WFMT has a new Vice President and General Manager, but it is someone you may recognize! George Preston, who will begin in this position March 1, 2019, returns to WFMT, where he served as the afternoon drive host from 2009 to 2013, and hosted and produced the internationally syndicated Lyric Opera of Chicago broadcasts.
Sandra Cordova Micek, CEO of Window To The World Communications, Inc, the parent organization of WFMT, remarked on Preston’s qualifications for this role, “George is a seasoned radio and classical music leader, and his entrepreneurial spirit, creativity, and collaborative approach make him uniquely qualified to take WFMT successfully into the future. We are thrilled that he will bring his vast experience to WFMT and to the Chicago arts community.”
In his position, Preston will be responsible for strategic programming, production, fundraising, broadcasting operations, and syndication activities for WFMT. Preston returns to WFMT by way of Cheyenne Mountain Public Broadcast House, Inc., where he currently serves as the general manager of Classical KCME, and where he added a full‐time jazz service. Prior to arriving at WFMT in 2009, George was a host and music director for WNYC, New York City’s primary NPR member station, where he supervised the music staff and produced a wide array of live concert broadcasts, festivals, and specials. He started his career at WXCR, in Safety Harbor, Florida, a commercial classical station serving the Tampa Bay market, and before that was a program host and producer, music director, and assistant program director for WBUR in Boston.
A native of West Virginia, George holds music degrees from Oberlin Conservatory, New England Conservatory, and Boston University. A former singer and actor, Preston performed operatic roles including Papageno in Mozart’s The Magic Flute, Figaro in Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro, and Rossini’s The Barber of Seville.
“This is an exciting time for WFMT, and I am honored to be taking on the role of general manager,” said Preston. “It is a privilege to be returning to WFMT, an organization with a great legacy and unlimited possibilities. I hope to bring my passion and audience‐building experience to bear, and I look forward to working with program director David Polk, and WFMT’s entire team.”
