“Patrick’s agreement to stay on helps to ensure KHSU’s continuing success and preserves the continuity of the station’s leadership,” said HSU Vice President for Advancement Rob Gunsalus, who named Cleary interim general manager in mid-August, 2008. “In barely nine months, his skill and experience as a radio executive and financial expert have had a major impact on strengthening the station’s future.
The national search for a permanent general manager will begin in 2010, Gunsalus added, and Cleary will assist with it.
The announcement comes on the heels of KHSU’s most successful spring pledge drive, despite the severe recession. The latest fundraising effort generated $95,000, a record for the University radio station, which is a long-time NPR affiliate. Underwriting also has increased this year.
Cleary said, “While KHSU has made enormous strides towards financial stability, the station still has a long way to go. We face continued upward pressures from programming costs and technical expenditures, while the economy is putting intense pressure on HSU to reduce its budgets, especially in areas that are not directly related to instruction, like KHSU.
“Regardless of those circumstances,” Cleary said, “KHSU continues to provide high-quality programming that attracts more listeners than any station on the North Coast. And it provides in-depth news and coverage of issues often not found on commercial stations.”
Cleary said he enjoys working with the staff and volunteers, “and I am grateful to the many donors and underwriters for their support of the station.”
Currently chair of the Headwaters Fund Board, Cleary also serves on the Humboldt Area Foundation’s investment and audit committees and the audit committee of Six Rivers Planned Parenthood. He has been president of the Humboldt Folk Life Society since 2001.