Ben Trefny

My current job title is Executive Producer of KALW. That means lots of things.

I've worked here since 2003. As Executive News Editor and then News Director, I helped our news department win numerous regional and national awards for long- and short-form journalism. I've also helped create numerous training programs — for teenagers, incarcerated people, and early-career journalists — and have taught hundreds of audio producers. I served as interim Executive Director for nearly two years.

My work is currently focused on creating original live events, programming, and building partnerships with like-minded organizations. I oversee KALW's community space at 220 Montgomery Street in downtown San Francisco where I organize town hall conversations, film screenings, literature readings, concerts, and fundraisers. I also curate the 111 Minna Street stage for Downtown First Thursdays and partner with organizations including the Cal Academy of Sciences, Live Free USA, Manny's, and others in developing programming.

I currently serve on the Journalism and Media Ethics Council at Santa Clara University's Markkula Center for Applied Ethics. I'm a board member with the Northern California chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists and served that organization as president for four years. And I'm a Maynard 200 Fellow.

I live with my wife near San Francisco's Ocean Beach and spend as much time as I can outside.

You can reach me at ben.trefny@kalw.org.