when they look back on the creation of community television, will certainly include her name,” said Leone.