KSER Foundation Public Variety 90.7 KSER Everett/89.9 KXIR Freeland WA has named veteran programmer Garett Michaels as its new General Manager.

Michaels joins KSER from Local Media San Diego where he spent the past decade first as a consultant and later Director of Rock Programming overseeing Alternative “91X” XETRA-FM Tijuana and now-defunct Variety Hits “100.7 Big-FM” KFBG San Diego. as well as hosting mornings for the past few months at XETRA-FM. Michaels has spent his entire career in commercial radio also programming “FM 94/9” KBZT San Diego from 2002-12, Alternative “107.7 The End” KNDD from 2013-15 and 1980s Hits “96.5 The Point” KYPT Seattle in 2000-2002, “Planet 96.3” WPLT Detroit from 1996-2000, “Y100” WPLY Philadelphia from 1993-96. Earlier in his career he held on-air and programming roles at WZPL Indianapolis and in St. Cloud MN, La Crosse WI, and Lancaster PA.

Michaels said, “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. 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.”

Michaels succeeds Tom Clendening, who retired this spring after 13 years as KSER’s General Manager. KSER Program Director Steve Ward has been serving as interim general manager.

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.