People

Melissa Anderson

Membership Director

Born listening to WAMC in Western Massachusetts, Melissa Anderson’s affinity for music, and public radio began at an early age. Melissa's parents have always made sure that music was a part of her life, and she hopes she will always work and play closely to it. Melissa is a graduate of Worcester State College where she earned a degree in Communications. She launched her radio development career at WSCW, Worcester State College’s station, where her roles as DJ, secretary, and student representative showed her the “ins and outs” of radio. Currently, Melissa is Membership Director at WICN. She joined the staff at WICN in June of 2001 as the Development Directors assistant, after she completed an internship at the station. A year later she was Membership Director. In addition to radio, Melissa is interested in antiques, vintage clothing, and knitting.

Email: melissa -at- wicn.org

Brian Barlow

Executive Director

After pursuing a degree in Art at the University of Massachusetts, Brian Barlow traveled the world for two years before settling into a career in retail distributing hi-end audio products. Over a twenty-five year career, Brian led in the start-up, management and strategic planning of four stores and a service center in the New England region. In 1996 all interests were sold. Since 1985 Brian has been an on air volunteer for WICN while he ran his businesses and raised his children. In 1999 he was hired as the Executive Director of WICN to re-invigorate the struggling station. Six years later WICN is a healthy, vital cultural contributor to the central New England region. Listenership and membership have increased 50% and corporate support has increased 400%! Brian just recently managed the station through a capital campaign to move to new facilities and enhance WICN’s commitment to the region.

Email: bbarlow -at- wicn.org

Julie Strzempko

Director of Corporate Development & Marketing

Julie recently joined WICN as Director of Marketing and Corporate Development. Julie’s self professed addiction to public radio made her an ideal candidate for the job. In her former lives Julie was a sales wizard and a marketing mavin, which in no way relates to her degree in economics, that she received from the University of New Hampshire a long time ago. Julie’s goal for the moment is to stop staring in awe at the many musical giants that parade through WICN‘s offices. Please feel free to check back with her and see if she has accomplished this. Besides WICN she fills her time with her family and her pursuit of finding the perfect cooking magazine.

Email: julie-at-wicn.org

John Champagne

Operations Director

Email: john -at- wicn.org

Karen Mungal

Volunteer & Marketing Coordinator

Karen Mungal first came to WICN in 2000 as a volunteer, answering phones for a WICN fund-raising event. In the fall of 2003, the opportunity arose to host Tonal Vision on a bi-weekly basis. Karen offered to fill that position and quickly found her stride. Shortly thereafter, she became the full-time host of Tonal Vision, sharing her eclectic selections of New Age and World music with listeners every week. As WICN's Volunteer & Marketing Coordinator, Karen will work hard to strengthen the station's volunteer and internship programs and help spread the word about WICN's mission in the community. A native of Trinidad, Karen moved to Boston in 1989 to attend Suffolk University where she was deeply involved with the international student community, mentoring incoming students, and touring Europe in 1992. Karen brings her worldly perspective and unique ear for music to Tonal Vision, where the mix of songs is always evolving. In addition to her radio host responsibilities, Karen practices Shaolin Kempo Karate and Tai' Chi, and enjoys raising her daughter.

Email: karen -at- wicn.org

Joe Zupan

Jazz Host

Jazz Matinee, 2-6pm, Monday through Friday

Email: jzupan -at- wicn.org

Tyra Penn

Jazz Coordinator

Tyra Penn started as Development Coordinator for WICN in January of 2003. In that role, she was active in supporting and promoting New England’s jazz, folk and blues music venues; organizing volunteers; and serving as the permanent on-air substitute host for all of WICN’s musical genres. As Jazz Coordinator, she is now taking on the additional role of host of two of WICN's programs: A Tasteful Blend and the popular Jazz New England. She received her education in musical theatre at the Hartt School of Music and the Boston Conservatory. Outside of WICN, Tyra is a jazz and blues vocalist with a number of local ensembles: The Paul Combs Pocket Big Band out of Haverhill; Worcester-based jump blues and swing band The Red Riders; and two eponymous jazz quartets of her own, featuring Paul Courchaine on guitar and Sai Ghose on piano, respectively.

Email: tyra- at- wicn.org