Rutkowski Named Brand Mgr., WXRT/Chicago

• Audacy heritage Triple A WXRT (93XRT)/Chicago has named Michelle Rutkowski as its new Brand Manager effective October 13. She will succeed Laura Duncan, whose last day will be Nov. 3.

Rutkowski just wrapped up nearly two decades of service with the now defunct Milwaukee Radio Alliance, where she rose to VP of Programming and Operations for Alternative WLUM (FM 102.1), AC WLDB (B93.3), Country Froggy MKE, and Oldies WZTI-AM (FONZ 1290). The new gig marks a radio homecoming for Chicago native Rutkowski, who started her career at WKQX (Q101) and the late WLUP (The Loop) in 2002.

Rutkowski moved to Milwaukee in 2006 to become the evening personality for WLUM when the station was re-launched as FM102/1 Independent. Alternative. Radio. She was named MD in 2010, upped to PD in 2014, and named OM of the cluster in 2017. She was elevated to her current role as VP of Programming & Ops last year.

“We are excited to welcome Michelle to the WXRT family,” said Kevin Cassidy, SVP/Market Manager, Audacy Chicago. “Her deep knowledge of the format, along with the strength of her relationships across the region were the drivers of her consistent success in Milwaukee. We look forward to her replicating that performance on behalf of WXRT. I would also like to recognize the immense contribution that Laura Duncan made during her tenure as Brand Manager of WXRT. She hands Michelle the keys to a finely tuned muscle car!”

“This iconic station has influenced me so much as a listener and shaped my deep love of music, and as a programmer who strives for the level of excellence that WXRT has delivered for decades,” said Rutkowski. “It’s an absolutely euphoric experience to be welcomed back to my beloved hometown to continue the legacies of those who made WXRT the revered Chicago treasure that it is. I would like to thank Jeff Sottolano, Dave Richards and Kevin Cassidy for the opportunity of a lifetime.”