Cumulus Media has promoted Mike Sheffield, who serves as Programming Operations Manager in Erie, PA, to Program Director of classic rock “97 Rock” WGRF (96.3) in Buffalo and classic rock “Z102.3” WQHZ in Erie.
Sheffield will continue programming three Erie stations — “Erie Country 97.9” WXTA, AC “Classy 100” WXKC and “The Touch 104.3” WXKC-HD2 FM — while adding programming responsibilities for WGRF and WQHZ. He succeeds Joe Russo, who exited the company in August.
Sheffield joined Cumulus in July 2006 after spending more than five years with iHeartMedia/Clear Channel Communications.
“Mike’s promotion is a true testament to his focus, hard work, problem-solving mindset, and dedication to our team’s shared goals,” Ron Giovanniello, Regional Vice President for Cumulus Media said. “Mike is very deserving and we are always thrilled to be able to promote from within. A promotion just doesn’t reward past success, but it also unlocks new potential, and we are excited for Mike’s contributions in his new role.”
Sheffield says he’s looking forward to taking on the expanded responsibilities in Buffalo while continuing to oversee programming in Erie.
“I am truly excited about this new opportunity and deeply honored to lead and work alongside such a talented team at the Mighty 97 Rock and Cumulus Buffalo, while expanding my programming role in Erie to include Z102.3. I look forward to building on these stations’ strong legacy and contributing to their continued success.”