Luis Estrada sits at the control board inside the studio. Estrada will begin serving as general manager of KVMR 89.5 Community Radio on March 2. Photo courtesy of KVMR

NEVADA CITY, CA (MPG) - KVMR 89.5 Community Radio has named Luis Estrada as its next general manager. He will begin March 2.

Estrada comes to Nevada County from KPBS in San Diego, where he worked more than 11 years in membership, fundraising and on-air campaigns for PBS and NPR programming. He brings more than 20 years of experience in public media, nonprofit development and community engagement.

Frank Williford, president of the KVMR Board of Directors, said Estrada’s background aligns with the station’s mission as a listener-supported broadcaster.

“Luis brings a deep commitment to public media, a collaborative leadership style, and a genuine respect for the role community radio plays in connecting people,” Williford said. “We’re excited to work together to strengthen KVMR and our relationship with the Nevada County community and beyond.”

At KPBS, Estrada served as on-air fundraising manager and senior producer. He led strategy and production for membership campaigns across television, radio and digital platforms. He also managed gift fulfillment, volunteer coordination and special programming. Most recently, he served as member acquisition manager and senior producer.

Estrada also founded ES Creative Gang, a bilingual creative production company. His work has included broadcast campaigns, feature films and nonprofit media projects.

“KVMR represents the very best of what community radio can be — local, independent, creative, and deeply rooted in service,” Estrada said. “I’m humbled and excited to join the KVMR team and look forward to partnering with the community in service of the mission.”

KVMR began broadcasting in 1978 from Banner Mountain. The nonprofit station operates KVMR and KVMRx and provides programming 24 hours a day. More than 200 volunteers contribute to its broadcasts.

As general manager, Estrada will oversee station operations, support staff and volunteers and focus on long-term sustainability and community engagement.