Board of Directors

KBOO Board Meetings

KBOO Community Radio holds open meetings concerning the operations and programming of KBOO in accordance with requirements of the Communications Act of 1934, 47 U.S.C. 396, et seq. as amended, and certification requirements promulgated by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Information about KBOO Community Radio's open meeting policy is also available by calling the station at 503-231-8032 and selecting extension 205. Board meetings will be conducted at 20 SE 8th Avenue, Portland, OR 97214, and/or remotely via Zoom. To request notice of board meetings in writing, please e-mail admin@kboo.org

La estación de radio comunitaria KBOO sostiene juntas abiertas a la comunidad, sobre las operaciones y programas en KBOO en concordancia con los requisitos del Acto de Communicación de 1934, 47 U.S.C. 396, así como requisitos de certificación promulgados por la Compañía de Radiodifusión Pública (Corporation for Public Broadcasting). Usted puede encontrar información sobre estas reuniones de KBOO, llamando a 503-231-8032, extensión 205. Juntas directivas van a ser conducidas en 20 SE 8th Avenue, Portland, OR 97214. Usted también puede asistir estas reuniones remotamente, en Zoom. Si requiere avisos acerca de estas juntas directivas mensuales, puede contactar admin@kboo.org por correo electrónico.

Next Board Meeting

KBOO Board meetings are held on the 4th Monday of each month at 6:00pm.

Join the board meeting at the station:

KBOO Community Radio; 20 SE 8th Avenue; Portland, OR 97214

OR

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More information about the KBOO Board & Station Governance

Board Meeting Minutes

Committees

President	Mike Frost	Executive Committee, Management Bargaining Committee, Finance Committee, Engineering Committee, Development Committee, Program Advisory Committee, Strategic Planning Workgroup
Vice President	Michael Van Kleeck	Executive Committee, Development Committee, Engineering Committee, Program Advisory Committee
Treasurer	Joyce Nance	Executive Committee, Finance Committee, Development Committee, Nominating Committee, Management Bargaining Committee, Program Advisory Committee, Strategic Planning Workgroup
Secretary	Jill Blanchard	Development Committee, Nominating Committee, Finance Committee, Governance and Policy Committee, Strategic Planning Workgroup
At-large	Ona Harshaw	Executive Committee, Governance and Policy Committee (ad hoc workgroup), Management Bargaining Committee, Strategic Planning Workgroup, People of Color Caucus
Board Member	Josh Roberts	Development Committee, Nominating Committee, Strategic Planning Workgroup
Board Member	Carmen Garnica	Development Committee, People of Color Caucus
Board Member	James Draznin	Development Committee
Board Member	Thomas Martinez	Development Committee, Engineering Committee, Finance Committee, Governance and Policy Committee, Program Advisory Committee
Board Member	Ethan Scarl	Development Committee, Program Advisory Committee
Board Member	Open
Board Member	Open

(Bold committee names indicate who are the board liaisons to the committee.)

CURRENT KBOO DIRECTORS

Mike Frost, President

I am serving as a member of the KBOO Board of Directors. My interest is driven by a desire to give back to the community and support under-represented groups.

I have worked in the technical aspects of audio manufacturing since 1985 which has given me a thorough understanding of audio technology. I have recent experience as a project manager which involved communication and mediation among disparate functional groups such as hardware engineering, software engineering, product management, manufacturing operations, customer service. In this role, I was responsible for ensuring that projects were completed on schedule and that they met customer requirements.

I have worked as a live sound engineer for nearly the same amount of time, so I am very experienced in the practical deployment of audio systems. I worked as a live sound engineer for Robyn Shanti when she was promoting a series of folk music events in the basement of the Melody Ballroom many years ago. I’m currently on the roster with frequent gigs as an engineer at Mississippi Studios, Polaris Hall, and Revolution Hall. I occasionally consult with other live music venues as a system engineer, tuning the PA systems for optimum sound quality.

I have always had a progressive mindset which has been amplified by recent events. I attended the first Women’s March in 2016 and the March for Science shortly thereafter. I haven’t had much time for volunteer work although I try to make up for it with recurring donations to organizations such as ACLU, Mother Jones, Planned Parenthood, and Human Rights Campaign.

I believe my mindset and experience will allow me to facilitate communication between the staff and the board regarding technical issues. I’m sure I can contribute as a member of the technical committee. I look forward to serving my community as a member of the KBOO board of directors.

Michael Van Kleeck, Vice President

KBOO is a cornerstone of the beautiful, musical, radical, and weird community that makes Portland the most inviting city in the world for anyone who wants to exist outside of the corporate mainstream. I’ve learned, danced, and been so fired up from the perspectives and content KBOO’s community has brought to life. I’m thrilled to offer my strengths, experiences, and vision to the KBOO Board and the community at large.  

My consciousness has been shaped by radio. My earliest memories are of AM country music, like I now hear every Saturday morning on KBOO. I spent my formative years going to radio stations to watch DJ’s at work and interview music directors. I tried to build an AM transmitter when I was 8, so I could share my music with anyone on my block.

In college I trained to be a radio DJ. Now with Internet radio, I spend my days listening to music from the UK, Europe, and the Pacific Islands; sports from everywhere; and live music and news from Portland on KBOO. Every Saturday at noon I’m tuned in to the Grateful Dead. Every year I listen all weekend long to the Blues Fest. I even keep up my own online radio station, streaming my diverse DJ sets and commentary! Radio makes me human.   KBOO is the pillar of Portland’s independent radio scene. 24 hours a day there’s something on KBOO to twist your brain and upend your perspective.

KBOO’s strength creates room for so many new independent radio stations- KBOO is the spiritual mother to all of Portland’s left dial. KBOO makes space for diverse communities across intersectionalities, and brings new axes of diversity to the forefront. As our human condition evolves, KBOO is the voice for the latest emerging frontiers.   KBOO’s community now stretches far beyond Portland. Our lovely city and state is KBOO”s heart, but our body is the world. We are a force for good beyond the borders of our Portland transmitter, and we are the guiding light for our city. Portland needs a strong, healthy, engaged KBOO.  

I’ve lived in KBOO-land for 30 years, as an English teacher, software engineer, small business owner, DJ, and community activist. I spent several years as a volunteer on boards helping shape Oregon children’s and education poIicy. I was active with Critical Mass and Indymedia in their primes. I’m a passionate biker and a skeptic of the mainstream news. Now I channel my energy into advocacy for keeping people housed through Impact NW.  I love music most of all- all sorts of music. I dance to DJ Anjali on KBOO. I shower to folk music in the mornings. I make my own DJ sets. I know how to build community- through emphasizing and building each other’s strengths. I’m well-enough known in political and business circles to get the attention of those who can fuel KBOO’s mission.  

I love Portland, I love Oregon, and I love KBOO. I hope you’ll elect me to carry KBOO forward!

Joyce Nance, Treasurer

My name is Joyce Nance and I'm a KBOO board member because I believe I can help. My background in various jobs, hobbies, and passions fit with KBOO. I understand KBOO's humble beginnings and its continued path towards growth. I believe in the power of communication and I appreciate KBOO's big tent philosophy and the voice it provides for underrepresented persons and causes in the Portland community

My background helps KBOO in a variety of ways. First of all, I understand business pretty well. I have a bachelor's degree in business/accounting from San Francisco State and worked as a senior accountant for many years. I also ran my own video post-production business for over a decade where I had many employees and performed all of the company's financial, HR, sales, and tech functions for my company.

I've also had many other jobs and endeavors through the years. Right now, I work part time on America's number one progressive talk radio show. It's a Monday thru Friday three hour live show, and as a result of working on this show I have increased both my A/V technical skills and my knowledge of politics. I have a creative side as well. I perform stand up comedy around Portland as well as co-hosting a weekly political podcast called Not Right In The Head. I have written six books, including a couple in the True Crime genre. I am currently serving on the Finance, Engineering, Program, and Executive committees. I'm also the board Treasurer.

Jill Blanchard, Secretary

I was 8 years old when I received my first radio. AM, of course.

I spent hours standing by my bedroom window tuning out the static on a whole new way to experience music, news and storytelling. I couldn’t stop listening even though I’m sure my 8-year-old self didn’t understand most of the content.

Many nights, my parents said goodnight and imagined I would fall asleep listening to the radio. Some mornings, however, they found me – still awake. Still listening from the night before. My parents must have had the “she’ll sleep when she’s tired” attitude as they never discouraged me from tuning in.

The next year, I received an alarm clock radio for my 9th birthday. It’s the only present I remember. Access to the FM dial set my life on a trajectory to listen, learn, and experience as much music as I could. Classical, Gospel, Pop, Reggae, Soul, Blues, Country…. I managed to fit in some news and talk radio from time to time. I might still have that alarm clock radio.

Music is the reason I became a KBOO member. I value music programming that reflects the Portland community. Radical news and public affairs along with the diverse music programming are my motivations for maintaining my KBOO membership. The Movement, Parsing Sound, Tonalli, and Afro-tainment are my favorite broadcasts.

I have been a Portland resident since 2003. Over the years, my relationship with KBOO has grown – first I was a listener, then I became a member. In 2016, I increased my support for the station by becoming a volunteer. 6 years later I was appointed to KBOO’s Board of Directors. I am now beginning, in fiscal year 2024-25, my second 3-year term.

As a volunteer with KBOO I worked with the Development & Events Committee. I led the planning team for the KBOO’s 50th Anniversary Block Party and have supported Book & Record Sales along with other community events. I have also participated in phone-banking activities for drives.

As a KBOO Director I serve on committees including the Development Committee, Nominating Committee, Finance Committee and Governance and Policy Committee. I have served on the Executive Committee and Management Bargaining Committees in the past. I also led the planning workgroup for KBOO’s 55th Birthday Block Party.

I have professional experience in project management and strategic planning that I share with KBOO’s Board as it continues work on its new multi-year plan. In my work at KBOO, I pay close attention to justice, equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging (JEDIB) and to KBOO’s Beloved Community commitment.

I have time to serve as a director and a passion for KBOO Community Radio. I will help propel both the Board and KBOO to a successful and strong future.

Ona Harshaw, At-large

I currently volunteer at the station. I arrive on Monday mornings to sort mail, route voicemails and tidy the reception area and entry way. I have noticed that the station is in need and if filling a board position will help support the station then I am willing to serve.

I am currently on the We’Moon Homestead, Estacada, Oregon Board of Trustees working on Finance and Groundskeeper committees. I am a member of the Portland local NAACP Chapter 1120-B, on the ByLaws Special Committee, compiling a document that synthesizes Oregon State Law and the NAACP National ByLaws for use with our local Branch. I participate in The People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond NW Undoing Racism Planning Committee, assisting with a host of duties to strengthen our coalition undoing, unlearning and letting go of the foundational fictions of racism in America. I am also an involved Member-Owner of the People’s Food Co-op.

I fell in love with radio while still in elementary school, sleeping with my transistor radio under my pillow. DJ’s answered letters, responded to requests, and played the music I was waiting for. About the time I became fed up with commercial radio, late in my teens, community radio was being born all across the country. My local stations were WYSO, Antioch College, Yellow Springs, Ohio, and WCSU, Central State University, Wilberforce, Ohio. I began volunteering with WYSO during fund drives in the early 2000’s. In 2004, when I took a position at Antioch College managing a scholarship program that required students to devote volunteer time to community organizations, I encouraged students to spend time at the station, among other volunteer opportunities.

About the same time I had the opportunity to take students, as volunteers, to The Free Press National Conference for Media Reform which were held every couple of years in a different major city. The students and I attended the Memphis conference, and after I left Antioch College I continued to volunteer with the Free Press Conference, attending conferences in Denver and Boston. The conferences introduced me to organizations such as Prometheus, Democracy Now!, and Fairness and Accuracy In Reporting. It was a great opportunity to interact with media personalities, lobbyists and reporters who were working hard to keep radio free from commercial interests. Of course that work is ongoing.

After moving here from Ohio in 2013, I was interested in volunteering with KBOO. I was familiar with KBOO from hearing the Old Mole Variety Hour on WYSO! I took my orientation training in 2017 after I retired and began volunteering in the reception area. Since then I have helped with various fundraising events and kept a steady shift on the reception desk.

Carmen Garnica

My name is Carmen Garnica. I am a long-time Radio Producer in the Spanish Language Tuesday programing at KBOO 90.7 FM. I was invited to become a part ot the Tonalli Radio Co-Op by co- producer Ivonne Rivero, who was aware of the work and community engagement I had been carrying on for many years in the Latinx and Native-American communities.

The purpose of this letter is to let you know I have been invited to be part of this Board of Directors as an Interim Director.I am interested, I have the time and the willingness to learn, participate and contribute my time and vision for a more equitable radio and community organization.

Let me share with you some of my background. I am an immigrant, but have continuously lived in the area for 20+ years. I am the mother of an amazing woman, artist and keeper of the Oregon lands. I am the grandmother of two wonderful children, one of them is challenged by neuro-diversity and living in a world that was not designed for them. I am a keeper of traditions, as per my ancestors in Mexico.

I earn my living through my business, INSOMNIA Art and Culture,an itinerant gift shoppe for the Latinx culture curious. I also work closely with the Indigenous traditions. I cultivate some of the traditional medicines used by my ancestors to heal the body, mind and spirit.

My shop was formerly housed at the M&M Multicultural market, the so-called “Flea Market” in Hillsboro. After the disruption caused by COVID-19, many micro-entrepreneurs like myself simply had to close shop. I was one of many whose rights were trampled by the lack of funds for paying the rent. Business came to a standstill and many of the small and micro-entrepreneurs lost their belongings as well. Most of this went unknown to the authorities and community, with total impunity.

This is one of the reasons why I believe in the power of KBOO and its programming as a link to underserved communities, like mine. I often ask whether people might have to wait six to ten years to learn the English language, but I tell you that WE NEED COMMUNICATION and ACCESS TO THE MEDIA now. This is one of the reasons why KBOO has been so meaningful to communities all across Oregon (and SW Washington!)

I want to thank you for your attention to this letter. I am looking forward to questions in regards to my work at KBOO in these last 7 years, the alternative media and the role of Spanish and the Spanish- speaking communities in Oregon.

Josh Roberts

Greetings! My name is Josh Roberts and I currently serve on the Board of Directors at KBOO. I live with my family in West Linn which has been our home for the better part of 7 years. I currently work as a consultant and project manager for Legacy Medical Group. I have a passion for music that stretches back over 40 years to my childhood in Ohio. My musical interests span most genres but jazz, blues, classic rock, electronic, industrial, alternative, metal, classic country, and folk stand out the most. For my service at KBOO, I’m looking forward to marrying up my love of music with my experience in leadership and governance.

As a past not-for-profit board trustee, I want to bring a host of governance skills to the station. Also, as a community member and volunteer in Portland for the past 23 years, I have a familiarity with our city and region including their progressive and changing atmosphere and special place in the hearts and minds of the community. Finally, as a business leader whose roles have involved embracing creativity and diversity in the workplace, I’ve led or participated in myriad events and activities that celebrate the spectrum of civic interests and cultures.

My current roles on the board include the Programming Advisory Committee and the Strategic Planning Workgroup, in addition to recent work assisting with station manager recruitment and hiring. What I want to do in the near-term is learn as much as possible about the staff and station, as well as get exposure to the spectrum of programming we offer and the community events in which we participate. And as with any position on a governing body, my job will be to listen to and serve the best interests of the station and its listeners.

Ethan Scarl

I had previous experience with KBOO, volunteering some dozen or so years ago, and look forward to renewed involvement. I had worked with the afternoon news team, writing stories and anchoring, writing and narrating a special program on the dubious credentials of election vote counting and tabulation software. I’ve had long-time interest in media, and recently chaired a Media Study Group under a Media “Article” in the Multnomah County Democrats’ platform.

On the more academic side, I participated in all but one of the ground-breaking National Conferences on Media Reform. More recently, I proposed an innovative fundraising method based on my experience with a community station in Huntsville, AL. As background, I have a doctorate in Physics, and a career in Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence).

I have long been active in progressive politics, since the 1970’s campaigning at times for Democrats, Working Family, Progressive, and Green Party candidates, as well candidates of the New Democratic Party (NDP) in British Columbia. I have been active on vote-counting integrity: Your vote should be cast in private and counted in public, but there is nothing public about what happens in a computer’s CPU. I published an essay explaining why no computer count can ever be trusted without auditing, and proposed a bill for Risk-Limited Auditing in Oregon. (Senator Lew Frederick did get enabling legislation for this passed.) I have had extensive experience in hardware diagnosis and participated in automated scheduling software for NASA.

I have had experience in conflict resolution and training in collaborative decision making, and have been through Democracy School sessions. I have been active in environmental issues (the climate crisis being top concern), reproductive health and freedom, and Medicare for all Americans - working with Jobs For Justice’s Health Care Committee. Back now to KBOO, let me close by declaring my commitment to a vivacious, inspiring and (above all) sustainable KBOO community radio, and I will be delighted if chosen to serve with our Board of Directors.

Thomas Martinez

I am honored to work with KBOO as a volunteer host and DJ today, and look forward to increasing my level of service to our community through my participation with the BOD.

I have passionately served our community for decades, from professional fundraising, to volunteering within the recovery community and standing as stage manager for KBOOs 55th Birthday Party. I bring a perspective and voice for the underserved community, have a strong belief that there is ample opportunity for community outreach, and possess an innate passion for the media's potential to have a positive impact on our beloved community.

During the last three and a half years, I have produced content with community outreach programs, recovery community advocates, local and international music acts and performances, anti-gun violence activists, social and political activists, best selling authors, and a variety of holistic health instructors.

Fundraising efforts are an important part of my volunteer work as well. Over the last decade I have fundraised for Mercy Ships, Salvation Army, ASPCA, Buffalo Rescue Mission, Portland Rescue mission - and numerous other rescue missions across the US. I was a professional fundraiser in 2018 for Gateway Communications, which allowed me to learn a great deal about successful fundraising.

Within the recovery community, I am a leader of alumni programs at numerous treatment centers, a recovery mentor, and provide service to centers, NA Activities and Events, adhoc and planning committees. The opportunities and experience provided by my service to the community allows me to face new challenges with excitement and grace.

Enrolling in courses, participating in business meetings, picking up shifts and impromptu shows with KBOO, and joining committees as needed - has allowed my understanding of volunteer opportunities to grow and flourish in ways I never could have imagined.

More recently, by joining the Planning Work Group Committee for the 55-Year KBOO Birthday Party, I was honored to become the stage manager and MC for the event - and truly experience the magic that is KBOO. This role included presenting artists, explaining the event to and booking vendors, introducing performers, being the first contact for performers, managing W4's and payments, coordinating load-n/out logistics, and general stage management.

After producing and airing over 50 programs remotely, the timing was right to start conducting interviews and programs live from the studio. I attended the required classes and have enjoyed the challenges of changing formats. I love a challenge and the opportunity to continue learning. KBOO has freely given me the skills that created a new path and opportunity - and I thrive to give back to KBOO just as freely.

Joining the BOD feels an appropriate next step for my volunteering commitment with KBOO.

I strive to continue being of service in all areas of my life, with KBOO being at the center of my involvement with the community. My hope in moving forward with KBOO, is to be an advocate for the station - by providing my time, experience and love of community - where it is most needed and wanted.

James Draznin

In the face of rising fascism in the U.S. and around the world, KBOO’s commitment to questioning the status quo and broadcasting and streaming progressive alternatives deserves attention.

KBOO’s training of unpaid volunteers in radio operations is also impressive. Don’t we all listen to KBOO because its programs treat our needs by informing us, soothing us, and inspiring us? Imagine a hospital that treats patients and then, free of charge, trains some of those patients to treat, free of charge, other patients.

KBOO’s unusual practice of allowing all members and volunteers to vote for its governing board further cements its standing as a community nonprofit.

These characteristics convinced me to volunteer as a candidate for KBOO’s board of directors. Dammit: I was elected.

I’m happily retired after a career in fundraising for a variety of nonprofits. You know the old saying: “people who can’t do, teach.” Extend that to “people who can’t teach, become charitable fundraisers,” and you understand my background.

More seriously, after 30 years in fundraising, through membership on KBOO’s board of directors and its Development Committee I now hope to share options that, if pursued, will strengthen support of KBOO.

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