Chicagoland Radio: Gordon Mays Named OM For Connoisseur

Connoisseur Media has announced the appointment of Gordon Mays, a seasoned radio professional with nearly 25 years of experience, as Operations Manager for its suburban Chicago radio cluster. 

Mays, a Chicago-area native, previously served in a similar role in Milwaukee and brings extensive expertise in operations and programming from both the Milwaukee and Rockford markets. His appointment follows an exhaustive nationwide search, with Mays’ deep local roots and industry knowledge making him a standout choice.

Karl Wertzler, Local Market Manager for Connoisseur Media’s Chicagoland stations, emphasized the strategic fit of the hire. “After conducting a thorough nationwide search, we’re thrilled to bring Gordon on board. His extensive experience and intimate familiarity with the communities we serve make this a natural fit. The timing couldn’t be better to have someone of his caliber join our team, right from our own backyard,” Wertzler said.

Gordon Mays

Mays will oversee programming and strategic initiatives for Connoisseur’s “Star Stations,” including 105.5 WZSR (Star 105.5) and 96.7 WSSR (Star 96.7), both serving the Elgin and Joliet areas with adult contemporary formats, as well as 95.9 WERV (95.9 The River), a classic hits station targeting Aurora and surrounding suburbs. 

Additionally, Mays will provide leadership across Connoisseur’s broader Chicagoland portfolio, which includes Free Country stations 102.3 WXLC (Lake County) and 98.3 WCCQ (Crest Hill), rock outlets 95.1 WIIL (Kenosha) and 104.9 WRXQ (Coal City), and AM stations 1340 WJOL (Joliet), 1050 WLIP (Kenosha), and 1220 WKRS (Waukegan). 

Mays expressed enthusiasm for returning to his hometown to lead the cluster. “I’m incredibly excited to join Connoisseur Media’s Chicagoland team and work alongside such a dedicated and talented group.

"Having grown up in these suburbs, I’ve long admired the work of this organization. I’m deeply grateful to Karl Wertzler, Brian Foster (VP of Programming), and Keith Dakin (Regional General Manager) for entrusting me with this opportunity to strengthen ties with the communities I’ve always called home. I’m eager to contribute to the stations’ legacies and foster authentic connections with our listeners,” Mays said.

Connoisseur Media, headquartered in Westport, Connecticut, operates 39 radio stations across 10 markets nationwide, with its Chicagoland cluster being a key component of its Midwest strategy.