KNKX Announces David Fischer as New President and General Manager

​After an extensive search, KNKX Public Radio has announced the appointment of David Fischer as their next President and General Manager. Their former leader, Joey Cohn, announced his retirement last spring after 37 years with the station, prompting the search. Joey will remain on board temporarily to ensure a smooth leadership handoff to David before his official start date on November 18.
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This leadership change ushers in a new era for the station, and David is certainly up for the challenge! As the long-time leader of Tacoma Arts Live and the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, David has worked with a multitude of jazz and blues artists and press personalities, demonstrating his love for not only the music but the people involved in the business. For these reasons, he was seen as a natural fit for the role. 

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​David, who is a long-time listener of KNKX, has said,

I am so proud to be joining this team, which has for more than 50 years been delivering this essential public service to the community. The dual format of providing music and news is so important. The station’s excellent regional and national news keeps the community informed while its world-class jazz and blues bring joy and inspiration to the audience.

​And the staff at the station appreciate David as much as he appreciates them! In fact, outgoing President and General Manager, Joey Cohn has remarked, “I have known David for many years, and found him to be a skilled and visionary leader. I appreciate the care and thoughtfulness that the board took in their search to find just the right person.” In speaking of David’s appointment into the role KNKX Board Chair, Claire Grace, has echoed that sentiment in saying,

“We’re delighted to welcome David after a highly competitive nationwide search led by the Valtas Group. He’s a highly-regarded and collaborative leader with a passion for serving the community. His strong business mindset, audience development initiatives, and fundraising expertise will help KNKX to continue to thrive. David has demonstrated experience taking organizations to new heights thanks to his skill and vision.

About David

David brings to the table more than three decades of experience in the arts with roles ranging from Arts Manager to Executive Director. His career has always been values-focused – centering around equity, justice, and diversity. Through his work David strives to leverage cultural connections to unleash the power of empathy. He also has a long track record of coalition-building and advocacy to his leadership experience, especially in his work with Culture Access WA. There he has served as a Board Member and Board Chair, helping to pass legislation that allowed counties and cities to pass local taxation for the arts. He is a successful strategist and capital fundraiser as well, helping organizations to live out their missions and achieve their strategic goals.

Connect with David >

​About KNKX

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​Founded in 1966, KNKX (formerly KPLU) is a public radio station that seeks to inform, entertain, and educate the public. Their mission is to increase knowledge of the world, appreciation for the arts, and understanding of the universal human condition. KNKX has a long history of bringing award-winning local and NPR news as well as jazz and blues music to the Puget Sound region. They broadcast from the Pacific Lutheran University campus as well as downtown Seattle to a diverse audience base of listeners.

About Valtas
Valtas Group works as Interim Executive Directors, supporting organizations in times of transition and helps organizations navigate uncertainty during leadership change. We lead the search process in partnership with the board and staff leadership, as consultants for recruiting and executive search to support organizations identify the ideal Executive Director or leader. We also partner with board members and senior nonprofit leaders on a variety of strategic consulting assignments, offering comprehensive resources to guide your transition needs. Contact us to learn about our executive interim and placement services.

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