Tony Adams, Charter Member

Tony began his broadcasting career in 1950 at WMUR-AM in Manchester, NH. He served as WCAX-TV Sports Director from 1954 to 1989 and remains active on local radio and TV. His nightly sports segment became a Vermont institution. Tony’s honors include five media awards from the ECAC and selection by the National Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association as Vermont Sportscaster of the Year. Sadly, Tony passed away March 31, 2020 at the age of 95.

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Frank Balch, Charter Member

Frank began his career at WWSR-AM, St. Albans, in 1948. After a stint at WDEV-AM, he went to work for WJOY­-AM in Burlington. In 1962, Frank put Vermont’s first FM station, WJOY-FM (now WOKO-FM), on the air. He eventually acquired majority ownership of both stations, which he sold in 1983.  His distinguished career included service on the Board of the National Association of Broadcasters. Frank passed away in 2009.

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Bob Bannon, inducted in 1995

Bob started his radio career in Massachusetts in 1942. He came to WSKI-AM, Montpelier, in 1949. In 1956, he began working mornings as host of the “Wake Up” program, first on WSKI and later on WSNO-AM, Barre. He became a legendary favorite among radio listeners in Central Vermont. He continued to entertain his audience until his death in 2002.

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Ken Barlow, inducted in 2015

Ken Barlow began his broadcasting career at WCFR -AM in Springfield while still in high school. After college, Barlow worked as a full -time DJ and programmer at WKNE -AM in Keene, New Hampshire, WDOT-AM in Burlington, WKBR-AM in Manchester, NH and WPTR -AM in Albany, NY. He returned to Vermont and bought WVNR -AM in Poultney, the first of many station acquisitions. Later, as a partner in Vox Radio Group, he put two local stations on the air, WCVP-FM and WXPS, now WXZO-FM. The group also obtained WEZF-FM (Star 92.9) and WEAV-AM . The group sold the stations to Capstar, which merged with Clear Channel, which eventually sold the stations back to the group.  Barlow and his wife Lori also purchased WVTK -FM, licensed to Port Henry, NY with studios in Middlebury.

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Jack Barry, Charter Member

Jack worked for Armed Forces Radio during World War II and began his commercial broadcasting career at WJOY-AM, Burlington, in 1948. During his long career, Jack hosted popular talk shows on WJOY, WDOT, WKDR and WVMT. He also hosted many programs on Vermont ETV (now Vermont PBS). He was elected to the Vermont State Senate in 1994 and was reelected in 1996. He passed away in 1997.

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Tom Beardsley, inducted in 2017

A native of Watertown, New York, Tom Beardsley, a.k.a. “Beards,” began his radio career in 1969 at WIRD-AM in Lake Placid. He also worked at WIKE-AM in Newport, WHWB-AM in Rutland and for WPTZ-TV. He worked for WDEV and its sister stations for a combined 30 years. He also worked for Rep. Peter Smith, the New England Dairy Council and was part owner of a small radio group in Maine for four years. Beards served on the VAB Board as Treasurer before retiring in 2015.

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Bird Berdan, inducted in 2000

Bird Berdan’s voice was heard in Northern New York and Vermont for more than half a century, first on WIRY-AM and then on WPTZ-TV, Plattsburgh, NY. In 1951, Bird became the first employee of WPTZ-TV, where he served as the station’s weather caster and the host of many local programs. In retirement Bird stayed busy with commercial work and many community activities until his death in 2004.

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Mark Brady, inducted in 2010

Mark Brady was an owner/operator and broadcaster in Middlebury, Vermont in the 1970-90’s at WFAD-AM and WCVM-FM. He served on the VAB Board and served as president of the organization. Despite running a small-town duo, Mark provided the training ground for many who would make their mark in radio. Says Gov. James Douglas – who worked at WFAD after graduating Middlebury College: “Mark’s commitment to news and excellence was reflected in the fact that many of the people he hired went on to careers in the news business.” Chris Graff, longtime AP Bureau Chief in VT, started his professional career at WFAD: “I know, first hand, the impact that Mark had on many Vermonters who worked for and with him.” Joel Najman (VAB Hall of Fame), Eric Michaels (VAB Hall of Fame) and Frank Sesno (AP/CNN) all benefited from the training and support of Mark Brady.

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A. Brooks Brown, inducted in 2005

Brooks’ interest in radio started in third grade (1959) when he joined a Ham radio club. Brooks majored in journalism at the University of Oklahoma and worked for newspapers, radio and television stations in Oklahoma, Texas and New York in programming, engineering and sales. He became president of Northshire Communications, Inc. in 1976 and served as General Manager of WEQX-FM, Manchester until his untimely death in 2013 at the age of 66.

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Bruce & Hobbes, inducted in 2021

After Bruce Zeman rescued Hobbes from domestic abuse in 2009, they became the first full time human/canine radio team in U.S. history. In addition to being the Morning Show on WVTK-FM in Middlebury, Bruce & Hobbes have been heard on other Vermont stations, including WCLX-FM, WOKO-FM, WTNN-FM and WWFY-FM.  Listeners invested in their messages of empathy, compassion, tolerance, hope, love and resilience. Bruce & Hobbes raised $75,000+ through their “Cash for Paws” annual radiothons on WVTK and during the “Hobbes Goes Home” book tour.  They visited 250+ schools to talk about anti-bullying and domestic violence, an effort recognized by President Obama. Hobbes was recognized on the Vermont Legislature floor twice and became an honorary Police K9, a Deputy Sheriff and a Fire Dog. After Hobbes passed away, Governor Phil Scott declared July 28, 2021 “Hobbes Remembrance Day”, making history yet again. Zeman, who began his professional radio career after graduating from the St. Michael’s college journalism program, also broadcasts high school and college sports in the Addison County area.

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George Cameron, Charter Member

George began his broadcasting career as a sportscaster at WHWB­-AM, Rutland, in 1953. In Burlington, George worked at WDOT-AM and then was manager and part-owner of WVMT-AM from 1970 to 1987. He also played an active role in management of WSYB-AM and WRUT-FM (now WZRT-FM) in Rutland.  George passed away in 2013 at the age of 90.

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Val Carter, inducted in 2000

Val’s radio career began in 1937 in Ithaca, NY.  He joined WJOY-AM when it went on the air in 1946 and he put WDOT-AM, Burlington, on the air in 1954. Val was always one of the most popular radio performers in the Burlington area.  During his nearly 50 years on the radio, Val also worked at WEAV-AM in Plattsburgh, NY and WSYR-AM in Syracuse, NY.  He also co-owned a radio station in Florida with CBS news anchor Walter Cronkite. Val left us in 1975.

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Tom Cheek, inducted in 2012

Tom Cheek, who passed away in 2005 at the age of 66, was a disc jockey, sportscaster and salesman at many Champlain Valley radio stations, including WEAV, WDOT, WJOY and WVMT.  While at WVMT, he occasionally handled play-by-play duties for the Montreal Expos, experience that led him to be named the full-time play-by­-play announcer for the expansion Toronto Blue Jays in 1977.  Cheek went on to call an incredible 4,306 consecutive regular season games for the Blue Jays over a span of 27 years.  In 2012, Cheek was also posthumously awarded the Ford C. Frick Award, the highest award given to broadcasters by the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown , NY.

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Brian Collamore, inducted in 2017

Brian Collamore started his radio career in 1968 at WRMC and WFAD while at Middlebury College.  After a stint at WHWB-AM in Rutland, he joined WSYB in 1974 and has been on the air and in sales since then.  He has been a longtime co-host of “The Proctor Gas Morning Show” and has been an ice hockey official for nearly 40 years.  He received the VAB’s Distinguished Service Award in 2013 and is now in his third term as a State Senator for Rutland County. Collamore retired from radio in 2019.

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George Commo, inducted in 2011

George Commo is a nine-time winner of the Vermont Sportscaster of the Year award and is also a member of the Vermont Press Association Hall of Fame.  George has been a radio and TV sportscaster since the early 1970’s and was the longtime voice of UVM Hockey and Vermont minor league baseball. Since 1998, he has been covering Norwich University Hockey for WDEV.  Among his fans and peers, George is considered one of the greatest hockey play-by-play sportscasters to ever climb behind a microphone.

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Jim Condon, inducted in 2018

Jim began his radio career in the New London, Connecticut area but came to Burlington as News Director for Hall Communications’ WJOY-AM and (then), WQCR-FM. That is where he met and later married Ginny McGehee. For many years Jim was paired with his friend Louie Manno, they went on together to WKDR and later the Radio Deli. Off the air, Jim served as president of the Vermont Associated Press Broadcasters Association and became just the second Executive Director of the Vermont Association of Broadcasters, a position he held for over a decade. He has been praised by many for his willingness to reach across the aisle and try to create consensus on controversial issues such as school funding and tax policy. The VAB will always remember Jim for his vibrant personality, his impromptu humor (and songs) at the annual conventions and his ability to expand the NCSA program to boast one of the highest percentage of station participation rates of any state in the USA.

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Calvin Coolidge, inducted in 2008

Although nicknamed “Silent Cal,” Vermont native Calvin Coolidge became the first U.S. President to recognize the power of broadcasting. As ”The Radio President,” Coolidge gave more than 40 radio speeches, launching a bond between politics and mass media that continues to this day.  The 30th President also signed the 1927 Radio Act into law.

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Steve Cormier, inducted in 2021

Steve Cormier (aka “Corm”) is the General Manager and future owner of Radio Vermont Group in Waterbury, including WDEV-AM & FM, WCVT-FM and WLVB-FM. Corm lives and breathes local radio and has entertained listeners across the state as an on-air personality and a Station Program Director. First, as half of the Morning Show “Corm and the Coach” with UVM Men’s Basketball Coach Tom Brennan, which aired on WIZN-FM and WCPV-FM (Champ 101.3), then on his own at WTSA AM & FM in Brattleboro. Dedicated to his community, Steve volunteers for numerous non-profits and has served on numerous Boards, including the VAB Board of Directors. Corm’s passion, belief in and lifelong commitment to local radio’s success is infectious.

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Vin D’Acuti, inducted in 1998

Vin was a sales manager and part owner of WJOY-AM and WQCR-FM (now WOKO-FM) in Burlington for many years. His outgoing personality helped him win friends all over Vermont.  A true friend of broadcasters, Vin worked on several committees and projects over the years for the VAB and is credited with helping the organization reach new levels of success.

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Jack Donovan, inducted in 2010

Jack Donovan has been entertaining Vermonters with his afternoon music program since 1972, when he was hired at WDEV by Rusty Parker.  His was believed to be one of the longest­ running daily programs in the country. Prior to his arrival at WDEV, Jack worked at stations in Plymouth, Massachusetts and Hanover, NH. He also spent 4 years in the Navy.  Although he’s now “retired” Jack still fills in at WDEV when needed.

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Mike Donovan, inducted in 2002

Mike began his career in broadcasting at WCCM-AM in Lawrence, MA. In 1966, he followed Al Noyes to WSNO-AM in Barre and was there nearly 50 years.  Mike has worked as Program Director, salesman and Sales Manager.  After selling for VOX AM/FM in Colchester, Mike retired in March of 2020. Mike passed away in July 2020.

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Dan Dubonnet, inducted in 2013

Dan Dubonnet began his radio career as a DJ in Connecticut and was named Program Director for Burlington’s WQCR-FM and WJOY-AM in 1985.  Hall Communications named him General Manager in 1989. Under his leadership, the group expanded to five stations, adding WKOL-FM in 1997 and WBTZ-FM and WIZN-FM in 2006. Active in community events, his stations have raised millions of dollars for charity, notably Camp Ta-Kum-Ta, University of Vermont Children’s Hospital and Three Day Stampede towards the Cure for Cystic Fibrosis. Dubonnet served multiple terms as VAB President and was promoted to Executive Vice President of Hall Communications in 2017.

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Ernie Farrar, inducted in 1999

Ernie began his radio career in St. Albans and later moved to WVMT-AM in Colchester, where he has been entertaining listeners for more than five decades.  Ernie has hosted many different programs through the years, including the midday “Happy Housewife Club,” the nighttime “Wired Woodshed”, the “Inside Groove” racing program and the annual Vermont Golden Gloves boxing tournament. He co-hosted the “Charlie and Ernie” morning talk show with Charlie Papillo until his retirement in 2018. Ernie passed away in July 2021.

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E. Dean Finney, Charter Member

Dean, a Connecticut native, was hired as one of the original staff members of WSKI-AM in Montpelier in 1947.  A year later, he began building and managing his own radio stations including WTWN (now WSTJ) in St. Johnsbury, WIKE in Newport and WNIX (now WCFR) in Springfield.  In 1954, he became the first VAB President.  He sold his Vermont interests in 1979 and moved to Virginia.  He returned to St Johnsbury in 2005. He passed away in 2015 at the age of 92.

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Mickey Gallagher, Charter Member

After a distinguished newspaper career, Mickey became News Director of WCAX-TV in 1964.  He anchored the popular WCAX Evening News until his death in 1984. He set high standards for news coverage and accumulated many honors during his career, including the prestigious George F. Peabody Award.

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Paul Goldman, inducted in 2003

In Jamestown, NY, voicing commercials at his father Si Goldman’s radio station, Paul picked up the nickname “Si’s son.” After college, Paul arrived at WVMT-AM. Paul advanced from sales to management and later purchased WVMT-AM and WXXX-FM.  In honor of his father, Paul named his company “Sison Broadcasting.” Paul has been in broadcasting for more than 50 years.

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Stephanie Gorin, inducted in 2021

Stephanie Gorin served as a WPTZ/NBC5 Anchor/Reporter for a combined 26 years before retiring December 11, 2020. While at WPTZ, Gorin helped launch the region’s first 5 p.m. newscast and helped lead coverage of several high profile stories, including Hurricane Irene, the prison escape from Dannemora and U. S. Senator Bernie Sanders’ first presidential run. Stephanie also served as a mentor for Junior reporters, has been nominated for regional Emmys, has won awards from the NY State Broadcasters Association and was part of the team that won New England EMMY® Awards, regional Edward R. Murrow awards and the VAB Broadcaster of the Year award in 2015. Outside of work, Gorin has volunteered as a speaker at CVPH’s annual Girls Night Out and host of the local Red Cross’s Everyday Heroes Awards.

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Bill Graham, Charter Member

Bill began his broadcasting career in 1946 at WKXL-AM, Concord, NH, while still in high school. He is best known in Vermont for his lengthy and distinguished service at WIKE­-AM, Newport, where he worked from 1952 to 1980. Upon retirement from radio, Bill became Marketing Director for Community National Bank in Derby. He is a former President of the VAB. Bill passed away in 2019.

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Ken Greene, Charter Member

Ken began his broadcasting career in 1950 at WTWN-AM in St. Johnsbury. He joined WCAX­-AM (now WVMT-AM) in 1955 and hosted the popular “Dance Date” program on WCAX-TV from 1955 to 1968. He served as Director of Promotions and Public Affairs at WCAX-TV from 1974 until his retirement in 1996 and was a former President of the VAB. Ken passed away in 2004.

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Stuart Hall, Charter Member

Stuart began his record-setting broadcast career in 1948 while attending college in Massachusetts. In 1954, he came to Vermont to become the weatherman at WCAX-TV.  Stuart’s television career at WCAX lasted an incredible 35 years. Along the way, he became one of the best-known and best-liked television personalities in Vermont. He passed away 2011.

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Brian Harwood, inducted in 2006

Brian, a seventh-generation Vermonter, began his career in Vermont radio in 1954 at WWSR­-AM in St. Albans. He has worked at WJOY-AM, WDEV-AM, WVNY-TV, WCAX-TV and, most recently at WCLX-FM in Stowe.  He is the former owner of HMC Advertising and continues to actively support his community and his alma mater, the University of Vermont.

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Jack Healey, inducted in 2004

Jack’s Vermont sportscasting career began in 1971 in Rutland at WHWB-AM and then for more than four decades at WSYB-AM until he retired in 2020.  Statewide, Jack was well-known as the voice of University of Vermont Men’s Hockey and Basketball and Vermont Lake Monsters baseball.  Besides on air duties at WSYB, Jack is also the voice of Rutland-area sports for the Northeast Sports Network.

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Shelly Holt Allen, inducted in 2021

Shelly Holt Allen is the Assistant Chief Photographer at WCAX-TV in South Burlington. Working tirelessly through endless odd hours, Shelly has photographed every part of Vermont and documented every significant part of Vermont’s history over the last 40 years. Always exhibiting the utmost journalistic integrity, Shelly is a pioneer in a profession dominated by men, even shooting while pregnant, which is impressive considering how physically demanding carrying all that gear can be! Shelly continues to be a positive role model, mentoring countless young photographers and reporters. Outside of work, Shelly supports local ice skating clubs for kids, from making costumes for ice shows to driving many hours for competitions.

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Bruce James, inducted in 2012

Bruce James began his broadcasting career at a low power station at Lyndon State College in the 1970’s. He later built WGMT-FM in Lyndonville from scratch and was its first mid-day announcer for three years before having to focus on management and concentrate on the business side of things. Soon thereafter, James added WKXH-FM and WSTJ-AM in St. Johnsbury and WMTK in Littleton, NH to the holdings of Vermont Broadcast Associates.  In 2008 , he put WJPK-FM (now WQJQ-FM) in Barton on the air and he purchased WMOO-FM in Derby and WIKE-AM in Newport in 2013. James also has a passion for baseball. He’s been a professional umpire since 1986. He also served more than 20 years on the Lyndon select board and is a former President of the VAB.

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Ken Jarvis, inducted in 2001

In a career that spanned more than three decades, Ken worked his way from Account Executive to Vice President of Sales at WCAX-TV in Burlington. He retired from WCAX in 2001. An active advocate for local broadcasters in Vermont, Ken is a former President of the VAB, and was active for many years as Chairman of the VAB’s Legislative Committee.

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Terry Jaye, inducted in 2018

It’s not just his longevity that wins praise from admirers of Terry Jaye. It’s his total commitment to radio and to his community that has brought him many accolades over the years. Not only does he set a strong example through his long-running program on Catamount Radio’s WJJR, Terry has gone beyond the airwaves. In an industry that craves new talent, Terry has nurtured many young potential broadcasters with his work teaching at Castleton University. Though serving as “teacher” – friends say he still is a devoted “student” of the art of radio.

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Tim Johnson, inducted in 2014

When it comes to radio news reporting, Tim Johnson has been going above and beyond the call of duty for more than 40 years. The Vernon native began his broadcasting career in 1973 at WKVT in Brattleboro and moved across town to WTSA in 1997, where he co-hosted the morning show for nearly two decades.. His tireless work ethic and keen reporting skills are unmatched. Windham County residents have relied on Tim, a former VAB Distinguished Service Award winner to get the story first and to get the story right for more than four decades.  Tim now serves as Vernon Town Clerk but still does occasional air shifts at WTSA.

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Ken Kasz, inducted in 2015

Ken Kasz began his broadcasting career while attending SUNY Fredonia.  He worked as an intern and part-time master control operator at WUTV-TV in Buffalo, New York while getting his degree.  He then worked full-time for WUTV for a dozen years before joining WVNY-TV in Burlington as Director of Broadcast Operations. In that position, Ken oversaw all programming and operational aspects of the station.  In 2005 Ken helped with their relocation of WVNY to the WFFF-TV studios in Colchester and later with the stations’ DTV transition. A ten-year veteran of the VAB Board of Directors, including two years as VAB President, Ken spearheaded efforts to increase subsidies to all Vermont radio and television stations to ensure FCC compliance through the Alternative Broadcast Inspection Program. He also helped all Vermont stations with financial assistance to successfully complete a mandatory upgrade of all Emergency Alert System receivers. All stations in Vermont have benefited greatly from Ken’s work behind the scenes at the VAB.

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Belva Keyworth, inducted in 2009

Belva Chase Keyworth owned and operated radio stations WBTN-AM & WHGC-FM in Bennington for nearly 50 years. She also had ownership interests in stations in the Berkshires. Keyworth, who passed away in 2004, was an early and active member of the VAB and AWRT, American Women in Radio and Television.

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Bob Kimel, Charter Member

Bob began his radio career in 1947 in Massachusetts. He moved to Vermont in 1959 when he and a partner bought WWSR-AM in St. Albans. He then purchased WSNO-AM in Barre, built WLFE-FM in St. Albans and built WORK-FM in Barre.  After retiring from radio station ownership, Bob founded New England Media, a successful broadcast brokerage and consulting firm. Bob passed away in 1999.

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Dave Kimel, inducted in 1997

Like his brother John, Dave Kimel is a third-generation Vermont broadcaster.  Dave was only 15 years old when he sold his first advertising schedule, in 1965.  Dave’s responsibilities grew along with the size of the Kimel Broadcast Group.  At one point, the group included five Vermont radio stations and two New York stations. He retired from broadcasting in 1997.  Dave is a former President of the VAB.

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John Kimel, inducted in 1997

John is a third-generation broadcaster from St. Albans. He was instrumental in leading his family­-owned company’s expansion into other cities and onto the FM band. As a programming innovator, John is credited with debuting Vermont ‘s first country music format as well as the state’s first FM rock format. He retired from broadcasting in 1997.  John is a former President of the VAB.

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John King, inducted in 2011

John King joined VPT in 1987 and has served as President and CEO from 1998 until 2014. He also served on the PBS Board of Directors and has served as Chairman of the Vermont Television Broadcasters Co­-location Association.  He is credited with helping to form a strong bond between public and private broadcasting in Vermont.

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Russ Kinsley, inducted in 2005

Russ, a native Vermonter, started his radio career at WRUV in 1971. Since then, he has worked in nearly every capacity at a number of radio and television stations in Vermont and New York.  Most recently, he served as General Manager, Program Director and Morning Host on album rock station WZXP-FM.  He currently operates a streaming radio station.

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Craig Ladd, inducted in 2022

Small market radio broadcasters have to be consistently good at multiple jobs and Craig Ladd is among the best! When he wasn’t doing the afternoon show on WLVB-FM in Morrisville, he was writing and producing commercials, organizing station promotions, creating daily logs, generating invoices and helping promote events and fundraisers for area organizations with interviews and PSAs. Craig’s 50 plus year career reads like a road map of radio around the region; from WEAV-AM and WKDR-FM in Plattsburgh, to WDOT-AM in Burlington, to WDEV-AM & FM in Waterbury. He then helped build WLVB-FM in Morrisville, where he was the Operations Manager from 1993 until cancer forced him to retire in September 2022.  Craig passed away in November of 2022.

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Jack LaDuke, inducted in 2014

Former WCAX-TV Adirondack Bureau Chief Jack LaDuke has been operating a camera and reporting the news for 65 years, including 30 years for WCAX. His far-flung career has taken him to many parts of the world, including Europe and Latin America. Jack and his wife, Marina, established the public broadcasting system in El Salvador. He has covered multiple Olympic games and, accompanied by one his rescue dogs, has reported on breaking news stories from every corner of the Adirondacks. Supposedly retired, Jack continues to contribute stories to Mountain Lake PBS.

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Roland Lajoie, inducted in 2019

Roland Lajoie began his career in 1976 at WSNO-AM (1450) in Barre and went on to WRFB-FM (101.7) in Stowe, WDEV-AM/FM (550 and 96.1) in Waterbury and eventually WLVB-FM (93.9) in Morrisville, where he’s been the host of Vermont Country Morning since 1993. As WLVB’s Program Director, Lajoie believes in radio’s ability to build community. A tireless promoter of Lamoille County events, he has worked for years on Chris’ Turkey Challenge, which last year served 1,866 people Thanksgiving dinner. Lajoie volunteers for numerous non-profits and is a reliable friend to the Lamoille County region with his warm presence and true devotion to community.

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Stewart Ledbetter, inducted in 2019

After getting his start in radio on WJOY-AM (1230) and WQCR-FM (98.9) in South Burlington, Stewart Ledbetter launched his television career at WPTZ in 1984, serving as the station’s News Director through most of the 1990s. Although he has since returned to his first love of reporting on the street and anchoring, Ledbetter continues to serve as a leader and mentor. As the most experienced television news journalist in the state, Ledbetter sets the bar for ambitious, thorough and responsible reporting. He also is the longtime host of Vermont This Week on Vermont PBS in Colchester and a Distinguished Service award winner with both the VAB and the Vermont Associated Press Broadcasters Association.

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Candis Leopold, inducted in 2014

Candis Leopold has worked in radio sales in Vermont since 1981, starting at WNCS in Montpelier. She later worked for Vermont Broadcast Associates stations WKXH and WSTJ in the Northeast Kingdom before being named Sales Manager for Hall Communications stations WIZN and WBTZ in 2010.  She served more than 12 years as a member of the VAB Board, including four straight years as President, the first woman to hold that position. She continues to serve as a Legislative Liaison for the VAB.

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Louie Manno, inducted in 2013

Louie Manno, a.k.a. “Manno in the Morning,” helped usher in a new era of personality-driven local radio in Vermont when he was hired away from WTIC-FM in Hartford and began hosting the morning show on WQCR-FM (now WOKO­-FM) in 1985.

Considered one of the most creative air personalities in the region, Manno later was a morning talk show host and co-owner of WKDR-AM in Burlington.  He has won numerous awards and was an active volunteer for Toys for Kids of Vermont.

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Rex Marshall, Charter Member

Rex began his broadcasting career in 1937 in Boston. He bought WVTR-AM (later renamed WNHV) in White River Junction in 1966. In 1969, Rex put WNHV-FM (now WXLF-FM) on the air. He was a well-known emcee, announcer and anchorman. Nationally, Rex served as the television spokesman for Reynolds Aluminum for 25 years.  He remained busy at his local stations until his death in 1983. Some of Rex’s commercials are featured on YouTube.

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Peter Martin, inducted in 2005

Peter began his career at WCAX-TV as a reporter in 1969.  In 1970 he was appointed Executive Assistant and Press Secretary to Governor Deane C. Davis. He returned to WCAX in 1973, where he served as General Manager and Executive Vice President until 2017.  He was also a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve and served in Operation Desert Storm.

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Stuart “Red” Martin, Charter Member

Stuart “Red” Martin began his broadcasting career when his stepfather, C.P. Hasbrook, asked him to design, build and staff Vermont’s first television station, WCAX-TV. Among Red’s many achievements was service as Chairman of the CBS­ TV Network Affiliates Board. He was also a former President of the VAB and well-known for his many community activities. Red passed away in 2005.

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Frank McCormack, inducted in 2007

Frank’s distinguished broadcast career spanned 32 years at WHWB in Rutland.  In 1958 he became General Manager and part owner.  Frank established Rutland’s first FM station, WHWB-FM, in 1971 (now WJJR-FM).  Frank took great pride in WHWB’s high principles of community service raising money and awareness for numerous local organizations. He retired from broadcasting in 1984 and remained active in politics and community events.  Frank was a past president of the VAB in 1968. He passed away in 1994.

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Ginny McGehee, inducted in 2015

Ginny McGehee is the longest serving full-time female radio personality in state history.   A native of Philadelphia, Ginny began her broadcasting career at WNBZ-AM in Saranac Lake, New York in 1980, where she hosted a daily show and did local high school football and hockey play-by-play.  In 1983, she moved to Burlington after being hired by Joel Najman at WJOY.  Ginny has spent most of her time at WJOY.  She and began broadcasting the daily “Breakfast Table” program in 1993. Ginny serves as Public Service Director for all five Hall Communication stations in Vermont.  She is a longtime board member of the Vermont and New Hampshire Chapter of the American Red Cross and is a former board member of Champlain Valley Crimestoppers.

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Tom Messner, inducted in 2016

Tom Messner joined WPTZ in 1990 and quickly became a local favorite thanks to his forecasting acumen and his ever-cheerful demeanor. A native of the Rochester, New York area, Tom received a degree in Business Economics from the College of Wooster in Ohio and then went on to study meteorology at the State University of New York at Oswego and Mississippi State. Tom is a member of both the National Weather Association and American Meteorological Society and was among the first meteorologists in the country to earn the title of Certified Broadcast Meteorologist from the AMS. Tom has earned honors from the Associated Press as well as loyal viewers, being named Best Meteorologist in the Seven Days Readers Choice Awards every year since they began. Tom’s local weather reports have been seen nationwide on The Today Show, Live with Regis & Kelly, The Weather Channel and MSNBC.  He has spent hundreds of hours visiting local classrooms to talk about meteorology and to help spark interest in science. No matter the weather, Tom’s disposition is always sunny!

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Sharon Meyer, inducted in 2016

Sharon Meyer, a native of the Boston area, became the lead forecaster and director of the WCAX weather department in 1990, upon the retirement of VAB Hall of Fame member Stuart Hall.  She has a BS from the University of Vermont, and has been a member of the American Meteorological Society since 1988. Sharon is known not only for her forecasting skills but also for sharing her love of Vermont’s natural beauty with her viewers.  She frequently includes garden tips, foliage tours, nature notes and weather photos from viewers. She also finds time for her “pet” project: finding homes for animals from the local Humane Societies. Besides having a large audience in Vermont, Sharon is known all around New England as she is regularly featured on NESN Red Sox broadcasts.

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Eric Michaels, inducted in 2002

Eric began his broadcasting career at WVNY­ TV in 1971. He later moved to radio, working on the air and as a manager at WFAD-AM/WCVM-FM in Middlebury, WSYB-AM/WRUT-FM in Rutland and WVMT­ AM in Colchester. In 1987, he joined WDEV-AM and helped the Radio Vermont group to expand. The group’s holdings now include WDEV-FM in Warren, WCVT-FM in Stowe, WLVB-FM in Morrisville and WEXP-FM in Rutland, along with FM translators in Barre and Island Pond.   Eric is a former multiple term President of the VAB. After retiring from WDEV, Eric stepped in as the VAB’s intern Executive Director from August 2018-January 2019 after the sudden loss of Jim Condon.

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Don Mullally, inducted in 2001

At WSTJ-AM in St. Johnsbury, Don was known as the “Voice of the Northeast Kingdom” for more than 50 years. He began his incredible local radio career while still in high school. He has equally enjoyed talking with the President of the United States as well as the man on the street.  Don hosted the morning show for more than 50 years.  He passed away at age 88 in 2016.

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Joel Najman, inducted in 2004

Joel’s Vermont radio career began in 1962 at WRMC at Middlebury College. His great voice, interest in his audience and unparalleled knowledge of music brought him success at WFAD-AM in Middlebury, WJOY­ AM in Burlington, WDEV-AM/FM in Waterbury and at Vermont Public Radio. Joel continues to trace the history of contemporary music each week on the long­ running “My Place” program on VPR and is also frequently heard on WDEV.

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Dick Noble, inducted in 2019

As a teenager in the 1960’s, Dick Noble worked at WSYB-AM (1380) while still in high school. He left Rutland for a career in the U.S. Navy where he worked in radio, television and public affairs.  Noble returned to Rutland in 1984 to pick up his commercial radio career. As Program Director of WSYB-AM (1380) and WZRT-FM (97.1) in Rutland, Noble cultivated a culture of great promotions for fun music, award-winning sports, news broadcasts and fantastic production. Under Noble’s guidance, the WSYB Christmas Fund set records and not only changed the stations, but changed the town. Noble later owned WJJR-FM (98.1) before moving to Nebraska, where he became the General Manager of KZUM-FM (89.3) in Lincoln. He was a teacher, friend and cheerleader that believed being a broadcaster was the greatest job in the world. Dick Noble passed away in 2018 at the age of 74.

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Alan Noyes, Charter Member

Al began his distinguished radio career in Massachusetts in 1948. He came to Vermont in 1960 as a partner and manager of WSNO-AM, Barre. His career included service as Chairman of the CBS Radio Affiliates Board. As the first Executive Director of the VAB, Al is credited with significantly raising the level of service the VAB provides to its member stations. The VAB’s top Community Service Award is named in his honor. Alan passed away in 2009.

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Rusty Parker, Charter Member

“Rusty” Parker was only 16 when he began to work part-time at WDEV-AM, Waterbury. Although very active as a community volunteer and town selectman, it was to WDEV that Rusty dedicated his life. In 1982,Rusty passed while reading a newscast on WDEV. Rusty was a former President of the VAB.

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Marselis Parsons, inducted in 2009

Born in Rye, New York, Marselis Parsons was the son of a Foreign Service officer and traveled around the world.  He graduated from Lafayette College in Easton,Pennsylvania.  After radio and television stints in Pennsylvania and New Hampshire (including WRLH-TV In Lebanon,NH, the forerunner of WNNE-TV), Parsons joined WCAX-TV as a general assignment reporter in 1967.  He became anchor of the evening news program in 1984 upon the sudden death of Mickey Gallagher. Respected for his ability to maintain high standards in the WCAX newsroom and admired for his skillful storytelling.  Marselis “semi-retired” in 2009 after a 43-year career at WCAX.  He passed away in 2015.

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Tom Pierce, Charter Member

Tom began his career in 1964 at Williams College. He worked at several major market stations during the 1970’s and returned to Vermont in 1980 to manage WEZF-FM and WEZF­-TV (now WVNY -TV) in Colchester. After retiring from management, Tom founded a marketing and consulting firm. Tom is a former President of the VAB.

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Andy Potter, inducted in 2011

Andy Potter is a legend among news reporters in Vermont. He started his radio career while attending Middlebury College in the mid-1960’s.  After serving in Vietnam, he returned to Vermont where he brought his reporting skills to a variety of radio stations, including WJOY, WOOT and WKDR, among others. He carved a second career on TV, where he was a longtime senior reporter for WCAX in Burlington.

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Gene Puffer, inducted in 1998

Gene began his broadcast career at the age of 40 when he took a job at WLTN-AM, Littleton, NH.  He later hosted the morning show at WCVR-AM in Randolph, VT.  In 1976, he built his own local station and spent the next 22 years doing the morning show at WYKR-AM (now WTWN-AM) in Wells River. Over the years, Gene has also broadcast hundreds of local sporting events. Gene passed away in November of 2014.

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Stephen Puffer, inducted in 2022

Stephen Puffer built his two small market radio stations alongside his father, Gene Puffer. First WTWN-AM in Wells River in 1976 and then WYKR-FM just over the New Hampshire border in 1990. He is a second generation broadcaster who, over his 46 year career, has been a jack-of-all trades, doing announcing, engineering, sales, management and everything in between. Guided by the philosophy “if we are all getting along in radio and promoting radio – Radio Wins!”, Stephen gets along with fellow broadcasters, seeking advice when needed and giving advice when asked. He has served on the VAB Board of Directors, is involved with multiple civic organizations, has won local excellence awards, participates in fundraising events for local charities and is well known and respected in his community.

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Dan Ruggles, Charter Member

Dan began his broadcasting career in 1948 in Massachusetts. He moved to Vermont in 1958 to purchase WSKI­-AM, Montpelier.  He provided stable leadership for the station, which had changed hands twice in two years.  He continued to operate WSKI until 1989.  Dan was a former Vermont State Senator representing Washington County, a past commissioner on the Vermont Public Service Board, a past President of the Barre VT Lions Club, a past chaiman of the Montpelier Red Cross,  a past fund chair of the Washington County United Way and a former President of the VAB. Dan moved to Marblehead, MA in 1996 and passed away July 21, 2022 in Brooksby Village, MA.

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Paul Sands, inducted in 2012

Paul Sands was the President and General Manager of WPTZ-TV in Plattsburgh, NY and sister station WNNE-TV in White River Junction from 1998 until his retirement in 2012, after 38 years in the television business.  During his tenure here, Sands assisted countless charity drives and helped form an alliance with the ECHO Lake and Science Center that became a national model for similar partnerships between media outlets and non-profit organizations. Local viewers also knew Paul for his hard-hitting editorials.

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Jeff Shapiro, inducted in 2018

Jeff has always been an entrepreneur! He and his brothers started a kite store on Nantucket Island when they were just in high school. Fast forward to being a freshman at Dartmouth. While setting-up his stereo, he had a chance conversation with the voice of Dartmouth hockey who asked, “Are you into radio?” Fast forward to today. The answer is self-evident. With radio stations in the Deerfield Valley, Connecticut River Valley, Central Vermont and the Champlain Valley, Jeff has created one of the largest groups in the region. And how did this happened over 35 years? Perhaps an interview with Jeff provides a clue. Jeff was quoted: “Success comes from the balance of determination and patience.” We salute him for achieving that success and maintaining his passion with his Great Eastern Radio Group.

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Judy Simpson, inducted in 2017

Judy Simpson began her Vermont television news career at WVNY in 1985 and became the first female TV news director in state history. She joined WCAX in 1997 and began a ten-year stint as anchor of “Channel 3 News This Morning” in 2000. She “retired” earlier this year but continues to host “Across the Fence” for the station. She received the VAB’s Distinguished Service Award in 2014.

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Dean Slack, inducted in 2016

Montpelier native Dean Slack joined WCAX radio (now WVMT) in 1950 and went to WJOY in 1954, where he was considered the market’s top disc jockey in that era.  WVMT hired him as sales manager and announcer in 1965.  He covered the 1968 Winter Olympics in Grenoble for the station. He later became General Manager of WVNY-TV and WVNY radio (now WEZF), but moved out of state in 1974 after buying stations in New Hampshire and New York. A true community broadcaster, Dean did it all. From hosting sock hops and providing live coverage of hundreds of sporting events to calling the action when JFK came to Burlington the night before the 1960 presidential election, he was on the scene.  He passed away in Corning, New York in 2014 at the age of 85.

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Betty Smith, inducted in 2022

At Vermont Public, Producer/Announcer Betty Smith is known as the “founding mother of VPR.” After getting her start in radio at AM1230 WJOY in the mid 1970s,  Betty became one of the pioneers that brought public radio to Vermont. At the drawing board when the station was just an idea, a series of meetings and community gatherings, as it grew from one signal to a statewide, multi-format service, Betty remained an important voice on the air in the afternoons. As the steward of the Commentary Series for years, Betty brought voices and perspectives of countless individuals and continues to share her passion, commitment and grit.

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Ralph Smith, inducted in 2006

Ralph began his radio career at WHWB-AM in Rutland in 1963 as host of the afternoon drive program. In 1970, he joined WSYB-AM in Rutland as on-air personality.  Over the years he served as Account Executive, Sales Manager and General Manager. He was also a founding member of the WSYB Christmas Fund.

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Dennis Snyder, inducted in 1999

Dennis has enjoyed more than four decades in Vermont broadcasting, serving as Chief Engineer for WJOY-AM, WOKO-FM, WKOL FM, WIZN-FM and WBTZ-FM. In 1968, Dennis was the first to convert a Vermont FM station to stereo. He has served on several national engineering committees, including the NAB Engineering Advisory Committee. Dennis served as Treasurer for the VAB from 1981 until his retirement in 2014.

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Ken Squier, Charter Member

Ken made his first appearance on WDEV-AM in Waterbury in 1936 at the age of one. He continues to entertain local listeners on the Radio Vermont Group of stations his father helped build including WDEV-AM & FM, WLVB-FM and WCVT-FM.  Known nationally for his TV sportscasting, Ken is also a member of the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

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Lloyd Squier, Charter Member

“The Old Squier” began his broadcasting career at WDEV-AM in 1931 when he helped build the station for his mentor, Harry Whitehill.  Starting in 1950, health concerns prompted him to scale back on his daily schedule. Nonetheless, he continued to provide original poetry and commentary to his audience until his death in 1979.

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Ted Teffner, inducted in 2007

Ted’s broadcasting career began on Vermont’s tallest mountain. A former snowcat operator for Stowe Mountain Resort, Ted was on the scene when WCAX-TV began construction on their first tower at Mount Mansfield.  Ted started working for WCAX-TV in 1959. His career spanned nearly five decades and took him from the mountain to the studios and back, as he oversaw the construction of the new digital towers.  Ted also served as longtime Legislative Liaison for the VAB. He passed away in 2009.

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Don Thurston, Charter Member

Don began his broad casting career in 1949 at WTWN-AM, St. Johnsbury. Besides founding three Vermont radio stations, Don was also an officer of the VAB.  On the national scene, Don served as Chairman of the Board of the National Association of Broadcasters.  Don is the only Vermonter to ever win the NAB’ s Distinguished Service Award. Don left us in 2009.

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Dave Underhill, inducted in 1996

Dave began his broadcasting career in 1966 at Exeter, NH.  After working for WBZ-TV in Boston in the 1970’s, Dave purchased WKVT-AM/FM in 1983. During his ownership, WKVT-AM was twice named VAB Station of the Year. He sold his stations in 1994 but remains active in the media industry. Dave is a former President of the VAB.

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Rudy Vallee, inducted in 2011

Vallee was born in 1901 in Island Pond, Vermont.  A teenage bandleader, he drew attention with the band he started at Yale University, “Rudy Vallee and the Connecticut Yankees.” In 1929, Vallee began hosting “The Fleischmann’s Yeast Hour” on NBC, later “The Royal Gelatin Hour.” The show was one of the two most popular programs in the country for the next ten years. His radio, stage and film career was lengthy.  He worked into the early 1980’s, when he occasionally served as the opening act for the Village People. Vallee passed away in 1986.

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Jean Walsh, inducted in 1995

The first woman named to the VAB Hall of Fame, Jean began her broadcasting career in 1950 as Traffic Manager for WCAX-AM (now WVMT-AM). In 1954, she transferred to the same position at WCAX-TV and served Vermont’s largest television station until her retirement in 1995.  Although rarely in the spotlight, Jean’s talents and work ethic are credited with helping WCAX thrive. Jean passed away in 2015.

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Ron Whitcomb, inducted in 2008

Ron retired from Vermont Public Television in 2006 after 39 years as Chief Engineer. During his tenure, Ron built the original VPT statewide broadcast transmitter system in 1967, including four transmitters, three translators and a statewide microwave system.  In 1987, he completed the conversion to all new transmitters and antennas, and beginning in 2001, he converted the statewide transmitter system to digital, making VPT the first digital TV broadcaster in Vermont.

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Carlo Zezza, Charter Member

Carlo began his broadcasting career at WOR-AM in New York after World War II.  In 1956, he purchased WNIX-AM in Springfield and changed the call letters to WCFR-AM.  During his ownership, he was able to increase the power for WCFR-AM and also put WCFR-FM on the air. He sold his stations in 1972.