July 24, 2019

For Immediate Release

Pacifica Foundation Hires John Vernile as Interim Executive Director

Board Chair says Vernile is what Pacifica needs

Berkeley – The Pacifica Foundation has hired John Vernile as its new Interim Executive Director to lead Pacifica’s five radio stations, its Archives, and affiliate network. Grace Aaron, Chair of the Pacifica National Board (PNB), KPFK representative, and current iED said “We are very excited to have someone with John’s background to lead us. His many years of experience in community radio, plus in-depth experience in media, marketing, fundraising, and managing operations distributed around the country is what Pacifica needs to help us attract new listeners, increase revenue, and best fulfill the Pacifica mission.”

“I am grateful that the Pacifica National Board has afforded me this opportunity to contribute to Pacifica’s future,” Vernile said. “As a bi-lingual kid growing up in the Bronx, WBAI and Pacifica were touchstones that introduced me to many of the people, ideas, movements and music that have meant so much to me.”

“As interim Executive Director I will be focused on activity that engages audiences, expands opportunities for financial support and stabilizes national operations. Working together with the national board, I will assist our General Managers and staff to develop resources that help our stations and affiliate network better serve our local communities. Our job is to foster the success of each station. The passion and dedication of our programmers, supporters and volunteers, as well as drawing on our expansive Archive are integral in making it all happen. If we stay focused on the critical mission of making great radio first and foremost, we can deliver our Foundation’s goal of bringing under-represented ideas and culture to our listeners and foster productive dialogue that can have a positive impact our world. That mission now is more important than ever. I look forward to help furthering the endeavor. We have a lot to do.”