Jack Galmiche, 1948-2019

Nine Network Mourns Passing of Jack Galmiche

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our longtime President and Chief Executive Officer, John (Jack) Galmiche III on April 16, 2019, at the age of 71.

Jack was a strong advocate for the power of public media to be an agent for positive change. Serving the public as President and CEO of Nine inspired him. Jack liked to say that Channel 9 shaped his early learning as a child. His mother turned on Channel 9 for her four sons because it was a safe and trusted place for learning. Her passion for educational television, he said, is what drove his work.

Jack was a native St. Louisan and returned to his hometown in November 2006, from Portland, OR, to take the reins of this venerable institution, founded for and by the community in 1954.

Jack has been a force for positive change at Nine and in the community since he arrived. He focused the station's efforts around new forms of community engagement and expanded the reach of the station's programming and content through four local channels and digital distribution.

“I’m proud to have worked with Jack as a board member. I was blessed to be able to see the impact one can make on the community through public media. Jack was a strong leader. Under his direction, the station flourished. His mission to inspire the community through public media will live on,” said David Steward II, Chair, Nine Network Board of Directors.

Jack championed public media’s American Graduate initiative, early education for our youngest and most vulnerable learners, the local arts, science and technology, entrepreneurship, the environment, and more. He presided over the design and installation of the Public Media Commons, the outdoor plaza between Nine Network and St. Louis Public Radio in Grand Center. He also spearheaded the Nine Center for Public Engagement, a first of its kind community engagement center in the Nine Network.

“Jack was a hard-charging, bright and intelligent leader,” says Board Chair Emeritus Steve Frank. “I am honored that he was my good friend for 30-plus years.”

Jack served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB) before coming to Nine.

Jack was a current board member of Webster University, Public Television Association of Missouri, Grand Center, Inc., and the St. Louis Regional Chamber. He has also served on the boards of the Public Broadcasting Service, American Public Television, Public Television Major Market Group, Public Television Affinity Group Coalition, National Education Telecommunication Association, Integrated Media Association, and the Northwest News Network.

Jack is survived by his wife, Rosemary, four children, Christina, Jennifer, Abigail, and John IV, and seven grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made in Jack Galmiche's name to Nine Network.

Media Coverage

St. Louis Post-Dispatch - "Jack Galmiche, CEO of St. Louis' Nine Network of Public Media, dies at 71"

Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) - "CPB Statement of Condolence on the Death of Jack Galmiche of Nine Network of Public Media"

Current - "Nine Network head Jack Galmiche dies at 71; supported strong engagement work"

America's Public Television Stations (APTS) - "APTS Statement on the Passing of Jack Galmiche"

St. Louis Public Radio - "Obituary: John E. 'Jack' Galmiche III Led Nine Network of Public Media into the Digital Age"

KSDK - "President, CEO of Nine Network passes away at age 71"

St. Louis Business Journal - "Nine Network CEO Jack Galmiche dies at 71"

Webster University - "Webster University Remembers Jack Galmiche, Vice Chair, Nine Network President and CEO"