Kerry Swanson

As the Chief Operating Officer, Kerry plays a pivotal role in implementing strategic initiatives and advancing the President/GM’s objectives, goals, and commitments. He oversees the organization's resources, including personnel, facilities, and assets, with direct management of key operations at KUOW. Kerry is instrumental in supporting the growth and diversification of new audiences and ensuring financial stability in a dynamic and evolving media landscape. Additionally, he collaborates with the President/GM on board committee relations, business strategy, and liaising with the University of Washington. As a vital member of the KUOW executive team, Kerry acts as the second-in-command to the President/GM.

Before joining KUOW, Kerry was the station manager at Northwest Public Broadcasting, where he led NWPB's NPR News, Classical Music, and Jazz radio networks. Prior to NWPB, he managed WABE-FM, Atlanta's NPR station. Kerry began his public radio career in 1985 at KPLU (now KNKX,) holding various roles including on-air announcer, traffic director, operations manager, development director, COO, and GM. He also has experience in top 40 radio at KNBQ Tacoma and country radio at KXLE in Ellensburg. As a technology enthusiast, Kerry pioneered early use of new media, founding and chairing the Integrated Media Association, launching Jazz24.org, and producing early podcasts for Audible during the internet boom in the late '90s and early 2000s.

Kerry served for six years on NPR's Board of Directors and has been involved with several non-profit boards, including InvestED and Pullman Regional Hospital Foundation. Born in Yakima, he and his wife proudly call the Pacific Northwest "home."