WQSV Announces Rick Sheeley As New General Manager and Celebrates Ten Years on Air

January 27, 2026 • STAUNTON, VA — Rick Sheeley has been named the new General Manager of The Staunton Media Alliance, which operates Staunton’s first and only listener-powered community radio station, WQSV 106.3 FM. Rick will succeed Ben Leonard, who led the station for nearly six years and will retain his role as a DJ.

Rick’s 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 a 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 70s (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.

Rick joins the station on the eve of its tenth year of broadcasting, which will be celebrated in February 2026. WQSV has also appointed two new board members, JB Stevens and Nanci Kalanta, both of whom have been station regulars for years. Board President Deena Warner stated, “We’re thankful to Ben who ushered in a period of growth during the pandemic and beyond. We’re excited to explore the new ideas Rick brings to the table. His experience both from a technical side and a musical side will be invaluable.”