Goodbye

THANK YOU, FOR A REAL GOOD TIME...
Garcia/Hunter

Friday, October 19th is my last day at WBOS. It's been a great ride, 7+ years and some incredible experiences. My professional education, tremendous personal growth...I'm taking all of that and so much more with me as I move on to the next chapter. I was a kid off the streets who started as a Promotion Assistant making 20 grand a year and leave as Program Director, making...well, I ain't rich in money, but I have a wealth of stories to tell...

My only regret upon leaving is that we didn't achieve the ratings success with WBOS that we thought we could. I'm the 5th Program Director in the 7 years I've been here, and each time we thought "this is it...this is the person who will make WBOS the overarching success we all think it can be." Lord knows we tried. Not the royal we, the "we" that makes up the team here. That's what I'll miss most. The people. The team. Dana Marshall, our Music Director and my right-hand. My friend. Crystal Margolis, our Promotion Director and a girl who's become like a sister to me. We've been through so much together. Not seeing you everyday is going to be tough.

The WBOS Sales team, starting with my friend David Strauss, General Sales Manager extraordinaire. Forget the job; David is just a great human being. James Friedman and Carol Zurblis, the two senior AE's who I've worked with on a daily basis for years, developed a lot of business with them and more importantly, two fantastic friends. Same w/Kate Sturk, Brian Samborski, and Jeff Messerman in National. Rachel Willard, Josh Gold, Mike Bloch, Stephanie Monticone...I'll miss you all. Same with the rest of the Greater Media Sales Staff...it's been fun.

The WBOS Airstaff....the hardest people to leave behind. We were friends long before I became your boss, and we'll still be friends in my return to civilian life. George Knight, John Laurenti, Dominick Lewis...so many great memories, EarthFests, Copleys, John & me meeting The Stones together, meeting Pete Townshend together....Dominick & me at various Dead-related shows over the years, traipsing around New England to catch a show...George was a single dude when I started here, and is now the married father of three little boys. If they only knew what Daddy talked about off the air with me...and a special mention to my friend Amy Brooks, who made me laugh every day I worked with her and shared my freakish passion for Pearl Jam...I miss ya Amy.

Holly Harris, keeping the blues alive on Boston radio almost singlehandedly. Paul Jarvis (not his real name) becoming an invaluable help in production and programming, as well as a friend. Joanne Doody, Kevin Redding, Chris Kennedy, Albert O...I'll miss you all. Mink Rockmoore...the most unique individual I've ever met. The younger kids on the staff, like Kristen Kissinger...Kristen was a sophomore at Emerson when she started here; now she's a college graduate with a million-dollar voice and a big future in this business. Jason Rossi, Matt Shearer, Mark Foley...you guys are on your way. Stay focused, keep the passion, and maybe I'll be working for you someday.
Bob Malatesta, the creative genius behind all of the imaging pieces you hear on WBOS and another good friend. Nobody makes me laugh harder at sillier shit than you do. And thanks to Nik Carter and Jo Maeder, the voices you hear between all the songs. Both friends, both good people. Yes, you too Nik!

Thank you Buzz Knight...you taught me more about this business, more about programming, than anyone else. I appreciate it all.

So many other people who've been big influences on my career, so my thanks to you all, in no particular order...Adam Klein (who originally hired me w/Jill Clapp), Leslie Cipolla, Frank Murtagh, Paula O'Connor, Matt Mills, Alan Chartrand, Caroline Murtagh, Ken West, Annie MacGuire, Chris Herrmann, Brian Interland, Dave Douglas, Michele Williams, Mike Brophey, Ginny Rogers, Don Kelley, Neal Robert, Tony Baglio, Bob Spicer, Phil Redo...

Lastly, although the music industry is so fucked up right now, there are still some great people working their asses off out of genuine passion for the music; as one of the remaining true believers in the power of music, I want to thank the following people for being so good to me, and to WBOS, all these years: Lisa Sonkin, Art Phillips, Danny Buch, Ray Gmeiner, James Evans, Crissy Zagami, Steve Nice, Brian Corona, Lorraine Caruso, Nick Attaway, Sean O'Connell, Julie Muncy, Bill Millman, Lou Rizzo, DeeDee Kearney, Karen Durkot, Kurt Biersmith, Dave Watson, Beth Simione, Kara Montelione, Risa Matsuki, Michelle Munz, James MacDonald, Paul Langton, Andrew Govatsos, Rod Stevens, Paul Nelson, Nick Bedding, John Rosenfelder, Lori Kampa, Ray DiPietro, Alex Coronfly, Trina Tombrink, Dan Connelly, Gregg Latterman, Scott Burton, Patty Morris, Rick Brewer, Jesse Barnett, William Marion, Richard Wolod, Harry Levy, Dave Morrell, Mike Nazzaro, Jenni Sperendeo, Jill Weindorf, Howard P., and Jason Flom. Keep fighting the good fight.

Our paths will all cross again. My very best to you all. I know, it's only rock & roll, but I like it...
DG