KFAI is pleased to announce that Ahndi M. Fridell is KFAI's new News Director. She began her full-time position this week, after serving as Interim News Director for the past three weeks and as Co-News Director in 2001.

Ahndi has created, produced and hosted a weekly documentary program called the Listening Lounge on KFAI from 2003-2006, in collaboration with Todd Melby. Ahndi's other qualifications/skill sets include:

- starting a producers group to teach and support people in the production of documentary radio;
- grant recipient from Benton Foundation's Sound Partners project for a 30 minute documentary on children's mental health (aired on KFAI in 2001);
- community organizer with the West Calhoun Neighborhood Council, with responsibility for budgeting and implementing neighborhood projects, recruiting new members and volunteers, and writing a quarterly newsletter to communicate with neighbors and local media; and,
-event planning for three street parties in North Minneapolis for 500-1,000 people for the PEACE Foundation, organizing volunteers for five summer events and securing sponsorships and allocating budget to execute associated events.

Ahndi received her M.A. in Public Policy from the Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs, focusing on Environmental and Energy Policy and Economic Development, in 1999. Her B.A. from the University of Wisconsin, WI in 1992 was in the field of Political Science and Journalism.

Please be sure to welcome Ahndi in her newest role at KFAI when you stop by during the 2008 Fall Pledge Drive!