Press Releases
Classical 89.5, KMFA Names Interim General Manager
June, 2008 (Austin, TX) – The Board of Trustees of Central Texas’ only all-classical public radio station, KMFA 89.5, has named Joan Kobayashi as Interim General Manager. Kobayashi steps in for departing General Manager, Jack Allen, who has been named President & CEO of All Classical KBPS 89.9 in Portland, Oregon.
“The Board of Trustees enthusiastically supports Joan in her role as Interim General Manager,” said Board Chair, Steve Moore. “Her background, experience and years at the station all serve as the foundation of our confidence in naming her to this important role.”
“I am honored the Trustees chose me to serve in this position,” said Kobayashi. “KMFA has an excellent product, an excellent staff and a growing base of community support – and I have been proud to play a part in that over the last 10 years. I look forward to continuing to help provide for the best possible service to our listeners and community partners.”
Said departing General Manager, Jack Allen, “I’ve known many people in my public radio career, and Joan stands out as one of the finest. I’ve worked very closely with Joan for five years and found her to be savvy, inquisitive, and always interested in listener-focused innovations. She is very sensitive to the Central Texas community and dedicated to the good stewardship of this rare cultural asset. With over 10 years at KMFA, and 20 years in Austin, her perspective is invaluable as KMFA maneuvers through the waters of an evolving media landscape. KMFA is in good hands!”
Kobayashi began her career at KMFA in 1999 as Business & Accounting Manager and, since 2002, has served as the station’s Development & Marketing Director. Previously, Ms. Kobayashi spent 10 years with the Austin Symphony Orchestra in Accounting and Finance. Joan earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting at the University of Texas at Austin and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Austin Chamber Music Center.
About Classical 89.5, KMFA: Classical 89.5 KMFA is a listener-supported, community radio station – incorporated in 1967 – relying on the majority of its funding from direct listener and business contributions. A noncommercial, all-classical-format station, KMFA features both local programming and nationally distributed programming from Public Radio International, American Public Media and National Public Radio. For more information on KMFA, visit www.kmfa.org
