Rick is the new General Manager of WQSV, replacing Ben Leonard. His relationship with the station began in October of 2022, as the host of the Blues Show on Thursday nights; Rick is WQSV’s informal “IT Guy,” as he has been DBA/IT professional for over 20 years. A Navy “brat,” born in Iowa and raised all over the USA, he cut his teeth in radio at KOKX Radio (Keokuk, Iowa) and as a club DJ from the late 70’s (disco, electronic, and jungle), before becoming a professional singer and harmonica player in the 90s. Rick has played in Multiple blues and jazz bands, had his own Horn band(s) in the 2000s, and recorded for Sony Records; he has played in Las Vegas casinos, and touts artists such as John Sebastian, Sonny Rhodes, Betty Lavette, and many others as friends. Rick is an avid collector of art, and a passionate motorcyclist to boot. He lives in the Hillcrest neighborhood of Staunton with his wife, Windy, and their Aussie, Char.

Chance was born in Norfolk VA and has lived in Staunton since a child. His passion for poetry and wordsmithing intrigued him since elementary school when he was involved with “oratorical” poem recital competitions through Mary Baldwin College. Local Robert E. Lee alum, also part of legendary HOF coach Paul Hatcher’s “Fighting Leemen” ball program, he began making mix tapes back when he was in high school. At his time at Virginia Tech, where he received his bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering, he released his debut album Praise the Fox under rap persona “Austin Fox 狐.” Founder of local record label NUWAV LIMITED COMPANY, the Staunton native strives to build community through freedom of self-expression. His music affiliation has bridged relationships with artists from the underground DMV, Philly & NYC alternative hip hop/rock scenes, where he performs/hosts performances.

Jeff spent 23 years as a Navy officer, a career that not only took him and his family all around the world, but also allowed him to host an Armed Forces Network radio show.  He thought his radio career was over when he retired from the military, but all that changed when he moved to Staunton in 2020.  WQSV has allowed Jeff to revive his AFN show, Up In The Attic, in all its cheesy, self-indulgent glory every Friday morning.  Jeff and his wife are the proud parents of four self-acknowledged “theater kids” who share his love for music and performing (a couple of them have shows of their own on their college radio stations).  You might even find Jeff on a local community theater stage from time to time. 

Nanci arrived in Staunton via NJ. Having spent a misguided summer here with friends in 1977, she fell in love with the area and swore she would return and did, in 2010. Music has always played an important role in her life and when asked if she would like to take over the Arts & Events Calendar, she jumped at the chance to help support the station. Now, as a Board Member, Nanci hopes to contribute to the continued success of WQSV.

JB was born and raised in Waynesboro. He became aware of radio and radio announcing in 1974, when he got his first radio and found WLS in Chicago. He did a brief stint at Ferrum College’s AM station (WFCR) in 1985. He began commercial radio at WTON in 1986, joined WKDW in 1989, moved to WSGM/G93 in 1990 and left in 1992. He’s done voiceovers, commercial spots, videos, and DJ parties off and on, until he joined WQSV in 2024. Now he’s doing the Saturday Night Oldies Party, going into his third year.

Melissa arrived in Staunton around the same time that WQSV hit the airwaves back in early 2016. She moved from Atlanta, Georgia, where she was a radio producer with 90.1 WABE, the city’s beloved NPR affiliate. Joining the board during the 2020 pandemic, she’s eager for live music and travel to return — two things she loves and doesn’t feel are mutually exclusive. She’s seen Black Sabbath in Riga, Latvia; the Melvins in Buenos Aires; and Animal Collective in Santiago, Chile, just to name a few.

Deena spent her youth making mix tapes, painting band t-shirts, and designing logos. Now, she owns a graphic design agency and manages the WQSV website. She enjoys solving puzzles and hiking, especially both at once. Deena moved to Staunton in 2005 with her husband, author and jiu-jitsu instructor Matthew Warner. Her kids Owen and Thomas are involved in the local theater and music scene and will rule the world one day.

Joe arrived in Staunton in 2020 from Chicago (with a layover in Pennsylvania). He has been obsessed with music since he was a kid. He’s seen a lot of great live music, has performed in bands, DJ’d in bars and bought a lot of records. He now has a home for some of that collection in shows on WQSV. When not being entertained by the little DJ in his head, he evaluates medical research, creates art from discarded car parts and builds custom cars.