Protzman Retires, Gresham Returns

• Busy day around SummitMedia’s Knoxville radio ranch with a couple of major announcements, starting with the news that Chris Protzman, who has served as Knoxville Market President for the past 18 years has announced his retirement, effective February 1.

Protzman remarked, “[SummitMedia Chairman & CEO] Carl Parmer and I started this conversation last Fall and I’m delighted with how all the pieces came together.” He added, “As I transition into the next chapter of my professional life I look forward to completing my work as Chairman Emeritus of our State Broadcast Association, as well as advancing several non-profit projects near and dear to my heart. SummitMedia has pledged to support these efforts moving forward and I am deeply grateful for their support.”

Parmer stated, “Chris has done an outstanding job leading our Knoxville Cluster and we wish him the very best as begins his next chapter. He was instrumental in helping choose his successor and we couldn’t be more excited for our team.”

• Now, let’s meet Protzman’s very familiar successor — Kelsey Gresham, currently Station Director of Cox Media Group Athens, GA, is coming home to SummitMedia Knoxville as its new Market President. Gresham commented, “I’m excited to return to the Knoxville market and cluster that I managed in 2017 as LSM. This homecoming is both a personal and professional desire for me and my family. Carl’s passion for the Knoxville Operation and our team members drove this perfect fit.”

Parmer stated, “We are very excited to have Kelsey return home to lead our incredible Knoxville team.” Gresham added, “I look forward to building on the success and achievements gained under Protz and am honored to carry on the tradition of high performance at SummitMedia Knoxville.”