We are saddened to hear José A. Fajardo, former president and general manager of Hawaiʻi Public Radio, has passed away.
José loved radio and the public service radio stations provide to our communities. His dedication to our mission and his leadership extended beyond his more than three decades working at individual stations from Texas to Florida to Hawaiʻi. He served on the NPR Board of Directors from 2000 to 2003 and again from 2007 to 2012, and on the boards of America's Public Television Stations, and Florida Public Broadcasting. He made his ALS diagnosis public and advocated for those living with ALS and for a cure. He was always optimistic and enjoyed his work, his family, his colleagues and the outdoors. He always showed up for critical strategic discussions with his trademark combination of boundless energy, deep knowledge, an appetite for vigorous debate, and unfailing good humor. We will remember Jose with warmth, respect, and gratitude as we continue his important public media work with all of you. Our condolences to his family, HPR staff, and all his many station colleagues and friends.
—Katherine Maher
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