HPR Chief Jose Fajardo To Step Down
The president and general manager has been public about his battle with Lou Gehrig’s disease.
The Hawaii Public Radio board of directors announced Tuesday that it will launch a nationwide search to replace Jose Fajardo, the president and general manager of the station since May 2016.
Fajardo has Lou Gehrig’s disease, a neurodegenerative disease with no known cure. His last day at HPR will be July 31.
In a press release from HPR, Fajardo was credited with completing the buildout of a statewide network of transmitters, realigning programming schedules on HPR-1 (news, information, entertainment) and HPR-2 (classical music) and making “significant investments” in news, digital content and staff resource.
HPR is debt-free and has $4 million in reserves and a $7 million endowment fund.
“I’ve been fortunate to have enjoyed a four-decade career in radio, my dream job since I was 8 years old,” Fajardo said in a statement. “Along the way, I’ve been privileged to serve in varied and progressively challenging roles. Without question, my role at HPR, and working alongside such a passionate and talented team, has been the most fulfilling.”
Kathryn Matayoshi, HPR board chair, said, “José has put his heart and soul into HPR. His many contributions as a wonderful leader and human being are and will be enjoyed by HPR listeners today — and into the future.”
Before joining HPR, Fajardo was executive vice president for the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce. He also served as president and CEO of WMFE-TV/FM, the member-supported public broadcasting stations for Central Florida.
Fajardo’s broadcast career started in Central Texas. He has served two terms on the board of directors for NPR, and one term on the board of the Association of Public Television Stations.
In 2022, Fajardo received a national leadership award from the Public Radio Regional Organization for his contributions to the field, according to HPR.
Fajardo has been public about his battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis since his diagnosis in 2021.
“I’m a very optimistic person. I haven’t let the disease define me. I don’t sit in the corner, you know, depressed. I still enjoy life,” Fajardo said during HPR’s “The Conversation” last October.
Fajardo’s plans after HPR are undetermined, but he and wife Jennifer plan to continue posting updates at teamjose.com.
