Frank Lanzone

Frank Lanzone was involved in public radio for all of his adult (and not so adult) life.  He served as President and General Manager of KCBX from 1980 - 2026, and continued as Vice President and Executive Director of Live Oak Music Festival until his death in September of 2026.

Before he joined KCBX in 1980, he was manager of Public Radio KCSM serving the San Francisco Bay Area. For several years he instructed TV and radio operation and production classes on the faculty of the Telecommunications Department at the College of San Mateo before moving to California's Central Coast.

Frank was a co-founder of the Live Oak Music Festival in 1988. The festival is a major revenue generator for KCBX, and beloved community and family event.

For many years, Frank served as the President of California Public Radio, an organization that represents the interests of most public radio stations throughout the State. Frank represented other California stations with NPR, the FCC, and other organizations that affect what we provide to our communities.

Frank was incredibly proud of his two children, Brian and Paul Lanzone. Brian and his wife Emily live and work in the San Luis Obispo area, where they are raising their children Kieran and Keely. Paul lives and works in Washington, DC.