After taking the reigns of the community radio station in fall 2014, Paschka is moving on to a new job but expresses love for WYCE’s mission and ‘awesome work,’ which includes showcasing local music.
Moving On: AJ Paschka expressed his deep love and appreciation for WYCE and its supporters.
After less than two years as WYCE’s station manager, AJ Paschka announced today that he will step down from the position.
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“This has been the first place that I’ve worked that I’ve felt extremely comfortable and accepted for who I am,” Paschka said in an email today to volunteer programmers at the community radio station (88.1 FM). “I have nothing but love for WYCE and the musicians in our area that depend on us to reach their audience.”
Respected Leader: AJ Paschka earned kudos from staffers for his work at WYCE.
Paschka has accepted a service manager position at Peopledesign, a strategic design consultancy in Grand Rapids that focuses on design-led innovation to help companies prepare for their future. In that role, he’ll help manage and grow client relationships and collaborate with staff to align processes to ensure quality.
Paschka said he plans to continue assisting WYCE as a volunteer, and hopes to make the transition to new leadership as smooth as possible.
The station manager said he’s “proud of the quality of in-studio performances, mobile website and solid fundraising” that have taken place during his tenure at WYCE, but mostly he’s pleased about being “a non-profit worker.”
“That to me means that you are helping people in your community. I’m extremely proud of helping local bands build their audience. There is so much talent walking around our area it is just crazy,” he told Local Spins.
“As long as WYCE continues to be friendly, funky and supportive, we will see marked increases in the quality and popularity of music that is made in our neighborhoods.”
Together with Community Media Center executive director Linda Gellasch, Paschka will assist in the search for a new manager and help mentor whoever takes over the role. He said he expects the station manager position will officially be posted on Monday.
A STATION ‘IN REALLY GOOD SHAPE’ AMID AN EXPLOSION OF REGIONAL MUSIC
“WYCE is in really good shape and has really wonderful partners right now,” he said. “I encourage everyone to tell a friend about the position because we are experiencing a real explosion in awareness in the music as an important part of how our region comes together as a community.”
Paschka officially steps down at the end of the month from the station known for spotlighting local and regional music as well as an eclectic blend of national and international artists.
Proud of Helping the Community: AJ Paschka (Photo/Anthony Norkus)
A 2001 graduate of Ferris State University’s Kendall College of Art and Design, Paschka took the station’s reigns in October 2014, replacing station manager Kevin Murphy. Paschka made the transition to WYCE from the Urban Institute of Contemporary Arts, where he was the exhibitions curator.
Paschka describes himself as a devoted music fan and collector, who plays piano and guitar, often playing and recording at home with friends.
He also noted that his family situation has changed since he took the job at WYCE.
“A series of small unconnected events coalesced in an opportunity to provide more for my family and stay a part of Grand Rapids,” he wrote to programmers. “After 12 years of investing in the creative community here, I’m taking an opportunity to take better care of the people that depend on me.”
After making the announcement, many volunteer programmers at WYCE immediately praised Paschka’s talent, dedication and professionalism during his tenure.
“In no way, shape, or form should my stepping down be a reason not to be excited about WYCE and the music community in West Michigan,” Paschka wrote. “We are doing awesome work and I truly believe we are at a critical mass and tipping point for music to really thrive in Grand Rapids. It’s undeniable.”
Copyright 2016, Spins on Music LLC
