WAMC Announces Key Staff Promotions and Appointments

ALBANY, NY (04/03/2013)(readMedia)-- WAMC Northeast Public Radio is pleased to announce the promotion of the following staff members to key positions within the organization:

• Katie Britton, Program and Outreach Director

• Ian Pickus, News Director

• Patrick Donges, Associate News Director

• Michelle Battle, Database Manager

According to WAMC President and CEO Dr. Alan Chartock, "Every one of these young professionals has demonstrated outstanding professionalism and a commitment to excelling in their field. We're very proud of their ongoing dedication to the station and look forward to their continued contribution to WAMC."

Katie Britton, Program and Outreach Director

Formerly the News Director for WAMC, Katie Britton is now helping the station expand listenership in several ways. In her new role as Program and Outreach Director, she will be responsible for WAMC daily and special programming while supervising an ever-growing WAMC internship program and coordinating the station's outreach efforts. Her focus will be collaborating with colleges and universities, coordinating community and station events, and working with the membership department to ensure the vitality of the station. A University at Albany graduate, Katie has been with WAMC for 11 years.

Ian Pickus, News Director

Saratoga native Ian Pickus began his career with WAMC while completing his Master's degree in English at the University at Albany, and has served the station as a producer since 2008. He also holds a BA in English and Journalism, and worked as a freelance reporter for the Associated Press and The Saratogian during college and graduate school.

As News Director, Ian leads the WAMC news team by planning and overseeing regional coverage from WAMC's five news bureaus and the main Albany newsroom with a focus on several flagship programs, including Midday Magazine, Northeast Report, and Northeast Report Late Edition.

Patrick Donges, Associate News Director

Patrick Donges was appointed Assistant News Director at WAMC Northeast Public Radio in 2011 after serving as the station's Berkshire Bureau Chief. Prior to joining WAMC, he was a print reporter and served as News Director of WCDB 90.9 FM Albany, the University at Albany's student radio station. Patrick first became acquainted with the WAMC team as a newsroom intern while completing his Bachelor of Arts degree in public affairs journalism at the State University of New York at Albany. His news judgement and social media savvy gives him an edge when news breaks.

Michele Battle, Database Manager

Michele Battle brings to WAMC a rich background in database management, marketing, and project management. She joins WAMC following several years as an independent marketing and database consultant, and has served Environment One Corporation in Niskayuna as both Marketing Coordinator and later as Marketing Database Specialist. She has also held titles at Simmons Machine Tool Company in Menands and the Saratoga Polo Association.

As WAMC's Database Manager, Battle assumes responsibility for the creation, implementation and maintenance of the station's database programs and marketing efforts.

Member-supported WAMC Northeast Public Radio broadcasts news, informational and cultural programming to listeners in portions of seven northeastern states. WAMC is an award winning producer of regionally based programming and an affiliate of National Public Radio, American Public Media, and Public Radio International. To become a member go to: http://wamc.org/support-wamc

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