WQLN PBS NPR announces today, after many years of dedicated service, Tom New, President, and CEO, plans to retire on September 15. WQLN’s Board of Directors will appoint Vice President and General Manager Cindy Spizarny as the new President and CEO. Additionally, Alyson Amendola will assume the role of Vice President of Advancement, Kathy Woodard as Director of Education, and Aaron Coseo, as Vice President of Engineering and Media Operations.
While Tom steps down from his executive role, he will remain deeply committed to WQLN. He intends to continue supporting the station through various volunteering efforts, including active involvement in the Community Advisory Board (CAB), Government Affairs, and fundraising initiatives, such as the Pledge drives that sustain the station’s invaluable public service programming. Tom’s retirement marks the beginning of a new chapter as he returns to his passion as a cartoonist with an exciting graphic novel project titled “It’s Snowing in Erie, an Unresearched History of my Hometown.”
WQLN’s staff, viewers, and supporters will surely miss Tom’s presence and enthusiasm. Among the things he will cherish most are the daily conversations with WQLN colleagues – sharing stories of vacations, babies, recipes, and all the beautiful moments that define life beyond work.
Cindy Spizarny’s steady leadership as WQLN’s controller, General Manager, and Vice President has helped steer WQLN since 2001. Now Cindy takes the helm as President & CEO, where her tireless ambition will continue to inspire the entire “Q crew.”
After over 20 years as a WQLN volunteer, a transformational stint as President of our CAB, and deep roots in Erie’s nonprofit community and her extensive background in marketing, communications, and leadership, Alyson Amendola will now become WQLN’s V.P. of Development.
With 16 years of service, Kathy has made education the mission in Erie County and continues to make impactful differences. As WQLN’s new Director of Education, Kathy Woodard, will grow WQLN’s educational outreach and initiatives to better serve communities most in need.
Aaron has a long-standing dedication and expertise in engineering and technical. In his new role, he aims to lead WQLN through a groundbreaking digital transformation, envisioning the station as an accessible multimedia hub that transcends traditional T.V. and radio experiences. His ambitious vision seeks to evolve the community’s perception of WQLN from merely watching and listening to embracing diverse content on various screens and devices.
The entire WQLN team is excited and optimistic about the bright future! Tom New’s retirement marks the beginning of a new era for WQLN with continued dedication to providing quality educational and entertainment content for the Erie community under the dynamic leadership of Cindy Spizarny.
