Ray Nelson has announced his retirement as vice president and market manager of Cumulus Media’s Huntsville, Ala., cluster.
According to an email he shared with industry press, he told Cumulus about his plans and agreed to stay on until a replacement was chosen.
Cumulus appointed him to this position in 2016.
Nelson began his radio career in 1970 as on-air talent for WFYC(AM) in Alma, Mich., his hometown.
[Read: Cumulus Ups Bennett, Adds Nelson]
He was previously VP/general manager/cluster director of sales for Cox Radio in Birmingham, Ala. Prior to that, he was VP/market manager for iHeartMedia in Ann Arbor, Mich., and he was also GM/general sales manager/national sales manager for Fritz Broadcasting in Saginaw, Mich.
In the email, Nelson wrote, “I have been blessed pursing my childhood dream of working in radio. I’ve been privileged to work for fabulous companies/owners and with many talented individuals. I could fill pages of thanks to those who have over the years mentored and helped me prosper and achieve my childhood dream. I have had an amazing run seeing so many changes, experienced so many stories that could fill a book. After nearly 48 years of working in radio it’s time for the next chapter in my life, time for enjoying time with my family, friends and grandchildren.”