Kerry Swanson

As Chief Operating Officer (COO), Kerry interacts with all functions of the organization and directly manages/oversees Finance, Administration, Engineering & Facilities, Operations, IT and the HR/Workforce Development units.

Kerry comes to KUOW most recently from Northwest Public Broadcasting where he was station manager and led NWPB's radio networks of NPR News, Classical Music and Jazz stations. Prior to NWPB, Kerry managed WABE-FM, Atlanta's NPR station. Kerry started his public radio career in 1985 at KPLU (now KNKX). During his time at KPLU, he held several positions including on air announcer, traffic director, operations manager, development director, COO and GM. Kerry has also worked in top 40 radio at KNBQ Tacoma, and country radio at KXLE in Ellensburg. As a technology enthusiast, he was involved in developing early use of new media, including establishing and chairing the Integrated Media Association, launching Jazz24.org, and producing early podcasts for Audible during the internet boom.

Kerry served six years on NPR's board of directors and served on several non-profits' boards including InvestED, and Pullman Regional Hospital Foundation. Born in Yakima, he and his wife are proud to call the Pacific Northwest 'home'.