George Preston Named CEO at KMFA-FM in Austin

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, January 13, 2023 | 1:20am CT

George Preston

KMFA-FM/Austin appoints 30-year radio vet George Preston as Chief Executive Officer for the 56-year-old Austin Classical station. He's set to join KMFA at the end of January, 2023 and succeeds President and General Manager Ann Hume Wilson, who led KMFA for 10 years. After assuming his new role at KMFA, Preston will be responsible for the overall strategic, operational, financial and managerial leadership.

"George comes to us with exceptional experience leading a classical radio station," said KMFA Board Chair Soriya Estes. "One of KMFA's central goals is to increase our community partnerships as a collaborator both inside and outside the Austin arts community. He has a deep understanding of the classical music landscape and possesses the qualities needed to expand and engage our listening audience size and diversity in the coming years in Austin, Central Texas, and beyond."

In his current role since 2019 as VP of Radio and General Manager at WFMT/Chicago, Preston has led the station's very on-air fundraising programs while cultivating major donors. He also heads the WFMT Radio Network, the national syndication division of WFMT.

"The potential for growth at KMFA is unlimited," said Preston. "The station already has an impressive legacy in one of America's great music capitals. The gorgeous facility, including the spectacular Draylen Mason Studio, and the dynamic and talented team of staff and board, have KMFA positioned to be a national leader in Classical Radio."

In 2009, Preston could be heard on-air at WFMT as the afternoon host. He also hosted and produced the internationally syndicated Lyric Opera of Chicago broadcasts. Prior to arriving at WFMT, Preston was a host and Music Director for WNYC/New York's primary NPR station, where he supervised the music staff and produced a wide array of live concert broadcasts, festivals, and specials.

Between stints at WFMT, he served as the General Manager of Classical KCME/Colorado Springs, where he added a full-time jazz service. He started his career at WXCR/Safety Harbor, FL, a commercial classical station serving the Tampa Bay and was also a program host and producer, Music Director and assistant Program Director for WBUR/Boston.