Citadel Radio Chattanooga Market Manager Dan Brown is leaving the stations effective Aug. 31, it was announced by Citadel Broadcasting Regional Manager Bill McElveen.

Mr. Brown’s radio career began 35 years ago while he was in college. He joined the Chattanooga stations in 1978 as sales manager and was promoted to market manager in 1995.

The company owns and operates WSKZ/KZ-106, WGOW-FM/Talk 102.3, WGOW-AM and WOGT/107.9 The Duke in Chattanooga.

“I have loved this business since I was a child,” commented Mr. Brown. “This month marked the beginning of my 30th year at the stations. Our success here has afforded me the luxury to pick the time and place of my leaving. Thirty-five years is a long time in one profession. It’s time for something new.

"I am proud to say the stations are performing well financially and listener ratings are at the highest point in many years. Our success is due to the dedicated staff of radio professionals I have had the pleasure of working with all these years, our incredible advertisers and many friends of the stations.”

Mr. McElveen also announced that Chuck Wilkins, Citadel’s director of sales for Chattanooga, would become the new station manager. “I’m happy Chuck has been given this opportunity. He has worked with me at the stations for 28 years. It will be a smooth transition for our customers, listeners and employees,” said Mr. Brown.

Mr. Brown has been active in community service and has served on various boards and organizations including President, Tennessee Association of Broadcasters; Chairman, Hixson Chamber of Commerce; President, Chattanooga Ad Federation; Chairman, Better Business Bureau; and Chairman, Hamilton County Fund for Excellence.

He has also done extensive volunteer work with Blood Assurance; the Kidney Foundation; the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce; Fortwood Center and the United Way.

Mr. McElveen said, “Dan Brown has been the consummate broadcast professional throughout his storied career in radio. He has always demonstrated character and integrity in his dealings with employees, listeners and advertisers. All of us at Citadel Broadcasting will miss him but respect his desire to try other things while he is still a young man.

“We wish him all the best and thank him for his years of service to radio, to the Chattanooga community and to Citadel Broadcasting.”