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Tom Smith
"Tom has transformed our department into a lean, mean,
underwriting machine. With his love of detailed reports, he has
encouraged us to look at how we work in a new way that will create
efficiency, greater success, and increased revenue. He is a leader that
advocates for his department, while keeping in mind the big-picture of
the station. He is approachable and always willing to give his advice.
Despite his love of the band 'Rush', Tom is the right person to lead the
Underwriting department into the future."
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Justin Wilmore
"Justin has been a volunteer at KEXP for the past
two years. He got his start as a DJ Assistant for the mid-day show,
transitioned into becoming our programming intern and is now an integral
member of the KEXP team!"
"We have a lot of volunteers at KEXP and so many of them are great,
but very few stand out like Justin Wilmore. Not only is he incredibly
reliable and competent, but I'm not sure that there's anything at the
station that he can't do. I have yet to see it. Add this to his always
positive personality and it's a no-brainer why we at KEXP would want him
hanging around even more."
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Kevin Suggs
"Kevin Suggs is an all around awesome human being. He's
an extraordinary engineer. Not only does he make the KEXP in studios
sound amazing (both in Seattle and on remote locations) but his calm and
welcoming demeanor puts everyone at ease, even in the most stressful of
situations. And, he's the nicest darn fellow you could ever know.
Everyone should be blessed with a Kevin Suggs in their life. My life is
richer for knowing and working with him."
"Kevin is a pro's pro. He's got the ears and the technical skills to
make KEXP live performances sound amazing. But that's only half the job.
He's also got the ability to handle any kind of personality that walks
through that door. And not just handle - he makes people feel good about
being at the station and making music live to broadcast. Personally, I
just enjoy working with him. KEXP is lucky to have Kevin Suggs behind
the board."
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Alex Ruder
"Alex has been an invaluable part of the KEXP music
review team the past few years. He's done an especially fine job of
highlighting worthwhile music that's off the beaten path."
"Alex has been a programming intern for the Monday edition of Afternoon
Show for three years. During that time he has applied his dedication and
love for music benefiting listeners world wide through his insightful
playlist comments and speedy responses to e-mail. He’s brought an open
mind to the exploration of new music, both in his own quest, but also
advocating quality music of the unheard! It is wonderful to experience
the growth of our intern/volunteers, and after three years of filing CDs
it is safe to say Alex has learned the alphabet, which makes him
qualified to now be a DJ! Congratulations!!."
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Cheryl Waters
Mid-Day Show Host/ On Air Events Coordinator
As one of KEXP’s primetime DJs, midday host Cheryl Waters needs little introduction. We all know about her deep love for music and dark chocolate—she brings it to the airwaves every day. Most know Cheryl plays a key role in KEXP’s financial well being, being John Richard’s “pitch” partner during our pledge drives. Being on the air 8 hours a day with John during the pledge drives is grueling mind numbing work, but Cheryl does it with a smile, sacrificing her sanity, well being, and even her dignity for the station (no one else would cluck like a chicken for pledges!). What you might not know about Cheryl is the work she does behind the scenes as KEXP’s coordinator of in-studio performances. In 2007 over 400 bands played live on the air at KEXP. Each and every one of these performances is a mini miracle in execution. Imagine how hard it is to coordinate details with touring artists and bands. When, where, how many songs, what kind of equipment is needed, what color guitar Britt has to have, booking an engineer, and making sure bands know they can’t swear on the air, etc. Cheryl sets up all these in-studios with the patience of a saint. She also sets up all of KEXP’s VIP Club performances at the Triple Door, helps book bands for events like the KEXP BBQ, as well as handling the details of our many remote broadcasts. Thank God for Blackberries and thank God for Cheryl Waters!
"Cheryl is as sweet and multi-talented as her drawer full of chocolate. Her multi-tasking goes as far as booking bands for instudios while on the air to sending emails while soaking in a bubble bath to booking bands sending emails soaking in a bubble bath while doing her show... A powerful and tenacious partner- she's definitely my go-to gal for booking events and scoring some chocolate."
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Sharlese Metcalf
Assistant Producer of Audioasis
"Since joining the Audioasis team Sharlese has shown her love for local music in every way possible. From filling in on the show, to booking in-studios, putting out the email playlist, helping out on High Dive events and making sure every DJ and guest is taken care of, Sharlese goes above and beyond every day and every show to make sure its the best possible. We've been lucky to have her join the programming team! "
"Sharlese has been a volunteer for KEXP for the past 3 years. She got her start volunteering in the production department, dabbled in some DJ assisting, ran the boards during our live in-studio performances and now is the Assistant Producer of Audioasis. She volunteers at KEXP an average of 20 hours a week, every week! Her passion for local music, creativity, and drive to support the station has made Sharlese the hands down pick for volunteer of the quarter.
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Timie Dolan
Assistant Marketing Manager
Timie has moved into overseeing and managing KEXP’s sponsorship efforts which have grown significantly in the past years. Good examples of that growth are represented in several large events that have become important community sponsorships for KEXP. Timie has done a stellar job negotiating sponsorship packages for events such as Sasquatch, the Capital Hill Block Party, Bumbershoot and Musicfest Northwest. Bumbershoot, in particular, requires endless hours of planning, prepping, setting up booths, wrangling volunteers, and a zillion other important logistics in order to pull off one of the most remarkable sponsorships.
Additionally, I rely on Timie to help shape the look and feel of KEXP’s marketing message. Her sharp sense of humor, fresh perspective, eye to detail and organization are invaluable attributes.
Let’s not forget to take a moment to thank Timie for her tireless efforts to secure staff tickets so that we can all see the shows we want to on a regular basis. We are lucky to have her!”
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PJ Welsh
KEXP Volunteer
“PJ represents all that is great about KEXP. She has been a dedicated front desk volunteer for as long as we can remember. She's dependable, hard working, dedicated, enthusiastic, friendly and a joy to have around the station. Here's what some of her co-workers have to say:
"PJ is an important and valued member of the KEXP volunteer team. She brightens the place each time she comes to staff the front desk. I appreciate her depth of knowledge about front desk processes and procedures. I can always depend on her to know the answers to my
questions. "
P.J. is the absolute best. She stays cool under pressure and keeps the place running like a top. She does get a little testy when I forget to bring back her iced mocha in the afternoon."
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Andrew Corey
Programming Coordinator
“It takes a lot of people behind the scenes to make a radio station rock, and without Andrew Corey, we’d be in deep trouble. Andrew began working at KEXP as an intern while finishing his Masters at the UW. After graduation, Andrew, thankfully, kept volunteering, and proved himself invaluable. The result: Andy became KEXP’s first Online Content Coordinator –managing our podcasts and launching the KEXP Blog. Two months ago Andrew was named to a new position – Programming Coordinator. In this job, Andy coordinates the operations of the Programming Department, helping us improve our ability to work together as an organization enriching listeners' lives and connecting listeners with music! Andy pumps up the volume, bringing his dedication and meticulous attention to detail while working superhuman hours to launch new initiatives, both within the station and with other partners, eliminating thrash in his path, and creating processes which are turning KEXP Programming into a hot rockin’ machine.
Andrew shows incredible dedication not only to KEXP but to music and to public radio. He’s been a champion of the station from the first day he arrived, and KEXP is incredibly lucky to have him. Andy is a golden god.”
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Gracie Remmington
KEXP Volunteer
“Gracie started interning the summer after her sophomore year of high
school, in July of 2005. Shortly after starting at KEXP she started working as
a programming intern for the Morning Show. From the get go, she became one
of the most reliable, motivated, helpful and sarcastic interns KEXP has
ever seen. It's hard to believe that she's not even 18 years old - it
says a lot about Gracie's future!
In her years here at KEXP she has always gotten here early (to the Morning Show - that means 4:45AM!), is very knowledgeable of the music and the programming of KEXP, and able to dodge a crazed stalker at the crack of dawn. Gracie can't be replaced, she's too good! We are, however, comforted in the knowledge that she has a little sister that will hopefully be joining the KEXP programming team
ASAP.
Gracie was a senior at Lakeside High School, worked at the Northwest Film Forum,AND is off to Princeton after her travels in Europe.
We all wish you luck at Princeton, Gracie, and will always have your
back! Once you get your degree AND get into shows that are over 21,
you'll truly be unstoppable”
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Chris Campbell
KEXP Volunteer
“Chris Campbell started interning with KEXP's marketing department in
February of 2005, having already been a long time listener and a 500 club
member of the station.
Chris has been invaluable to our marketing efforts and in his two
years here he's helped to develop our sponsorship posse force, used his
extensive graphic and computer skills, and proven to be a champion at
assembling our bright yellow KEXP promotions canopy, whom he refers to as
"Katy."
In addition to graduating from the UW's business school this June, Chris'
interests include graphic design, crappy mustaches, his vinyl collection
and DJing under the moniker, "DJ Ten Pounds of Gravy." Chris is also a
talented writer and his work is featured bi-weekly on KEXP's "Press and
Promotions Highlights" email blasts (my favorite of which celebrates
National Tuba Day...May 4th if you don't already know). Chris is one of
the funniest, most stylish and most loyal people walking around the halls
of KEXP each week. He is moving on this summer to a position with Creature
ad agency, but has promised to return from time to time.....and a good
thing for us because his talent, ultra slimming pants and quick wit will
be missed.”
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Kim Ervin
Membership Assistant
In her short time in the development profession, Kim Ervin has shown an outstanding ability to learn and understand her role within KEXP’s development office. Kim’s conscientiousness, her eagerness to learn, her thoughtful customer service, and her ability to assimilate information and quickly act on it make her an invaluable member of the KEXP staff. She is best known for keeping a positive attitude during pledge drives, when she typically logs more hours than any other staff person.
In her 1.5 years at the station, Kim has shown that she has a keen ability to creatively and strategically solve problems and improve processes. These skills are invaluable in her role working with detailed data that is crucial to the station’s business operations.
Kim is sure to answer donors’ questions with thorough, tactful, gracious answers, and to enthusiastically thank donors who make gifts or show appreciation for KEXP’s programming and services. Because stewarding donors for their support is especially important in garnering future gifts, Kim’s many efforts are central to KEXP’s successful fundraising program.
Those who work with Kim find it a pleasure to work with such a bright woman who takes pride in being a great a team player.
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Tilly Rodina
KEXP Volunteer
Tilly Rodina has been a tireless volunteer for KEXP since May 2006. Always willing to lend a hand and get the job done, Tilly’s good works have benefited nearly every department at one time or another.
Tilly began her volunteer career at KEXP answering phones for the membership drive. Her enthusiasm for the station was palpable so we quickly recruited her to train as a DJ assistant. She took to it like a moth to the flame and has been assisting Kevin's show on Wednesdays ever since. Her professionalism, combined with her love of music has made her one of the core members of the programming volunteer team.
As if that weren’t enough, Tilly also volunteers her skills in KEXP’s Development Department as the Major Giving Intern. With volunteer commitments of 25 hours per week, it’s no wonder she logged 377 volunteer hours in the past six months alone!
Volunteers and staffers alike, consistently mention Tilly’s amazing organizational skills and her close attention to detail. Whether researching information for the Playlist or choosing the menu for a major donor event, Tilly understands that the little things really go far in making our listeners’ and supporters’ experiences with KEXP more pleasing and interesting. Her supervisors could always rest easy, knowing that Tilly takes pride in doing her work well and in helping others successfully execute their own work.
For these reasons and many more, we are delighted that Tilly has joined the Development Team as its Annual Giving and Events Coordinator. She will certainly have a positive impact on the station’s ability to develop an even better Individual Giving Program. |
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Cyrus Despres
Systems Coordinator
Cyrus started here in the internship no one wanted — Admin. We quickly stuck him on every project that needed help. No matter what it was, he was able to tackle it. We try to keep him in Admin, but everyone wants to steal him. This is the reason he is Employee of the Quarter – every department but Marketing has had a chance to borrow him and is singing his praises. He has gone over and above the call of duty working with Memsys, Allegiance, DAR, Lockbox, Webstore set up, online CD sales, the Electronic Log upgrade & training, HR & Admin projects... the list could probably go on and on. We want to thank him for all of his greatness, even though we know we'll never hear the end of it.
And if those Marketing people are getting any ideas, they’d better not even think about it. |
Amy Lindsey
KEXP Volunteer
Amy Lindsey has volunteered more hours than any other volunteer at KEXP in 2006. She takes an idea and makes it a reality with her hard work and passion for the station.
Seemingly without effort, Amy organized KEXP's Ballard Day in October, 2006 and helped make this inaugural event a total success. She coordinated KEXP's John In The Morning New Year’s Weekend Bender - juggling artists, hospitality, decorations, and tedious details. And somehow we talked her into helping out again with the John In The Morning Birthday Bash in March.
In addition to producing these events for KEXP, Amy also helps on The Morning Show, both during the show and behind the scenes while still managing to find time to keep up with a demanding career in real estate and wrangling dogs, goats, chickens, and her firefighter husband on her urban farm!
We are so fortunate to have Amy as an ally of the station - we couldn't do it without her! |
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Rachel Ratner
KEXP DJ/Educational Outreach Coordinator
Rachel Ratner, our resident Jill of all trades, is this month’s Employee of the Quarter. Rachel is tireless, funny, smart — and very well deserving of this acknowledgement.
Rachel started out as a volunteer here at KEXP, but soon became a regular overnight DJ. Her wit and wisdom has led her to be called upon to train new DJ’s and fill in for daytime shifts. In addition to being a great DJ, she has proven to be an important part of our pledge drives by helping her pitch partners meet and exceed their goals. Rachel is a valuable part of the programming team.
Her amazing work with the volunteer program is bringing us to new levels of sophistication. With our increased need for volunteers and interns, her coordination skills came just in the nick of time. Thank goodness we now have a dedicated and compassionate person to take care of our volunteer needs.
Rachel’s work as BBQ coordinator is nothing short of fantastic. She has learned a lot through her new level of responsibility. Did you see how confident she was slinging that event radio around? With her help, the BBQ has tripled in size, and more then tripled its revenue earnings. Again, it goes back to her coordination abilities. There are so many details and volunteers for her to wrangle; I was very impressed at her ability to keep her cool. She of course had amazing volunteers to thank for the success of the BBQ – but this is our chance to thank her.
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Jim Beckmann
KEXP Volunteer
Jim Beckmann has volunteered at KEXP longer than anyone here can remember. He is an invaluable member of our team! Jim is best known for being our friendly Friday morning Front Desk volunteer, but his responsibilities go far beyond that. He trains all new front desk volunteers, helps with administrative tasks, volunteers to promote KEXP at the events we sponsor, and most recently volunteered himself to be the Associate Producer for the Roadhouse (Wed nights from 6p-9p).
Jim has been a welcome addition to Greg Vandy's show, and in particular, his assistance with Roadhouse special programs. For the recent New Orleans/Katrina show, "Going Back To New Orleans", Jim booked on-air guests Nick Spitzer (from PRI’s "American Routes") and Leah Chase, the renowned 83 year-old Creole Chef from Dooky Chase restaurant in the Treme. In addition to increased label contact, Jim will be working on up-coming Roadhouse special programs.
Thanks to Jim (and his adorable dog, Sugar) for making the station a better place!
On behalf of all of your colleagues, thank you for all of your hard work and how you’re making a difference.
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Lisa Shimizu
Assistant to Director of Programming
Lisa Shimizu is the kind of employee where you ask yourself, "what did we
do BEFORE she was here?"
Starting as a volunteer and working her way up
to an invaluable member of the programming team, Lisa always goes above
and beyond what is required and asked of her. She's done outstanding work
on the CD project, the Kids Dance Party, and many different tasks before,
during, and after the pledge drive as well as making sure the Programming
interns are taken care of--on top of a million other jobs that wouldn't
get done without her.
Lisa does her work with a sense of humor, a sense
of purpose and always with the station and its listeners and staff in mind
first. She is a tireless champion of KEXP programming and always makes sure the programming team is healthy and happy.
Thank you for all of your hard work Lisa!
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Melissa Collett
KEXP Volunteer
Melissa has been a tireless champion not of just the station but the community in which the station broadcasts. Melissa started as our volunteer coordinator almost a year ago, and had tirelessly worked toward improving our volunteer program and KEXP's volunteer culture.
When she learned of the new Audioasis Community Outreach Program she offered up her services to help coordinate the non profit part of the idea. Once she got started there was no looking back and this program wouldn't be even close to the success it is without her hard work. She meets with dozens of organizations around town, puts together schedules that work with them and KEXP, makes sure that both the non profits and the station are represented in the best light possible.
Without her work, thousands of dollars wouldn’t have been raised and thousands of people never would have known about the different groups that KEXP has championed. We should all be very proud of her not only in the way she represents the station but how she represents the city of Seattle.
Thank you for all your hard work Melissa!.
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Greg Vandy
Host of The Roadhouse
Greg Vandy is KEXP’s unanimous pick as the KEXP Person Who Matters for February!
Greg has been host of The Roadhouse (airing Wednesday from 6-9pm) since 2000. His recent work spotlighting Martin Luther King and music from New Orleans has raised the bar of KEXP’s programming. Greg has helped raise awareness of New Orleans station WWOZ and has been a huge part of KEXP’s support of the station in February, which culminates with the 8th Annual Mardi Gras Ball at the Sunset Tavern on February 28.
KEXP thanks Greg for his service to KEXP’s listeners and tireless championing of American roots and blues music.
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Megan Dosher
KEXP Volunteer
If you have ever volunteered at KEXP, chances are you know Megan Dosher. Megan has been volunteering at KEXP for the last three and a half years. She has done just about everything: answering phones during the pledge drive, helping at mailing parties (she comes down on her lunch hour to help!), helping at shows, and running the phone room.
Megan spent last year as KEXP’s ‘Volunteer Volunteer Coordinator’ and was instrumental in creating our volunteer program. She spent countless hours supporting our development and volunteer efforts, and helped transform the emerging volunteer program.
When she isn’t at KEXP, Megan works as a merchandiser for Tommy Bahama and teaches Sunday school. Her long-term goal is to become a minister in the Presbyterian Church and is hoping to attend the seminary in Austin, Texas in the near future.
Tens of thousands of dollars are saved each year because of the contributions from our volunteers. KEXP owes a huge amount of gratitude to Megan and her dedication to the station. Thank you, Megan!
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