Paul Kelley, operations manager for Clear Channel Radio Springfield since 2003, will take the role of operations manager for Clear Channel Radio Colorado Springs, effective Aug. 1.
Kelley, whose last day at Clear Channel Springfield was July 22, said that though he loves Springfield and has never lived outside of Missouri, he has long been looking for a chance to work in Colorado.
"Since the first time I visited Colorado, I loved it. In 1992, I was white-water rafting through the Royal Gorge, and thought, 'I can't believe people actually get to live here,'" he said via e-mail. "Since then, I knew when the opportunity was right, I wanted to be there."
He added that Colorado Springs - which had a population of 416,427 as of the 2010 Census - is a bigger market and represents a solid career move.
"It was always my desire to be in Colorado someday. Too many times, we live our lives for 'someday,' and when "someday' passes, we regret not taking a risk," Kelley said. "I am proud of my accomplishments here, using the radio stations as a voice to help the Springfield community.
"I will miss the Ozarks, but I'll be back often to be with friends and family."
Clear Channel Springfield encompasses five stations: 105.9 KGBX, Alice 95.5, US97, 100.5 The Wolf and ESPN 1400 AM. As Clear Channel Colorado Springs operations manager, Kelley will manage eight stations - five in Colorado Springs and three in Pueblo, about an hour south of Colorado Springs.
Clear Channel will do a nationwide search to fill Kelley's vacated Springfield position, he said.
Clear Channel Springfield officials could be not be reached for comment by deadline.[[In-content Ad]]
