Pat Kerrigan is a third-generation San Franciscan, who came to Sonoma County with her eye (and ear) on radio. In 1980, she began her broadcasting career at a top-40 station: 92.9, which became the frequency for Froggy 92.9. In 1983, she became co-host of KZST’s morning show and added promotions director to her resume. In 1987, Pat moved to country’s Q105, where she hosted the morning show for the next 12 years. Promotion of the radio station evolved into an enormous commitment to public service and serving dozens of Sonoma County’s non-profit organizations. In 2001, Pat heard a local doctor speak about the need for a non-profit breast care center for women, and went to work. She procured the talents of Lily Tomlin (who performed for free), and raised a quarter-million dollars in one night: seed money for the Sutter Breast Care Center, which has been in full operation for more than a decade. In 2002, she moved to 97.7: she was behind the morning microphone as the oldies station was replaced by the very successful 97.7 The River. There, she initiated events like “Kerrigan’s Kids,” which provided a holiday celebration for 100 underprivileged kids. She also partnered with NBC to create a fund-raising event celebrating the final episode of “Friends.” Pat took a break a few years back to concentrate on taking care of her parents. Now she’s back, proudly anchoring the morning news on the historic airwaves of KSRO.

When the wildfires hit the North Bay in October, Pat was in the studio by midnight and spent the next 24 days on the air. She was the voice of Sonoma County when most other modes of communication were unavailable. Pat provided accurate information, comfort and compassion to the hundreds of thousands who ached to know what was going on. Since then, Pat as expanded her morning show by an hour to accommodate the many issues involved as Sonoma County recovers from this unparalleled disaster. She has become an advocate and a leader in the county, holding leadership accountable to the benefit of her beloved community.