Lafayette Radio: Mike Grimsley Retires At Townsquare Media

Townsquare Media Inc. has announced  legendary local Louisiana radio executive Mike Grimsley will retire at the end of the month after serving as Market President and Chief Revenue Officer for its radio stations in Lafayette, LA for 25 years.

Mike Grimsley

Grimsley, a Tallahassee, Florida native, began his radio career at the age of 18, and spent time in Phoenix and Charleston. He most recently served as Townsquare ‘s Regional Vice President overseeing two radio markets in Louisiana as well as personally leading the local media team in Lafayette, whose stations include market leader KMDL-FM, KTDY-FM, KHXT-FM, KFTE-FM, KPEL-FM, KPEL-AM and KROF-AM.

Grimsley had been the Chairman of the Board of the Louisiana Association of Broadcasters and won their coveted Broadcaster of the Year Award in 2009. Under his leadership, Townsquare’s stations in Lafayette have won multiple National Broadcast Awards and Grimsley was chosen as a laureate in the 2016 Junior Achievement of Acadiana Business Hall of Fame. He has also held Board of Director positions at multiple local organizations including the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Acadiana, Goodwill, and the Lafayette Education Foundation.

Townsquare COO Erik Hellum said about Grimsley, “Mike Grimsley broke the mold! He has uniquely combined leadership, passion and drive with the sincerest care for his people and dedication to his community – all with a great sense of humor on top. Mike is one of the original Townsquare leaders, and helped build our company with a steadfast commitment to great local radio while building a vibrant digital and event business. He is a broadcast legend. Thank you Mike!”

Brad Burley

Brad Burley, currently the Market President and Chief Revenue Officer for Townsquare’s Lake Charles, LA cluster of stations, has been promoted and will transfer to Lafayette to succeed Mr. Grimsley as the Market President and CRO for the Lafayette, LA stations. He will report to Townsquare Senior Vice President Todd Lawley.

“Brad has been a rising star at Townsquare as he guided the Lake Charles market to Townsquare Market of the Year in 2018. It’s great to be able to promote from within the company for one of our top performing clusters,” said Lawley.

Burley said, “Mike Grimsley has changed the media landscape of Lafayette and more importantly made Acadiana a better place to live. Mike is a legend whose legacy will carry on in the community long after his departure from Townsquare. I am excited to honor that legacy by leading the team to new heights in our community.”

Darren Ryder

Additionally, Darren Ryder has joined Townsquare to take Mr. Burley’s place as Market President and Chief Revenue Officer for its Lake Charles, LA cluster. Mr. Ryder will lead the local media team in Lake Charles, which operates stations including market leader KJMH-FM, KGNT (The Gator), KHLA-FM, KTSR-FM, KLCL-AM and KJEF-AM 1290. Ryder will also report to Lawley.

“Darren Ryder has a unique skillset and successful track record with Broadcast, Digital and Analytics, which made him a perfect fit for Townsquare’s cross platform strategy. This is a coming home for Mr. Ryder,” said Lawley.

Mr. Ryder added, “I am thrilled to be back in my hometown Lake Charles to lead the Townsquare Media team. I am proud to join such a successful organization and look forward to reconnecting with business colleagues all over Southwest Louisiana.”

Prior to joining Townsquare, Mr. Ryder was the National Sales Director for Valassis and held senior management positions with Spectrum Reach and Salem Communications.