Seasoned radio personality and community connector Jennie Grabel is now KXCI’s new Program Director and Membership Coordinator. Grabel is joining the local, non-comm station after a three-year tenure as Director of Community Impact at Social Venture Partners Tucson.
“Jennie will be involved in the day to day operations of our volunteer and staff programmers,” explains KXCI Executive Director Cathy Rivers. “Her vast experience in broadcast will assist in bringing the best possible programming to KXCI. Along with volunteer and staff relations Jennie will also assist in volunteer and donor outreach.”
Grabel is not new to KXCI; from 2000-2004, she hosted the afternoon music mix on the station. “It feels incredible and like a true blessing,” says Grabel of returning to KXCI. “I’m humbled by the opportunity. The love I have for Tucson and KXCI is boundless. Radio is an extraordinary means of connection to community through music, public affairs and mini-programming.”
Grabel has also served as Executive Director of the Fund for Civility, Respect and Understanding (FCRU) an organization started following the January 8, 2011 shooting tragedy in Tucson. Prior to her time in the nonprofit sector, Jennie spent eight years in commercial radio as a local morning show host and assistant program director of former radio station 92.9 The Mountain. In that role, Jennie learned the value of giving voice to our nonprofits by sharing their powerful work with the community at large.
“Jennie has always been a wonderful bridge between the non-profit community and the for-profit sector,” continues Rivers. “Her talent, kindness, and love for Tucson is an inspiration and an asset to our community and we couldn’t be happier to have her on our team!”
“I am excited to connect more individuals in our sweet city (and beyond) to the gem that is KXCI,” says Grabel of what she hopes to bring to KXCI. “The world is thirsty for authentic connection, truth and beauty. KXCI offers all of that in the way only old school radio can but now with modern technology the world is our oyster. The heart and soul that goes into every single note, word, message shared on KXCI is the real deal. People with passion sharing common stories and dreams. We have a bottomless treasure chest to share with all of humanity and I look forward to continuing to support the already incredible growth of the station.”
Grabel also returns to the airwaves by picking up the Wednesday Morning Music Mix from 10am to noon.
