KZIA Inc. Cedar Rapids IA Operations Manager Chad Taylor is departing to join Midwest Communications Peoria as OM and Program Director of Country “104.9 The Wolf” WXCL Pekin and AC “Mix 106.9” WSWT Peoria.
Taylor joined KZIA last year after a nearly eight year run as Director of Programming and Operations for Cumulus Media Des Moines. During his tenure, Taylor also hosted mornings on Country 92.5 KJJY and middays on Classic Hits 103.3 KRUZ Santa Barbara CA and was on Westwood One’s syndicated AC format. Prior to joining Cumulus Des Moines in 2017, Taylor was Operations Manager for Townsquare Media St. Cloud MN and programmed Community First Broadcasting’s three stations in Spirit Lake IA.
He commented, “I’m incredibly grateful to Mike Wild, Jeff McCarthy, Peter Tanz, and my friend Jason Hillery for their confidence in me with this opportunity. While I was extremely happy working alongside the talented team at KZIA in Cedar Rapids, when Jeff McCarthy calls, you answer the phone. When meeting Peoria Market VP Mike Wild, it became clear that our vision for the future of the Peoria brand is completely aligned. This opportunity allows me to return to my roots in Country radio. I’m especially excited to step into the Operations Manager role and work alongside the talented team in the Peoria cluster.”
Midwest Peoria Market VP Mike Wild said, “Chad is a proven leader with incredible enthusiasm and an acute understanding of how we need to approach growth. He will be a huge asset to our entire operation. Plus, he’s a great guy and a pleasure to be around.”
Taylor succeeds Fritz Moser, who recently departed after two years in the position.
