KAFM Staff

The first thing you notice about the staff of KAFM is... it's small.  Most of the station's personnel are unpaid volunteers -- but there are a few positions which require the commitment and presence that a modest salary insures.  Ahoy, then!  Below are those hard-working and dedicated souls who captain the good ship KAFM through its daily journeys...

Ryan Stringfellow – Executive Director

The Executive Director has overall operational responsibility for our parent organization, Grand Valley Public Radio Company, Inc. which include KAFM Community Radio as well as other projects such as Beyond Radio.

Ryan grew up in the mountains of Colorado and ended up in Grand Junction in 1997 to save up for a hitchhiking journey to Alaska.  He quickly grew affectionate for the stark contrast of desert, rivers and mesas that comprise this part of the West, along with the very tight-knit community in the Valley, and has used Grand Junction as a base of operations for countless coast-to-coast road trips and international trips to Central and South America. (While he's still not made it to Alaska, he has stood on the southern-most tip of land looking south toward Antarctica.)

Ryan has been an on-air volunteer at KAFM since its inception.  After graduating from Mesa State College with a Mass Communications degree, Ryan started as Program Director of KAFM, then Station Manager, before moving on to his current position as Executive Director.  Ryan works hard to play hard, and KAFM has been a rewarding outlet for his passion of community and radio.

Contact Ryan
(970) 241-8801 x 210

Tracy Baker - Operations Manager

Tracy is a Colorado native who moved to Grand Junction (and began listening to KAFM) in 2002.  Her background is in business, but she is thrilled to now be part of a community-based organization like KAFM.  Tracy spends a lot of time outdoors, hiking, fly-fishing and four-wheeling.  She loves to travel and has made recent trips to Africa and Panama.  Tracy says, "I encourage one and all to volunteer at KAFM, no matter how much or how little time you can contribute.  There is much to be done 'behind the scenes' and we appreciate everyone's efforts."

Contact Tracy
(970) 241-8801 x 201

Tedi Gillespie - Program Director

Tedi happily landed back in Grand Junction after a hiatus of 14 years following her husband Joey’s career moves.  Originally from Boston and having worked many years in Washington DC, Tedi has a long history of working for and with non-profits and volunteer supported organizations.  Arriving back in town last fall after living in Anchorage, Tedi was elated not only to see the sun again and but to find KAFM on the dial -– both continue to make her smile.  Along with her family, Tedi enjoys hiking, biking, boating, skiing and community-focused efforts that make this Valley so Grand!

As Program Director, Tedi is responsible for all on-air operations and encourages everyone who listens to consider becoming part of the on-air team that is the heart and soul of KAFM.

Contact Tedi
(970) 241-8801 x 218

Robert Bledsoe – Music , Content & Radio Room Coordinator

Robert is originally from the deep south, graduated from school in California, and came to Colorado via New Mexico and Oklahoma. Growing disgusted with commercial radio, Robert had stopped listening to radio entirely until he discovered the great community and musical variety that is KAFM. Robert first became involved with KAFM by doing a Public Affairs show and then becoming a volunteer programmer as the Storm Boy for Monday's Morning Muse show in 2007.

Robert has a great deal of experience doing sound for concerts and other events, has created and performed his own puppet shows, is a Civil War reenactor, and loves to talk football. (War Eagle! and Go Steelers!)

If you would like to help bring new music into our station, want to do a Public Affairs show, or want to help with Radio Room events, please contact Robert.

Contact Robert
(970) 241-8801 x 206

Judy Craddock - Development Director

A native of Tennessee, Judy’s high school classmates in Nashville were the sons and daughters of country music legends and legend-hopefuls.   “One can’t grow up in Memphis and Nashville without a music radar that is on all the time” says Judy.  A volunteer programmer for many years before joining the staff at KAFM, Judy looks forward to being back on the airwaves, sharing her love of music with the community.   “I feel a responsibility to both the artist and listener to provide what isn’t happening in commercial radio; risk, innovation and variety.” 

Judy’s happiness factor also centers on life outdoors. She re-charges by hiking the natural beauty of the West, as well as travel back to her native South, for time on the Tennessee River with family.   Her passions include writing, road trips, snowshoeing, wilderness conservation and walkable communities. A student and fan of improvisational theater, she’d like to see a group form in Grand Junction, perhaps “The Radio Room Players?”    

The Development Director is responsible for expanding the KAFM community of support in the Grand Valley and ensuring that community partners take advantage of the excellent opportunities for getting their word out on the air.

Contact Judy
(970) 241-8801 x 207

Jeff Driehorst - Operations Assistant

Jeff joined the KAFM staff in December, 2006 to fill the newly created position of Operations Assistant.  He has been a programmer for the Saturday morning Americana show “Mountain Bound” since the Fall of 2005 and a volunteer since the previous Spring.  He first became involved in radio as a high school student many, many years ago.  KAFM renewed his longstanding love of radio.  Jeff brings a passion for music and the unique stories of the people of our community and those who pass through our doors.

Jeff has a profound appreciation of the Grand Valley after living in Denver, several places in the South and growing up in Pennsylvania.  An avid cyclist and backcountry enthusiast, he can be found (or not found) outside somewhere during his time off from his three vocations.  Jeff invites you to drop by the station to say hello, take the tour and become more involved in your community radio station.

Contact Jeff
(970) 241-8801 x 223