A release from iHeartMedia announced that Louie Cruz is the new senior vice president of programming for Modesto/Stockton, Calif., Zac “Mayhem” Wellsandt is the new director of CHR/AC Operations for the Central Texas Region and Ben Marcotte is the new program director for KFOO(FM) in Seattle.
According to a release, Louie Cruz’s career includes work at KSFM(FM) in Sacramento, Calif.; KXJM(FM) in Portland, Ore.; KSSX(FM) in San Diego; KWNN(FM)/KWIN(FM) and KQOD(FM) in Stockton/Modesto, Calif.; KKBB(FM) in Bakersfield, Calif.; and KRTO(FM) in Santa Maria/Pismo, Calif. Cruz is now responsible for managing the programming efforts for Modesto and Stockton.
“I grew up in the Central Valley and could not be more excited to take on this new role with iHeartMedia,” said Cruz. “Going home to oversee the future success of these great radio stations is a dream come true.”
“Louie adds the experience we’re looking for in Modesto,” said Steve Geofferies, executive vice president, iHeartMedia West Division. “This is a terrific opportunity for him to grow as a senior vice president of programming and continue his growth with our company.”
Ben Marcotte
Based in Austin, Texas, Zac “Mayhem” Wellsandt will oversee a total of eight stations in San Antonio and Austin, and will report to Patrick Davis, senior vice president of programming for iHeartMedia Dallas, San Antonio and Austin.
Wellsandt has been with iHeartMedia since November of 2014 where he served as the program director for WSNX(FM) in Grand Rapids, Mich. Previously, Wellsandt was the program director for QueenB Radio’s KEZE(FM)/Hot 96.9 from 2011–2014.
“I cannot express fully the amount of gratitude I have for iHeartMedia and the opportunities they have afforded me,” said Wellsandt. “I’m looking forward to working with these iconic brands that I’ve been a fan of for years. I won’t mind the lack of snow, either.”
iHeartMedia Region President Breeanna Malik said they are pleased to have Wellsandt join the Central Texas Region to help lead the CHR/AC group of stations. “He is a talented and hardworking programmer and we are very fortunate to get him in Central Texas.”
Ben Marcotte is taking the reins KFOO(FM)/Alt 1029, starting April 11. Marcotte is crossing the state from Spokane, where he worked at KIIX(FM) and KISC(FM as assistant program director and did evenings for KCDA(FM).
Marcotte said, “I’m excited about this great opportunity in Seattle with iHeartMedia and Alt 102.9. … To be able to work with the alternative format has been something I’ve been craving for a really long time, and to be able to do it in a place like Seattle/Tacoma is icing on the cake.”
