Audacy has announced the appointment of Michelle Rutkowski as the new Brand Manager for AAA 93.1 WXRT Chicago starting Monday, October 13.

Rutkowski joins the station from her role as Vice President of Programming and Operations for Milwaukee Radio Alliance overseeing the soon-to-be sold AC “B93.3” WLDB, Alternative “FM 102.1” WLUM, Oldies “Fonz” WZTI, and Country “Froggy MKE” WLDB-HD2. She had been with the company since 2006 starting on-air at WLUM before rising to APD/MD in 2011 and PD of WLUM and WLDB in 2014. She began her career in Chicago in promotions, as a producer and on-air at 97.9 WLUP and “Q101” WKQX from 2002-06.

She succeeds Laura Duncan, who announced her intention in August to step down after four years at the station. Duncan will remain through November 3. She previously spent nineteen years at Sarkes Tarzian AAA 92.3 WTTS Bloomington/Indianapolis.

Rutkowski commented, “This iconic station has influenced me so much as a listener and shaped my deep love of music, and as a programmer who strives for the level of excellence that WXRT has delivered for decades. It’s an absolutely euphoric experience to be welcomed back to my beloved hometown to continue the legacies of those who made WXRT the revered Chicago treasure that it is. I would like to thank Jeff Sottolano, Dave Richards and Kevin Cassidy for the opportunity of a lifetime.”

Audacy Chicago SVP/Market Manager Kevin Cassidy commented, “We are excited to welcome Michelle to the WXRT family. Her deep knowledge of the format, along with the strength of her relationships across the region were the drivers of her consistent success in Milwaukee. We look forward to her replicating that performance on behalf of WXRT. I would also like to recognize the immense contribution that Laura Duncan made during her tenure as Brand Manager of WXRT. She hands Michelle the keys to a finely tuned muscle car!”