Tami Graham has been tapped to become the executive director of public radio broadcasting operation KSUT.
Graham, who served from 1990 to 1997 as station manager at KDUR-FM, the public radio station based at Fort Lewis College, also was the longtime co-host of “Good Dirt Radio,” which aired for 10 years at a variety of radio stations around the area, including KSUT. Since 2013, she has served as the station’s capital campaign coordinator as it seeks to build a new home.
“Tami will bring leadership and enthusiasm to the executive director position along with her extensive knowledge of the community and surrounding areas,” said Maria Baker, president of the KSUT board of directors. “Tami is the perfect fit for KSUT.”
Graham, who will begin July 18, takes over as KSUT-FM celebrates its 40th anniversary with a series of concerts that Graham helped organize. She has produced dozens of concerts around the area through Tami Graham Presents.
KSUT is particularly known for its multicultural programming through its two stations, KSUT-FM (90.1 and 89.3 in La Plata County) and Southern Ute Tribal Radio (91.3 in Ignacio and Bayfield).
“This couldn’t be a better match for me,” Graham said, “I am coming full circle. You just can’t take the love of public radio away, and this is kind of a dream job.”
Graham, who graduated from Fort Lewis College in 1990 and earned a master’s degree in transpersonal psychology from JFK University in Orinda, California, has been a nonprofit consultant based out of Mancos for more than a decade, offering mediation, training and facilitation services throughout the region.
“Tami possesses all of the skills to guide KSUT into the future,” said Chris Aaland, director of development for the nonprofit. He was a volunteer DJ at KDUR during Graham’s tenure. “She has the uncanny ability to bring people together to achieve a common goal, which is especially important at this critical juncture in our history as we raise funds for our new home. She also has a keen knowledge of the unique music, arts and cultural tastes of the varied Four Corners communities.”
One of Graham’s first responsibilities will be to hire her own replacement as capital campaign coordinator. “We’re still semi in the silent phase of the campaign,” she said, “and we’ve raised about $400,000 out of the $2.2 million we need. That will be a top priority, to get that campaign completed.”
The final construction drawings have been completed by architect Tracy Reynolds, she said. “The other top priority right away will be pulling off in style our 40th-anniversary concert with Michael Franti & Spearhead,” Graham said. “That’s enough to start.”
Southern Ute Tribal Radio Station Manager Sheila Nanaeto has served as interim executive director of KSUT since early February, when Robert Franklin left after one year as director. Nanaeto will continue managing the tribal radio station.
abutler@durangoherald.com
If You Go
Three concerts remain in KSUT-FM’s series celebrating its 40th anniversary:
7 p.m. Friday, in collaboration with Music in the Mountains, trio Harpeth Rising will perform at the Bayfield Performing Arts Center at Bayfield High School. KSUT staff will offer a free barbecue of bratwurst, sides and lemonade starting at 5:30 p.m. before the concert. Tickets are $29 and are available by calling 385-6820 or visiting www.musicinthemountains.com.
1-10 p.m. July 16, also in collaborations with Music in the Mountains, KSUT presents Party in the Park, featuring five musical groups: Cézanne Quartet, Durango FUNK Allstars, Southwest Civic Winds, Jarabe Mexicano and Stooges Brass Band from New Orleans. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the gate, with children 12 and younger free. They are available through Music in the Mountains.
1 p.m. Aug. 6, Michael Franti & Spearhead at Three Springs. Live music begins at 1:30 p.m., Franti takes the stage at 5 p.m. Tickets are $40 general admission, with $100 VIP passes including special seating, beer and wine. Tickets are available at Animas Trading Co., Three Springs Information Office, 125 Mercado St., Suite 119, and online at http://bit.ly/29CWOGi.
