Kansas City PBS today announced the appointment of Cara Williams Fry as President and CEO, effective July 20, 2026, marking a new chapter in the station’s leadership.
“We are thrilled to welcome Cara as the next leader of Kansas City PBS,” said David Burke, Board Chair. “Her passion for public media and collaborative approach make her the right person to guide the organization into its next phase. With her deep experience, we look forward to partnering with Cara and the team to continue growing and expanding the vital service Kansas City PBS provides to our community.”
Cara Williams Fry brings a proven record of leadership with deep expertise in strategic vision, journalistic integrity, audience-focused innovation, and multi-platform content strategy. She has held several executive roles in public media, most recently serving as General Manager of Northwest Public Broadcasting (NWPB), a Washington State University licensee that has the ability to reach an audience of more than three million across Washington, Oregon, Idaho and British Columbia.
"The opportunity to lead a community-focused, community-owned and community-operated public media station is an exciting next chapter,” said Fry. “I am thrilled to take on this role and responsibility. My diverse media experience, combined with a deep passion for and understanding of public media, makes me a natural fit with Kansas City PBS.”
During her tenure at Northwest Public Broadcasting (NWPB), Fry led multidisciplinary teams across journalism, digital, creative and education to expand regional storytelling, advance children’s and family initiatives, and strengthen content and fundraising strategies. Under her leadership, NWPB centered its focus on audience trust, content, community and growth.
Prior to NWPB, Fry served as Senior Vice President and Chief Content Officer at WITF Public Media in Pennsylvania, where she co-founded the nonprofit newsroom PA Post and led award-winning storytelling initiatives. She currently serves on the national PBS KIDS Leadership Council, is an NPR Rural Ambassador for the Alliance of Rural Public Media and is the board chair for the Northwest News Network.
Cara Williams Fry joins Kansas City PBS at a pivotal moment for public media and an exciting point in the station’s 60-plus year history. Today, Kansas City PBS serves approximately one million viewers each month and includes more than 40,000 member households, supported by a robust major giving program. In 2021, the station completed a $22 million capital campaign to renovate its headquarters at 31st and Main, upgrade transmission and production infrastructure, and establish the Content Excellence Fund to support local filmmakers. In 2025, Kansas City PBS finalized a $2.5 million transmitter upgrade, securing its broadcast capabilities for the next two decades.
“KCPBS has a long and proud history of serving the Kansas City region, with community at the center of everything it does,” said Fry. “That commitment to public service, along with a strong culture of teamwork, collaboration and partnership, positions the organization for continued growth and success in the years ahead. I am committed to fostering innovation, strengthening community connections and ensuring that KC PBS remains an indispensable resource for audiences across the region.”
Building on a strong foundation, Cara Williams Fry is set to lead Kansas City PBS into its next phase of impact and success.
“I look forward to bringing positive energy and enthusiasm to our staff, members, donors, partners and the entire Kansas City community,” said Fry. “Together, we will continue to inform, inspire, educate and serve. I am eager to get started."