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The Current announces new programming staff members

Lindsay Kimball
Lindsay KimballSara Fish for MPR

June 14, 2022

The Current is excited to announce that Lindsay Kimball has rejoined the station as program director this week. Kimball brings her passion for radio, music, and the local music scene into the program director role.

“I’m beyond excited to work with the amazing team at The Current again,” Kimball says. “Programming radio is my passion, and I look forward to continuing to strengthen this amazing service and music community partner.”

Kimball started her career as an intern at The Current shortly after the launch in 2005, eventually ascending to the assistant program director role, where she was also a host, producer, and managed many “other duties as assigned.” In her time at The Current, she had the privilege of launching streams like Rock the Cradle, Radio Heartland, and Local Current. Other milestones in her time with the station include partnering with August Schell Brewing Company to release a co-branded beer, Schell’s The Current, producing both of Adele’s in-studio sessions at The Current, putting together the A to Z Prince playlist for fans to celebrate his life and music, and producing broadcasts from SXSW and Iceland Airwaves.

An opportunity with the MPR Membership team opened up in 2018, and Kimball became the director of membership in April 2019. In that role, she grew membership support and strengthened digital fundraising efforts. All the while, she continued hosting a Friday night show on The Current.

“It’s a joy to have Lindsay rejoin our team as program director,” says David Safar, managing director of The Current. “I have witnessed her talent as a leader and advocate for our audience through developing new on-air talent, fundraising, and serving our community.”

A woman stands on top of a mountain
Jesse Wiza
Provided

Kimball will work closely with Jesse Wiza, who was promoted to from interim to assistant program director in April.

Michigan native Wiza joined The Current in 2017 and has served as music assistant, assistant producer, and digital producer before tackling the APD role.  “The Current means a lot to me and I'm grateful to continue to work alongside such a talented crew,” she says.    

A woman stands in the shade of a tree near a grassy meadow
Rachel Frances
Provided

Additionally, The Current has hired Rachel Frances as associate producer for The Morning Show. Frances brings radio experience including managing her college radio station and working as a producer at KBEA and KIIK in the Quad Cities, and MyTalk and ESPN 1500 in the Twin Cities.

“We are thrilled to have all of these talented individuals on board,” says Safar. “They each bring unique value to our brand that will help us continue to serve audiences across our region while furthering our mission.”