Successful Succession At Arizona Lotus

• Following the recent announcement of the imminent retirement of Debbie Wagner, longtime General Manager of Arizona Lotus Corporation in Tucson, the company is pleased to promote from within to create its new leadership team — effective in January, Dee Anne Thomas (left) will rise from Director of Sales to General Manager, while General Sales Manager Ericka Aguilar (right) will become the new Director of Sales.

“Since the emotional announcement of Debbie’s retirement, it’s been clear that the Tucson market and our entire team are rallying behind Dee Anne,” said Jim Kalmenson, Chief Operating Officer of Lotus Communications. “She’s someone everyone respects, trusts, and genuinely loves working with — and that makes this transition not just seamless, but inspiring.”

Thomas is a respected advertising veteran with more than 41 years of experience across radio, television, outdoor, and print media. A Louisiana native, Thomas relocated to Tucson in 1993 and has since built an impressive career serving in leadership roles in marketing and media sales at WCKW-FM/AM, Clear Channel Radio, ADVision Outdoor, ON Media Publications, and KMSB (FOX 11) & KTTU (My18). Over her eight years with Arizona Lotus Radio, Thomas has successfully managed Classic Rock KLPX, Active Rock KFMA, AC KMXZ (94.9 MIXfm), KFFN-AM (ESPN Tucson), and Classic Country HANK FM (KLPX-HD3).

A Tucson native, Aguilar brings 25 years of diverse media experience spanning on-air, promotions, television, and sales leadership. She has spent 18 years with Arizona Lotus, including the last decade in management. “Ericka is a true Tucson success story and one of the most respected sales leaders in Southern Arizona,” said Kalmenson. “Her promotion has energized the entire cluster — she embodies the spirit of Tucson and the culture of excellence that defines Lotus. All of us are behind her and celebrating the growth she deserves.”