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.
Media Coverage
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"
KSDK - "President, CEO of Nine Network passes away at age 71"
St. Louis Business Journal - "Nine Network CEO Jack Galmiche dies at 71"
a huge loss to public broadcasting: Jack Galmiche stood for the best in what we do https://t.co/ckAGLUyjsZ
— Judy Woodruff (@JudyWoodruff) April 17, 2019
My prayers to the family and friends of Nine Network on the passing of CEO JACK GALMICHE. Jack, thank you for giving me the opportunity to tell my story about my Dropout Prevention Program in the SLPS. You and channel 9 selected me as the 1st America Graduate in 2015. pic.twitter.com/KZDrvrHU0Y
— ADIDAZ BEAN (@STLBEAN) April 17, 2019
MPB offers its sincere condolences to staff of @TheNineNetwork in St. Louis, Missouri in the loss of the station’s CEO Jack Galmiche. Jack, pictured center, was a true champion and ambassador for public media and one of the most respected leaders in the industry. #MPBOnlinepic.twitter.com/dFKObYmlQ2
— MSPublicBroadcasting (@MPBOnline) April 17, 2019
We at America’s Public Television Stations are heartbroken by the news of Jack Galmiche’s passing. Jack made @TheNineNetwork a showcase of local public service and it was our honor to present him with the Pillar of Public Service award. https://t.co/fjLftp9FZKpic.twitter.com/DCnb0wgKzJ
— APTS (@aptstweet) April 19, 2019
We are heartbroken over this news and are keeping Jack's family and members of the Nine Network in our thoughts. https://t.co/VhaVtNYsI4
— NETAPublic (@NETA_Tweets) April 17, 2019
Our condolences to the family and friends of Jack Galmiche, a SLU soccer alumni and recent inductee into the Billiken Hall of Fame. Mr. Galmiche made a lasting impact in our great sport, and in our great city. He will be missed. https://t.co/ubLy4uyskx
— SLU Men's Soccer (@SLUMensSoccer) April 17, 2019
All of us at the SLSO mourn the passing of Jack Galmiche. The Nine Network and SLSO are close partners. Jack was a great advocate for the SLSO, for our amazing St. Louis arts & cultural communities and for Grand Center. He will be missed. https://t.co/guC6Yuxcuspic.twitter.com/q8sCu94OmA
— St. Louis Symphony (@slso) April 18, 2019
St. Louis and public broadcasting both have lost a giant force and a tremendous person with the passing of @TheNineNetwork's Jack Galmiche.
— Lisa Desjardins (@LisaDNews) April 17, 2019
To Rosemary and all our friends at Nine Network, I just want to say how sad I am to have heard this.
My heart is with the @TheNineNetwork family. Jack was a mentor, a champion, a leader. He made an indelible mark on St. Louis and we are all the beneficiaries of his dedication to create positive change through public media. https://t.co/182x9FzsTq
— Catherine Neville (@cat_neville) April 17, 2019