Administration
Jack Allen
President & CEO
As a kid, I kept a journal of far-flung stations, Rio de Janeiro, Moscow, miraculously wafting into my Shenandoah Valley bedroom on shortwave. Radio was a constant companion throughout my life, always there, always mesmerizing. As an adult, it was a no-brainer to make radio my primary focus and career. The fairly auspicious beginning was around 1992 at WMRA in my hometown in Virginia. The broadcasting ethers have carried me through myriad stations and roles: nationally syndicated DJ, music director, program director, and general manager. I've had stints at Minnesota Public Radio in St. Paul and KMFA in Austin. With nearly 5 years under my belt at All Classical, I can say I've truly grown to love the Pacific Northwest, our incredible broadcast team, and savor the unparalleled support this rare classical music station enjoys. When not ‘making radio’ I enjoy assisting with the national radio blog Scanning the Dial, playing chess, and seeing films. Ironically, radio has now allowed me to actually travel to some of those exotic, far-flung places I used to tune-in via shortwave. Through All Classical's marvelous cultural travel program, I've now lead groups of donors to South Africa, Poland, Germany, The Czech Republic, Ireland, Scotland, and New Zealand. This coming year, fall of 2013, I look forward to traveling with our evening host, John Burk and a group of donors to Barcelona and the South of France. Care to join us? If not, I’ll see you on the radio!
Kelly Palin
CFO
I graduated from Portland State University with a BS in Business, with emphasis in Accounting. My first several years out of college were in public accounting; I then transitioned to private industry—both for-profit and not- for-profit organizations.
My career at All Classical began in July of 2010, and what a life-changing event that was. I work with a wonderful team, all dedicated experts in their field and deeply loyal to the station. I wasn’t a classical music listener before joining All Classical, but feel like I’ve been on the immersion method of learning, since then. 89.9 is now a pre-set on my radio dial.
I was born and raised in the Portland area, am an avid gardener, and the mother of two daughters who are a constant reminder of how meaningful and diverse life can be. I share a house in Beaverton with my youngest, an enthusiastic cocker spaniel (who is also a great running partner!), a feisty tabby cat, and a friendly bearded dragon.
Andrea Rennie
Executive Assistant
I first came to All Classical to work in the Membership department in August of 2007. I can’t believe that it has been five full years since my first day at Portland’s best radio station! Now working directly with Jack, I’m learning so much about the art of radio, management, fundraising and leadership. My role at the station allows me to have my finger on the pulse of everything we’re working on, while being surrounded by the best broadcasters in the biz. My career in not-for-profit, independent classical radio started because of my roots as a violist and percussionist, which lead to a desire to preserve and grow our country’s arts institutions by mastering the business side of music. My passion for all things administrative has lead me to pursue a Master’s in Business Administration in Nonprofit Management degree at the University of Portland, graduating in 2013. I am a native of the Pacific Northwest, raised in Olympia, WA and a graduated from Washington State University (go cougs!) with a degree in Music Business.
Jenn Woodward
HR & Office Coordinator
Growing up in Texas, I discovered the many joys of classical music via the world of dance. As an adult, I enjoy listening to classical music while in my art studio. As a graduate of the combined degree program of Tufts University/The School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, I obtained my MFA with a focus on drawing, video and installation art. I received my undergraduate degree from Sarah Lawrence College and enjoyed living on the East Coast for many years. Since moving to Portland in 2006, I’ve developed a strong affinity with Oregon’s natural beauty and Portland’s unique and evolving arts culture. I enjoy working with non-profits and helping them get organized and think outside the box. It’s exciting to provide support for the All Classical team and to work with others who care passionately about the arts. When not at the station, I’m making & exhibiting art, hanging out with my techie husband and our entertaining cats and chickens, watching movies, learning to cook with Oregon’s amazing local produce, camping and reading.
Membership
Deborah Rochford
Director of Member Services
With over ten years experience in the nonprofit arena, I use my many talents in managing our membership program at All Classical. I grew up in Oklahoma, and have called Portland home for almost thirteen years. I like to say that I've lived here long enough to have webbed feet. My grandfather was a composer and professor of music and is the main reason I took up the call to help preserve classical music for my community. I feel everyone should have the opportunity to experience the wonder and beauty of music that my grandfather and family gave me. I feel him close every time I turn on the radio. When not working to keep the music alive, I'm with my family hiking up a mountain, gardening, and using my creativity in many artistic projects. Being an avid photographer and nature lover keeps me exploring the wonders of the great Pacific Northwest.
Katherine Lefever
Assistant Director of Member Services
After brief stints at Friends of Chamber Music, the Portland International Piano Festival and the Work for Art Program at the Regional Arts & Cultural Council, I joined the All Classical team in the fall of 2008. My enthusiasm for All Classical’s mission stems from my background in choral and vocal performance. In 2007 I attained a BA from Reed College in music history. Currently I sing soprano in the Portland Symphonic Choir, along with serving on their Board of Directors. When not working or practicing, I enjoy gardening, baking, karaoke, and hearing live music around town. I live in NE Portland with my cat, Squid.
Arianna Avena
Membership Associate
Throughout my life, my love for the fine and performing arts has blossomed into a variety of internships, jobs, volunteer positions and hobbies, bringing me to all corners of the nation; and now all of them have found their home in Portland. Though originally from Davis, California, I moved to Oregon to attend Portland State University, and immediately immersed myself in several fine and performing arts groups on campus. As a PSU student, I spent a summer interning for the Truro Center for the Arts in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, as well as a year studying music at Queens College in New York City. Recently, I have had the great privilege and opportunity to work with Portland Opera. It was at the opera that I gained first hand experience in marketing and fundraising, which did everything to prepare me for my transition to All Classical. I could not be more excited to step into my position as Membership Associate and continue to serve the artistic aspirations of my community with All Classical.
Programming
John Burk
Vice President of Programming
I listened to radio a lot when I was a kid. I used to announce my parent’s 78s and 45s and I would read news magazines out loud, trying to sound like John Cameron Swayze. Then my Great Aunt Inez moved to Ireland and gave me her classical LPs. When I was a student at Northern Michigan University, the kid who did the evening classical show on the college station graduated, and I got drafted to replace him because everyone had heard that opera stuff coming out of my dorm room. Years later, when my son was grown, I realized I had the freedom to move anywhere in the world I wanted. I came to Portland right away. I feel that All Classical FM is where I’m supposed to be.
John serves as weekday evening host from 6 to midnight. He also hosts Northwest Previews which airs Thursdays at 6 p.m.
John Pitman
Music Director
I started working at All Classical (89.9 FM) in 1983; 2013 marks 30 years at the radio station. I haven’t always been Music Director; that post I’ve held since 2006. But prior to that, I’ve been an on-air announcer both part-and-fulltime, and practically from the beginning, I’ve managed the vast classical library. In 1983 that was exclusively on LP, but gradually, the library transformed into an all-CD collection, and I’ve listened to nearly every one of the 25,000 CDs on our shelves. Now, as music director, I carefully craft each hour’s music of a 24-hour day (except for our locally-produced shows; those are chosen by the hosts). This is a big job, to be sure, previewing all the available pieces of music in each hour, and deciding which is the best to follow the preceding selection. That’s what I do each and every day here at All Classical, and it’s a job I love doing.
Though serving principally as music director at All Classical, John also fills in as on-air host during the week as needed.
Robert McBride
Senior Announcer
I have my mom to thank for getting me interested in music and for being the first person to suggest radio as a career. I have both my parents to thank for making possible my degree in music composition, and for patiently supporting me, one way or another, through the many years I played in rock bands. While I failed to become a rock star, I still manage to compose occasionally. After thirty years in radio I still enjoy it! I’m on the air weekday afternoons from 1:00 to 6:00 and Saturday nights from 8:00 to 10:00, when I preside over Club Mod, a program devoted to modern music both old and new. I also enjoy hosting preconcert conversations for the Oregon Symphony and other public speaking opportunities. I’ve been part of the All Classical Portlandia team since 2000, thus setting a new personal record for employment longevity.
Ed Goldberg
I was born in the Bronx and grew up in New York City and Long Island. I lived in Washington, D.C. for 18 years before moving to Portland with my wife in 1991. Music has always been a big part of my life. I started collecting records a year before I had a record player. I have published four detective novels, the first of which won the Shamus Award, and my fifth book came out in September 2012. I brought my movie review program (On The Aisle) to All Classical, in addition to my Author, Author interview program. I teach occasionally and have taught courses in jazz history and the Marx Brothers’ movies.
I am a regular from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sundays, and I also host Saturday Matinee from 10 to 2 p.m. while the Metropolitan Opera is in hiatus.
Andrea Murray
I’ve been producing and hosting public radio programs for 20 years or so. Prior to joining the All Classical staff, I spent 6 years as the arts reporter for WETA in Washington, and was the creator and host of a cultural magazine called “The Program.” I’ve done a lot of freelance work too, for public radio programs including Morning Edition, Studio 360, and All Things Considered. I love radio, music, animals and my mom.
Andrea produces Northwest Previews, which airs Thursdays at 6 p.m.
Listen to Andrea on weekdays from midnight to 5 a.m.
Brandi Parisi
In 2007 the Los Angeles classical station where I was a host decided to change formats to something more lucrative: country music! I took the opportunity to move on to the greener landscape of Portland and All Classical.
I started in radio when I was 17. Prior to L.A. I worked at stations in Orlando and Atlanta, and for six years I was a host and producer on Minnesota Public Radio’s national service, Classical 24. I grew up around New Orleans and Jackson, MS, and was a flute performance-turned-communications major at Ohio University, followed later by graduate school in philosophy at Purdue University. My first post- college job was as a music engineer in the early 90s Atlanta hip hop scene.
In addition to working at All Classical, I teach philosophy at Portland Community College, and I’m a certified yoga instructor. I live with my husband Brice in SE Portland with our dogs, Harper and Truman.
I’m up early and on the air 5 to 9 a.m. weekdays at All Classical, and help with production and programming during more civilized hours.
Edmund Stone
I grew up on an English farm and listened constantly to BBC Radio where I developed an early fascination for entertainment. In my late teens I joined a youth theater and toured in Romeo & Juliet, before moving to Scotland, where my love for radio, film and writing merged together when I became a film correspondent for BBC Radio and Thompson Publications. I needed a larger canvas to work with and moved to Hollywood in 1980, covering the Academy Awards, interviewing Alfred Hitchcock and Mel Blanc, and eventually narrating more than 1,000 educational audio stories. Thirty years later I am still doing the work I love. I host programming on All Classical FM on weekend afternoons and evenings, occasionally emcee events and classical concerts, and sometimes even narrate with orchestras. In 2006 I created The Score, a national (and now international) syndicated film music program, heard on All Classical FM every Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. Writing, producing and hosting this program is a wonderful opportunity for me to share, with listeners, my passion for symphonic music in the movies.
The British, they say, are crazy about their gardens. I am, too. This helped when I begame a vegetarian in 1997 and could grow some of my own food. My childhood love of animals has always made me aware of their importance on our planet. In 1997 I co-founded In Defense of Animals-Africa which operates a chimpanzee rescue center in Cameroon, West Africa.
Edmund writes and hosts The Score, a nationally syndicated film music program, which you can hear every Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m.
Christa Wessel
I love exploring Oregon’s nooks and crannies. Since arriving here in 2007, I’ve fallen particularly hard for the Owyhee desert in the far reaches of Southeast Oregon, the rolling high hills surrounding the Deschutes River, and the magically blue waters of Crater Lake. I love camping and hiking but haven’t yet become the toughened sort of Portlander who trudges out in the rainy season… so instead I spend the winter months sheltered inside our area’s concert halls soaking up local culture.
Another of my favorite hobbies is Divaville (http://divaville.org), a radio show I host on KMHD 89.1. As much as I love celebrating those old jazz vocalists, though, classical music will always be my first love. I had once hoped to be a professional French horn player – I attended Northwestern University with that aspiration, but after I realized how much practicing would be involved I ended up graduating with a degree in Arts Administration instead! I still tootle, though… I play 4th horn for the Sunnyside Symphony Orchestra (http://sunnysidesymphony.org).
You can hear Christa weekdays from 9am-1pm, Saturdays from 5am-10am, and as the host of Played in Oregon on Sundays at 1pm.
Development
James Draznin
Vice President of Development
My earliest classical music memory is of my parents dragging us (why were those dress shirt collars so tight?) to the SF Symphony. While by day my young friends and I “played army” recreating WWII battles against the Axis, during those evenings I couldn’t yet grasp classical music’s power to restore the world, i.e., that a native Austrian and then a native of Japan were directing the music. At home we often listened to a cabinet-sized hi-fi radio.
Turning away from a shot at attending America’s oldest college, I enrolled at one of the newest, UC Santa Cruz, drawn to studying “World Civilization” at UCSC’s first residential college, Cowell, whose motto, the “pursuit of truth in the company of friends” still resonates.
Like the classical literature we studied, classical music is timeless because it is, if not always The Truth, seeking the truth. To offer classical music via 24/7 radio and interactive digital technologies that allow for a global conversation is to pursue truth in the company of All Classical’s erudite hosts, talented staff, dedicated directors, devoted volunteers, generous members, discerning sponsors, listeners worldwide and, as you are reading this, you, friend.
Public Relations
Mary Evjen
Director of Communications and Volunteers
Looking back on my tenure at this radio station, I can truly say things have changed in twenty plus years. Starting as a part-time traffic clerk working noon to 5 daily, and filling many other jobs along the way, my present position as Director of Communications and Volunteers was probably always my secret ultimate goal. Being part of the All Classical family, as an employee and supporter, has enriched my life beyond description.
Favorite spare time activities include enjoying the many delights of our beautifully cool and green Pacific Northwest, spending time with friends and family, taking on more and more difficult knitting projects and enjoying the varied cultural events in our community and beyond.
Underwriting
Eric Behny
Director of Underwriting
I was born in Phoenix, Arizona and grew up in a small farm town in Illinois. In my home, I remember hearing Gilbert & Sullivan’s The Mikado played so often I may have it memorized! I graduated from California State University at Northridge with a degree in Business Administration/Marketing. After college, I worked as an advertising consultant with the NBC television affiliates in Bend, Oregon, Salinas, California, and for FOX-12 KPTV in Portland. I live in Northeast Portland with my wife, 3 children, dog and cat. I enjoy golf, music, reading, running, tennis, travel and horror movies.
Engineering
Larry Holtz
Vice President of Technology
After 11 short years with All Classical, the bigger-than-life little radio station, I continue to improve and fine tune our stations and their web streams and internet websites in order to deliver classical music with the best quality possible. At the same time, I honor our members’ financial commitments by keeping costs low. In recent years, I doubled our Portland station’s power, increased the reach of our Columbia Gorge repeater stations, and added a Lincoln City/Newport station and a McMinnville station. Last winter, I completed our studio upgrade, realizing all-digital for All Classical, and bringing pristine sound to all of us.
With 37 years as engineering director for commercial groups in Seattle and Portland, I consolidated Entercom's seven radio stations into one studio building in Portland. During the 90's I constructed Portland’s West Hills multi-station KGON super tower and orchestrated new studios and transmission facilities around the country. Born in Tacoma, growing up in Seattle, and Moses Lake, WA, I studied engineering at University of Washington, and mentored with the best in the industry. I enjoy our beautiful Pacific Northwest, whitewater rafting, hiking, skiing and high-desert exploration.
Jordan Lewis
Operations Administrator
An Oregon native and graduate of Grant High School, I’ve studied computer engineering at OIT and radio broadcasting at MHCC to bring multiple job skills to the Operations Administrator position. In charge of managing the digital audio delivery system, scheduling/reconciling the traffic logs, and serving as a member of The Score production team, I keep busy by wearing many hats. From weekly show production to the in-house IT duties to assisting the VP of Technology in repairs and installing upgrades, the job is a great blend of radio and computers. I’ve worked previously for KEX and KFXX in Portland, followed by a stint as a remote engineer for KATU-TV News. Five years running my own business as a computer repairman helped me acquire the skills necessary to keep the many computers that run a modern radio station working smoothly. I’m an avid disc golfer, traveling the Northwest to compete in amateur competitions and most weekends can be found on one of the area's great disc golf courses. When not throwing plastic through the air, I collect comic books, read sci fi/fantasy and I’m a rabid NFL football fan and fantasy football junkie. Go Redskins!
Alexander Bighill
Director of New Media
I'm a lifelong Oregonian and I feel very fortunate to call Portland my home. For a large portion of life I was a musician and have always been interested in all forms of art and science. In my 20's, my fascination with digital multimedia and the DIY maker culture led to an interest in technology. My technological path involved IT and networking degrees from Heald College and 5 years at SpireTech (a local ISP datacenter and cloud provider). I consider my current focus on internet architecture and software development ripe with artistic potential --a server network is a symphony and programming code is poetry. As the Director of New Media at All Classical Portland, I enjoy the opportunity to improve this technology that connects us all to the arts and our community.
Independent Contractors
Shari Getz
30th Anniversary Story-Teller
Shari was recently engaged to work on a
year-and-a-half long project to tell the story of
All Classical leading up to our 30th Anniversary
in Summer of 2013. Shari's interviews with
All Classical stakeholders will culminate in a written, video and multimedia celebration of
All Classical's past and present, and provide a glimpse into the future of the station.
About Shari:
A passionate artist, Shari studied at Houston’s High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, St. Edward’s University in Austin, and UCLA, where she received a BA in theater. Shari founded a successful theater company and produced six seasons of original works for family audiences. With the education and experience necessary to ensure an enduring career in the arts, Shari returned to Texas and naturally became Executive Director of the Texas Alliance for Minorities in Engineering (TAME). After a decade, Shari transitioned to project-based consulting. In her spare time, she enjoys playing the piano, teaching acting, and writing for children. She is honored to join the All Classical team, documenting the story behind the station’s first 30 years.