Saga Communications Country “Bear Country 95.3” WPVQ-FM Greenfield MA has added Jess Tyler as morning host as Kevin Collins departs after 24 years with the station.

Tyler joins the station from sister Talk 1400 WHMP Northampton where she has spent the past three and a half years as PD/morning host plus tracking afternoons on WPVQ and middays at Classic Rock “105.9 The Mountain” WTMT Asheville NC. She began her career at WPVQ-FM sister AC 98.3 WHAI before spending a decade at Country “Kix 97.9” WPKX Springfield followed by time as MD/morning co-host at Hall Communications “Cat Country 98.1” WCTK Providence, APD/morning co-host at SummitMedia’s “Q103.1” WQNU Louisville, APD/MD/midday host at “93.1 Nash-FM” WDRQ Detroit, and APD of 97.5 WOKQ Dover NH and “103.7 The Peak” WPKQ North Conway NH/Portland ME.

Collins, who is departing for a position at Franklin Pierce University, commented, “It has been an honor to work for Bear Country 95.3 for the past 24 years and spend the last 20 years with the team at Saga Communications and the Western Mass Media Group. Hosting the morning show at Bear Country 95.3 has provided me with many opportunities to speak with the biggest names in country music like Garth Brooks. But it has also allowed me to become a trusted voice and friend to the people that make up the fabric of this incredible community in western Massachusetts. That is the greatest honor of all.”

General Manager Dan Guin said, “This is an amazing time for Bear Country. I had the privilege to share Kevin with the listeners for 24 years and watch him work his magic, now he will give back in another way by inspiring future broadcasters. Jess Tyler brings her talent and love of country music to the mornings. While she forms new friendships and works with some of us again as she returns home to Greenfield.”