Pacifica Forward:
* Expanding National News & Financial Sustainability
* Direct voting for Pacifica National Board (PNB) & Local Station Boards (LSBs)
Below are:
- Our National Officer Candidates
- Station Representative Candidates
- National Paid Staff or Volunteer Team Member Director Candidates
- Links to our Candidates for each station
- Election Timeline
- More about our candidates
Also please see the required disclaimer – in the footer at the bottom of the page, and here.
Vote for these Pacifica Forward Candidates, for the National Board AND for Your Local Station Board.
The Pacifica Foundation will send out online voting information to all members in mid-August, probably both by email and text message – so watch for that.
Click on their names or photos for more information about them, including their candidate statements.
Pacifica National Board (PNB) Officer Candidates:
ALL Pacifica members from ALL stations vote for these.
Our PNB officer candidates:
Chairperson: Susan Young
Vice Chair: Minerva Sanders
Secretary: Akio Tanaka
Treasurer: Fred Dodsworth
PNB Station Representative Candidates:
Listener Members vote for one of these to represent your station on the National Board.
From KPFA: Zack Kaldveer
From KPFK: Jan Goodman
From KPFT: Teresa Allen
PNB Paid Staff or Volunteer Team Member Director Candidates
Pacifica Forward is also supporting candidates for the two Staff/Volunteer Team Member Directors on the new Pacifica National Board.
They will be elected by all paid staff and volunteer team members of all five stations voting together.
Our candidates (please vote for BOTH):
Egberto Willies
Myla Reson
PNB and LSB Candidates for each station for Listeners Lists or Staff & Volunteer Team Lists:
A listing of all our candidates for each station are listed on the separate pages for each station and member type immediately above.
2026 Pacifica Elections Timeline
- June 1 – June 30: Nominations & Candidate Registration – look for your Pacifica Foundation email to access your E Pin and Nomination Link
- June 30: Final Date for Donations for 2026 Voting Membership
- August 15: Voting Begins — Look for your E-Ballot or SMS (text message) voting instructions in August, and Vote
- Voting Ends September 30, 2026 at 11:59 pm Pacific time
- For more information about the election write to us using our Contact form, and watch for official information on the Pacifica Elections web site
More about These Well-Qualified Candidates
Pacifica National Board (PNB) Officer Candidates, for whom all members may vote:
Susan Young for Pacifica National Board (PNB) Chair
I am Susan Young — Current PNB Chair running for reelection as a Pacifica Forward candidate.
Since its founding in 1946, Pacifica has met the challenges of fires, floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, power outages, bombings, financial threats, lawsuits, physical violence against staff, volunteers and board members, dysfunctional bylaws, FCC and IRS compliance issues and the loss of CPB funding.
THE PACIFICA FOUNDATION IS STILL HERE!!!
Listeners, staff, volunteers and donors who have devoted time, heart and treasure to the network and all five stations have made this possible.
Pacifica is uniquely positioned in a dynamic media universe to be a voice against war, domestic violence, discrimination and environmental destruction. The Pacifica Forward coalition works as a team to advance progress in governance, management and financial sustainability needed to uphold our mission and expand national coverage of breaking news produced by five stations and 200+ affiliates around the country and abroad.
Serving as PNB chair since 2024, I have helped:
- End years of costly litigation through mediation and court approved bylaws that permit all members to vote directly for the national and their own local station boards;
- Preserve Pacifica’s priceless archives;
- Reduce Pacifica debt and increase financial accountability and regulatory compliance;
- Establish policies and procedures for hiring capable, productive managers;
- Establish guidelines for safe, respectful and productive meetings.
Now retired, I have served on the boards of Pacifica, KPFT, the ACLU of Texas and organizations for the arts, parks, housing, international relations, voter engagement and neighborhood planning and advocacy. I served on the first KPFT LSB in 2002, three years as Chair, and then on the CAB.
I ran for the LSB after organizing the Cities for Peace effort to oppose waging war on Iraq enlisting the support of 8 courageous Houston City Council members and progressive icons Sissy Farenthold, Archbishop Joseph Fiorenza and Reverend Bill Lawson who spearheaded desegregation in Houston.
I have served on all PNB committees, currently chair the Personnel Committee, and have raised thousands of dollars for Pacifica to help meet financial emergencies and support the programming I cherish on KPFT.
My experience with pubic finance, government, non-profit management and Pacifica governance at the national and local levels have prepared me to serve as PNB Chair protecting the future of Pacifica at this critical moment in national and global history.
Please vote for me and the Pacifica Forward team of candidates who can work together to build on progress in strengthening Pacifica.
Endorsed by Egberto Willies, Brian Edwards Tiekert, Philip Maldari.
Minerva Sanders for PNB Vice Chair
I am Minerva Sanders running for reelection as the PNB Vice Chair with Pacifica Forward candidates.
As Vice Chair since 2024 and a former WPFW Board Chair I champion community outreach and participation. I actively support WBAI’s in-depth independent news reporting and powerful, inspiring music. I look forward to working with all of our Pacifica Stations— collaborating and expanding our social media communications, hosting progressive author, music and film events, fund raising, grant writing and membership building. With the new bylaws we can now roll up our sleeves and get to work letting our diverse communities know about the amazing peace and social justice programming at KPFA, KPFK, KPFT, WPFW and WBAI and the 200+ Pacifica affiliates, and Pacifica’s historic archives.
I have also Chaired the Pacific Audit Committee which is urgently engaged in bringing Pacifica into non profit compliance with the 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 Audits. Our Pacifica Forward coalition is dedicated to strengthening Pacifica operational capacity through fiscal accountability, with new well- functioning accounting software and responsible budgeting to protect our mission and assets. Through responsible fiscal management and improvements we can help Pacifica to realize its potential as a powerful peace and social justice radio network.
I live in the Washington DC area and have recently retired from a career in government service with FEMA. I understand the urgent need for independent media to help keep our communities and families safe and informed in these challenging times.
Please vote for me and Pacifica Forward Candidates. We are endorsed by: Evelia Jones, Brian Edwards-Tiekert, Egberto Willies
Fred Dodsworth for PNB Treasurer
With decades of experience in journalism, everything from the business of publishing to the hard work of daily journalism, I know the media business first hand.
Additionally, as a long time Pacifica fan and listener, I know what it once was and can still be. America needs the voices and ideas Pacifica offers more now than ever before and I’m here to do everything I can to see the network survives and thrives.
For the past five years, as a member of the KPFA Local Station Board and as an elected delegate to the Pacifica National Board I’ve worked hard to insure that the network endures, and as important, grows and responds to the needs of these times. I’ve been bringing order and fiscal management to the Pacific Network in my role on the PNB member, including as chair of the Governance Committee, current chair of the Finance Committee, and as a voting member of the Personnel Committee. I have worked with delegates from the other stations and the affiliates to see that they are getting the support they need.
As the chair of the National Finance Committee, I’ve worked with the Pacifica National Board, the local station managers and the Executive Director to make sure we have up-to-date financials allowing us to work together to make sure each station has the tools it needs to remain on the air.
We have been building a network-wide news team that unites and coordinates our terrestrial stations with our 300 affiliates. Pacifica is a truth and integrity oasis in a sea of dishonest, divisive broadcast media. Pacifica’s critical network is situated, both on the radio waves and on the internet to connect us all, giving us the tools to see our nation lives up to its professed ideals.
If I’m elected Treasurer I will see our tools are up to date and accurate so that we can ensure our survival as a voice of peace and freedom in this nation.
Akio Tanaka for PNB Secretary
I am Akio Tanaka—current PNB Recording Secretary and a PNB Secretary candidate with the Pacifica Forward Coalition. I help to ensure that meeting decisions are recorded and available to listeners and staff and have helped to update past records.
I work with our national Pacifica Forward Coalition and others across the network to foster collaboration among board members, staff, volunteers, management and the listeners from all of the Pacifica stations and 200+ affiliates to meet the challenges ahead.
Many conflicts and legal challenges have been resolved through board training and mediation initiated by the Pacifica Forward Coalition. I appreciate that board meetings are more productive and respectful This past year the PNB and our local boards began implementing the 2025 Pacifica Bylaws which support democratic direct member voting for board members and decision making by majority vote.
With the implementation of new policies Pacifica operations are expanding and becoming more productive. After the 2025 LA fires and violent immigration raids Pacifica Forward board members began advocating for a strong Pacifica National News Team capable of responding to the daily emergency events that are unfolding across the country. And now, Pacifica News Team members from all of the stations meet weekly and produce headlines and coverage of major events in collaboration with the Pacifica Affiliates.
Please help Pacifica Forward to continue to build unity and expanding the network in these challenging times. Please nominate, vote and ask others to support me and Pacifica Forward candidates, endorsed by KPFA Protectors, Brian Edwards Tiekert, Philip Maldari, Sasha Lilley, Evelia Jones, Egberto Willies
Pacifica National Board Paid Staff or Volunteer Team Members – please vote for ALL the PNB Officers above, plus these candidates:
Egberto Willies AND Myla Reson for PNB Representatives (Vote for BOTH)
Egberto Willies for one of two PNB Representatives for Paid Staff & Volunteer Team Members
As the host of the daily morning program Politics Done Right, I have built and integrated an on-air and online presence that extends the reach of the airwaves, creating a continually intersecting community I consider access to the airwaves a privilege and as such treat my access to it with the respect it deserves my ensuring anyone listening feels that they have the have heard will enhance there understanding of any of the many political issues that we are surrounded by.
The goal as a staff rep on the PNB will be to listen to those throughout the network and offer advice and suggestions, based on my experiences with the public at large, to ensure the network remains a valued asset to the entire community, in line with our foundation’s values.
The media landscape is not changing; it has changed. I have used my daily program at KPFT, along with my online presence, to integrate various streams into a single platform. As such, our little KPFT station has brought in listeners/viewers from across the country and around the world on a daily basis.
Reaching a new audience does not require abandoning the previous audience; it means integrating them. I hope that, as a member of the PNB who listens to all inputs, we find ways not just to integrate one program or station with its audience, but to integrate the entire network into an integral, common cause aligned with our values in a forward-looking manner.
I have written several books and have been a member of several organizations, Move to Amend, Coffee Party USA, Houston Peace and Justice Center, KPFT LSB, Pacifica National Board Member, and many other movement organizations where communication is imperative. I want to bring the skills I have developed over the years to invite EVERYONE to the table and ensure ALL feel respected.
Myla Reson for one of two PNB Representatives for Paid Staff & Volunteer Team Members
I’m Myla Reson, running for reelection to represent staff and team volunteers on the PNB with Pacifica Forward candidates.
Along with Harvey Wasserman I co-produce California Solartopia/the Solartopia Show on KPFK & the Pacifica Affiliate Network.
With Earth at the brink of Apocalypse, energy issues dominate California, the nation & the world. California Solartopia breaks down our fiercest ecological battles — nuclear threats, defending wetlands, stopping plastics, fracking, and the political cronyism gutting nuclear safety while attacking solar/wind/geothermal/battery solutions.
Working together with national board directors from Pacifica’s five sister stations and the Pacifica Affiliate Network we’ve ended three years of litigation with court approved bylaws that empower members to vote directly for the national and local station boards.
Our combined efforts have resulted in reducing Pacifica’s overall debt with greater financial accountability.
We’re rebuilding Pacifica’s national news with our 5 sister stations and 200 plus affiliates.
I see our news coverage as the crown jewel in our media project.
I’ve often said I was educated at the University of Pacifica Radio. That education began over 60 years ago when I was still in high school listening to the music of Paul Robeson and Pete Seegar on KPFK.
I owe a great debt of gratitude to the many thoughtful and provocative programmers who over the years helped me understand the importance of working together to make our world a better place. I support the editorial freedom of Pacifica Staff.
I ask that you vote for me, as well as all candidates endorsed by Pacifica Forward for their records of service and teamwork.
Individual Stations’ Listener Representative Candidates for the Pacifica National Board (PNB)
Listener Members from each station should vote for the representative from their station, below.
Zack Kaldveer for KPFA’s Listener Representative on the PNB
I am Zack Kaldveer, running for reelection to the Pacifica National Board as part of the Pacifica Forward team.
America’s corporate media increasingly fail to hold power accountable. Right-wing media openly traffic in propaganda and disinformation, while much of corporate media narrows debate, promotes false equivalencies, and often ignores the structural issues shaping our lives.
That is why independent media remains essential.
For more than 75 years, Pacifica has provided courageous journalism and a platform for voices and movements too often excluded from mainstream discourse. From civil rights and anti-war organizing to climate justice, labor rights, and peace advocacy, Pacifica has helped build a more informed and engaged public.
Today we face another historic inflection point.
At a time when media ownership is increasingly concentrated, disinformation is proliferating, democratic institutions face growing pressure, and authoritarian movements are gaining strength around the world, independent media are not a luxury—they are a necessity.
We need journalism willing to investigate power, challenge dominant narratives, amplify community voices, and connect movements working for justice and democracy.
As your representative on the KPFA and PNB boards, over the past two years, I have helped:
- Restore Good Governance – I helped resolve serious problems affecting the audit process, strengthen oversight, and improve organizational accountability.
- Enact the 2025 Bylaws Reforms – I supported the revised bylaws to bring greater efficiency, accountability, and democratic representation to Pacifica governance.
- Built a More Respectful Culture – I supported (and authored) reforms that encourage civil, productive meetings, reduce disruptive behavior, and create more opportunities for community organizations and listeners to participate meaningfully.
- Protected Editorial Independence – The editorial freedom of staff and programmers and support high-quality programming that reflects KPFA’s mission of independent, community-based journalism and public affairs is paramount, and we protected it.
But much work remains. We must rebuild audience and membership growth, expand local and investigative journalism, strengthen national programming, modernize our digital presence, reach younger audiences, preserve Pacifica’s independence, and ensure every station contributes to a sustainable future.
I will: - Advance Financial Stability and Accountability – Pacifica continues to face significant financial challenges, including debt incurred by other stations. We support responsible financial management, transparency, and long-term sustainability so the network can continue serving listeners for generations to come.
- Ensure Fairness Across the Network – I believe every station should contribute its fair share toward national services and operate in a financially responsible manner. A stronger Pacifica requires accountability at every level.
- Protect Staff, Volunteers, and Community Members – I oppose personal attacks, intimidation, and false accusations that undermine constructive dialogue and distract from Pacifica’s mission.
Pacifica still possesses one of the largest independent radio infrastructures in America. The question is whether we will fully realize its potential.
I am proud of the progress we’ve made and excited about what comes next.
I’m endorsed by Norman Solomon, Jeff Cohen, and Sonali Kolhatkar, as well as KPFA’s Brian Edwards-Tiekert, and Aileen Alfandary.
Vote for Zack Kaldveer and the Pacifica Forward slate.
Jan Goodman for KPFK’s Listener Representative on the PNB
I’m a lawyer, activist, and longtime KPFK/Pacifica volunteer running again for the Pacifica National Board.
KPFK is still one of the most important progressive media institutions in Los Angeles. KPFK, the Pacifica Foundation and all independent media are at risk now and are worth fighting for as the democratic structure of our country is under siege.
I AM ENDORSED BY IAN MASTERS, MAGGIE LEPIQUE, ALAN MINSKY, “BUZZ” (SOMETHING’S HAPPENING*) AND EARL OFARI HUTCHINSON, (AMONG MANY OTHERS).
I helped to found New Day Pacifica and Pacifica Forward—coalitions of listeners, staff, volunteers, and activists from all five Pacifica stations who share a common goal: making sure Pacifica survives, grows, and fulfills its mission.
That means:
• Building a national news team capable of covering major stories from a grassroots perspective
• Preserving and expanding access to Pacifica’s extraordinary archives
• Strengthening intellectually and culturally diverse programming
• Bringing Pacifica onto new digital and media platforms
• Creating training opportunities for young people and emerging broadcasters
• Building partnerships with unions, community organizations, artists, and changemakers across the country
• Improving fundraising and long-term financial sustainability
I’VE SUPPORTED KPFK AS A BOARD MEMBER, PRO BONO ATTORNEY, VOLUNTEER FUNDRAISER, EVENT ORGANIZER, PHONE BANKER & OUTREACH VOLUNTEER.
For 20 years, Pacifica operated under a governance structure involving 122 board members managing Pacifica’s media assets worth over $65 million. The structure fostered: overlapping authority, endless procedural conflict, management instability, declining listenership, and recurring financial crises.
In response to the organizational dysfunction a group of members initiated New Day Pacifica bylaws reform—dedicated to simplifying Pacifica’s governance while preserving its democratic character.
After a membership vote, years of litigation commenced by Pacifica, mediation, and ultimately a settlement, many reforms have now been incorporated into Pacifica’s bylaws. with a far more workable 15-member Pacifica National Board directly elected by listeners and staff and a new focus on outreach, fundraising and community needs assessment for Local Station Boards.
PUBLIC-INTEREST ADVOCACY AND ORGANIZING EXPERIENCE
- President, National Lawyers Guild–Los Angeles
- Co-Founder and Executive Director, Paul Robeson Community Center and Robeson Youth Radio Training Project
- I’m an activist “BERNIE-CRAT”
- Work with SHARON KYLE of LA Progressive on Left Coast Forum & Etc.
- Chair, Sunset Hall Retirement Home for Ageless Radicals
- Director, San Bernardino County Legal Aid Society
- Co-Founder, Working Peoples’ Law Center
- Attorney, Greater Watts Justice Center
I grew up in Watts in a biracial activist family. My stepfather fought to become the first African-American member of the Printers Union in Los Angeles. From an early age, I learned that racial justice, economic justice, and community solidarity are not abstract ideals. They are things people build together—and defend together.
This election will help determine whether Pacifica continues moving toward stability, growth, and relevance—or slips back into the dysfunction that nearly overwhelmed it.
If you treasure independent media please help us to build a strong, unified Pacifica network at this urgent time.
PLEASE VOTE for me, JAN GOODMAN, and for all of the NEW DAY PACIFICA and PACIFICA FORWARD Candidates.
Teresa Allen for KPFT’s Listener Representative on the PNB
I am Teresa Allen, running as a Pacifica Forward candidate because I believe Pacifica’s future depends on strong governance, community engagement, financial responsibility, and a continued commitment to the unique programming that listeners cannot find anywhere else.
My years of service on the KPFT Local Station Board and the Pacifica National Board have made me aware of this nonprofit’s challenges in budgeting, personnel matters, fundraising, outreach, and strategic planning. Having served on major committees and having chaired the Personnel Committee and Affiliate Task force, I understand both the challenges and opportunities facing Pacifica today.
As your representative on the Pacifica National Board, I will continue working to strengthen financial stability, support effective management, increase listener engagement, and build stronger relationships with Pacifica’s affiliate stations. I constantly work to reconnect former supporters, welcome new audiences, and expanding partnerships throughout our communities.
The Pacifica Mission promotes educating, training, encouraging dialogue and certainly empowering people in community. I believe that an informed citizenry is essential to democracy and that the Pacifica Mission Statement promotes news and public affairs beyond sound-bytes and untainted by corporate influence. We must help people dialogue, perform critical analysis, educate themselves and interact in community– outside of strained civic structures and political pressure. I am very proud of our programs such as the Prison Show, Queer Voices, Execution Watch, Politics Done Right, Democracy Now!, and superb locally-generated shows as well as syndicated programs.
KPFT’s rich music tradition is one of its greatest strengths. As someone who co-produces a nonprofit music venue and raises money for charity, I understand the important role that independent music plays in building culture and community. I will advocate for policies that support local artists, preserve our diverse music programming, and ensure that Pacifica remains a home for creative voices that commercial media too often overlook.
KPFT has always been more than a radio station. It is a community institution built by volunteers, listeners, activists, musicians, and supporters. I bring decades of experience, a proven record of service, and a commitment to working collaboratively to help Pacifica thrive for future generations.
I respectfully ask for your vote for Teresa Allen and all Pacifica Forward candidates.