David C. Blowers named board chair at WTTW, WFMT

WTTW WFMT

David C. Blowers, a Northern Trust executive and vice chair of the Window to the World Communications board of trustees, is moving up to board chair of the parent company of public TV WTTW-Channel 11 and classical music radio WFMT 98.7-FM.

Effective July 1, Blowers will succeed outgoing chair James W. Mabie, who has headed the board since 2014.

David C. Blowers

“This is an important time for WTTW and WFMT as our community turns to us for essential news and information, trusted educational programming for kids and families, immersive entertainment, and beautiful and inspiring classical music," president and CEO Sandra Cordova Micek said in a statement.

"Dave’s demonstrated commitment to the purpose and mission of WTTW and WFMT for the past two decades will serve us well as we face the future. I look forward to collaborating with him as we execute our three-year strategic plan while serving the public. Together, we will work to enrich lives, engage communities, and inspire exploration.”

Blowers joined the board in 2002 and has served as chair of its development and governance committees.

A graduate of Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin, and the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, Blowers is an executive vice president at Northern Trust and president of National Services Wealth Management at the company. He also serves on the boards of numerous philanthropic organizations.

“I am a believer in what WTTW and WFMT represent to our city and region – independent media content that stands out in the marketplace, is trusted by the community, provides access to the arts and education, and explores the stories of Chicago and beyond with depth, creativity, and purpose,” Blowers said.

“I thank Jim Mabie for his stellar leadership of these two leading organizations over the past six years, and look forward to working with and learning from the staff and trustees.”