Kerry Swanson

Kerry Swanson, Northwest Public Radio’s station manager, is a veteran of three decades in radio. His experience includes management, programming, fundraising, new media, building community connections, and planning new broadcast facilities. He shaped public broadcasting through leadership roles on the boards of the Integrated Media Association, Western States Public Radio, University Station Alliance & the Northwest News Network.

His early career includes working in commercial radio at KXLE in Ellensburg, and at KNBQ in Tacoma.  Kerry's public radio experience started at KPLU in Seattle/Tacoma. During more than 20 years at KPLU, he held several positions including: On-Air Jazz Host, Operations Manager, Development Director, COO and G.M.  His accomplishments include leading some early development and vision of online and new-media applications for public broadcasting, developing new broadcast facilities, establishing new stations and launching Jazz24.org.

Next, Kerry went to Atlanta where he was Director and Manager of the NPR & Classical radio station WABE-FM.  After enjoying southern living, he and his family decided to come back “home” to the Pacific Northwest and to Northwest Public Radio.  As Station Manager, he directs and manages the 18 station and 13 translator NPR News and Classical music networks serving audiences in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and British Columbia.

Kerry is married. He and his wife Lisa have two teenage boys that keep them busy.  In his spare time, he enjoys collecting antique radios and also working on restoring, driving and showing his award-winning collection of Porsches.