It is my honor to introduce our newest member, Brenda Barnes. Brenda is CEO of Classical KING FM. Her classification is Cultural Institutions, and her membership has been sponsored by Charlie Dickey. In addition to her work at the station, she’s been active in the community as a member of the Community Development Roundtable and the International Women’s Forum.Brenda grew up in Cary, NC, which today is part of the Research Triangle. She attended the University of North Carolina where she earned a music degree while playing the clarinet. She then earned a Master of Music at Michigan State and a master's in music history at the University of Notre Dame.
After graduating from ND, Brenda began what has been thus far a three-and-a-half-decade career in Public Radio, becoming an expert in station turnarounds. As a result, it should be no surprise that she has previously served on the NPR board.
Brenda started at station KTPR in Fort Dodge, Iowa, and in a short period of time was promoted from Music Director to Station Manager. She then moved to Harrisonburg, VA to run the James Madison University station, before relocating to head up the classical music station in Cincinnati.
Twenty years ago Brenda took over the University of Southern California radio network and was evidently not satisfied running all six of their stations, so earned a Ph.D. at USC in Planning and Development Studies.
In 2018 Brenda came to Seattle to lead KING FM. Having lived and worked in the South, Midwest, and California, I asked Brenda what stood out about Seattle. There are two things particularly striking to her – our history of innovation and our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Brenda’s favorite thing to do is take long walks through our city neighborhoods. She says it is the best way to get to know a city.
Please join me in welcoming our newest member, Brenda Barnes!
