Sarah Bignall

Since stepping into the role of CEO/General Manager in early 2022, Sarah Bignall has led Northern Community Radio through a period of significant growth. Under her leadership, the station has expanded its newsroom, launching innovative projects to increase local news coverage across Northern Minnesota. Sarah has also overseen a remarkable growth in the station’s digital presence, with KAXE.org reaching record-breaking levels of audience engagement.

Sarah first joined the station in 2015 and was promoted to Director of Operations in 2016, where she played a key role in shaping on-air programming, managing operations, and coordinating many of the station’s hallmark events. Her diverse professional background — spanning nonprofit management, marketing, grant writing, public relations, and event coordination — has equipped her with the skills to drive innovation and build strong community connections.

A Grand Rapids resident, Sarah enjoys exploring Northern Minnesota’s trails through hiking and biking, indulging her growing love of books and planning travel adventures. She shares her home with her husband and their two lovable yellow labs.