Dave Riek

Dave Riek served as General Manager at KAWC from January 2006 until his retirement in June 2026. He began his work in Yuma as a partnership with NPR member-station, KNAU, at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff. After more than a year splitting his time between the two stations, Dave made the move to Yuma in the summer of 2007.
 
Dave worked as a reporter, news director, producer, recording engineer, and operations manager. At KNAU he led the transition from amateur to professional air staff. Dave also worked on a series of projects to develop a network of repeater stations to bring public radio to communities across northern and central Arizona. He has also worked as a consultant helping develop several public radio stations across the southwest.

During Dave's tenure at KAWC/KOFA, the station grew to include two programming services, KAWC News and KOFA Border Radio. He was responsible for the addition of KAWP 88.9 FM Parker, FM translator, KOFA 94.7 FM Yuma, and KAWQ 90.1 FM Quartzsite.
 
A native of Arizona, Dave spent his childhood in the Phoenix area. He is married to Dr. Ellen Riek, retired Professor of English at Arizona Western College. They enjoy visiting with their three grown children, David, Stephen, and Maggie, whenever possible, and particularly enjoy spending time with their three grandchildren.

More on Dave and his contributions to KAWC:
Dave's Edition: Celebrating Dave Riek on his retirement
KAWC’s Dave Riek honored with Lifetime Service Award