KSER names new GM

(Press Release) Everett-based KSER 90.7 FM has named Garett Michaels as the new general manager of the independent community radio station. Michaels, who starts later this month, was selected by the KSER Foundation board of directors after a national search for a new leader.

Michaels is an accomplished broadcast professional with more than 30 years of diverse programming, management, and on-air experience in Philadelphia, Detroit, Seattle, and San Diego. For most of the past decade, Garett has served as director of rock programming for Local Media San Diego and program director of 100.7 BIG FM and 91X.

He said he’s looking forward to helping lead KSER, which will mark its 35th anniversary in 2026.

“Having lived in the Puget Sound region twice over the last 25 years, I have a deep love and appreciation for the culture, lifestyle and natural beauty of the area,” Michaels said. “As a big fan and supporter of public media, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to transition to this side of the broadcast industry, and I am honored to serve as the next general manager of KSER.

“The passion and dedication of the staff, and the many KSER volunteers is inspiring. I cannot wait to join them in the mission to enrich the communities we serve across Snohomish County and Whidbey Island,” he added.

Michaels succeeds Tom Clendening, who retired this spring after 13 years as KSER’s general manager. Steve Ward, longtime program director at KSER, has served as interim general manager in recent weeks.

KSER, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, covers Snohomish County and surrounding areas on 90.7 FM and broadcasts from a Whidbey Island transmitter on KXIR, 89.9 FM. As an independent public radio station, KSER depends largely on individual donors, underwriting and grants to bring an eclectic mix of music shows and informational programming to Snohomish and Island counties.