Victory 91.7 FM

Staff Bios and Pics

MORNINGS with Doug, Don & Kim!

Doug Griffin comes to us from the left coast, born and raised in California. Doug spent his senior year of High School as an exchange student in Germany (Class of '85). In radio since 1988, previous stations include: KSOL, KKIS, 6 years as "Jungle Doug" on KRTY/San Jose, and 3 years on the syndicated "Doug &Connie/Doug&Karla" morning show. Doug also works with our Christian music channels on XM Satellite Radio. Doug actually met his wife Sheryl through KRTY (although she'll tell you that she was not a "groupie"). Doug's eldest daughter Lauren is in High School & Garic ("Babyman" - the only non-Californian) was born in Franklin TN in 1998.

Kim Bindel is originally from the southwest, Santa Fe, New Mexico, to be exact. She's been in radio since 1994, previous stations including KSLT - Rapid City, SD, Free 107 - Lubbock, TX, and Nashville's WAY-FM. Kim also spent some time with Salem's XM station - The Fish. Her favorite movie is "It's a Wonderful Life." Her favorite scripture is Proverbs 3:5-6, and her favorite people are her daughters, Lauren and Alexia.

MID-DAYS!

Suzanne Strickland has been in radio broadcasting for over 20 years now, having started in college as a lark because the fellow she was dating worked at the campus station and dared her to go on the air one evening. She did, and was hooked. She immediately changed her major from History/Education to Communications, and got a fulltime job at a local station before graduating. Since then, Suzanne has been all over the place: having started in Bellingham, Washington, she's worked in the Twin Cities--Minnesota Public Radio's flagship station in St. Paul; Seattle, WA, Portland, OR, and Wichita, KS. She has been a field reporter, an anchor, and a DJ. Suzanne met her husband, Scott Thunder, at KCMS in Seattle in the mid-eighties, where she was a news anchor and he was a jock. Now, 15 years and two kids later, here they are back in Nashville.

EVENINGS!

Jeremy Sweat got his start in Christian Radio just out of high school in1992. An interview on the local station in Saint Joseph, MO led to part-time work that turned into a full-time career. Over the years, he’s gained experience in production, traffic, sales, fund raising, promotions, web design and programming. He is an Addy award winning producer and copywriter, and a published Marketing author on the topic of Global branding. He made the move to Nashville with his wife Rachel and two boys Zach and Ty to be closer to family and to spend long summer days on the lake.

WEEKENDS

Richard Johnson has been involved in Christian music all his life. He grew up singing in churches with his parents, Stan & Joy, and his brothers Ray and Randy. He also performed in an intimate dinner theatre group in Florida. His radio career started at a small AM station in Brooksville, FL while he was still in high school. He has worked in radio and television through the years and even worked for Disney during the 90’s. Richard and his wife Clarissa were married in 2001 and share a home with their daughter Kassie.

Julie Summers comes from a little town outside Cincinnati called Bethel, OH. She was raised with sisters Jennifer and Jodi, brother Danny, parents Dan and Linda, and loving dog Buddy. She has earned degrees in theology and youth ministries. Since then, she has worked as a youth minister, ministry executive, television personality and DJ. In addition to her work in radio, Julie stays busy with writing projects, speaking engagements, and developing tour merchandise for her favorite bands and ministries. When she gets a free minute, Julie spends as much time as possible oil painting, sneaking off to the beach, and hanging out with her wonderful, perfect nieces: Lauren and Kierstin. Her favorite scripture is Luke 1:45.

OVERNIGHTS & PRODUCTION!

Wade McShane first became interested in radio by winning radio contests when he was just 14. by 16, he was on the air. He is a veteran of mainstream CHR, AC, News/Talk and Oldies radio in his native Southern California, and his production has won two ADDY awards and five ADDY Certificates of Recognition. He was also a contributor to a Golden Mike award for earthquake coverage, and an Emmy-award winning CBS sports feature. After joining Salem, Wade served as Morning Show host from 1994-1999, during which time he met his future wife at, what else, an on-air remote. As Operations Manager, he continues to oversee much of the production, as well as his on-air duties. Editor of the CCM Countdown with Gary Chapman for 3 years, he currently produces the CCM Radio Magazine. And, he's experienced in video and print work - everything from a doctor, lawyer, car salesman, and Ask Jeeves butler, to featured extra work in music videos and the original "Saved by the Bell." Wade married his beautiful wife Rachelle in April 1998, and welcomed the birth of their first child, Matthew, in March 2002.

Dan Kolenda has a background in both secular and religious radio and television with a range of expertise from engineering to programming. His degrees in education and being an ordained minister gives him a unique perspective for Christian radio. Dan is married to Liz and they have 5 children. Dan and Liz got their start in radio by producing and recording a local program first in their pantry and then graduating to the laundry room for better acoustics :-) They bought local airtime and were invited to be DJ's on the local station. Dan also sub contracts for other stations in the area in installing and maintaining automation systems. Dan is also principal of Port Charlotte Christian School. Liz is the best high school teacher he has ever had work for him.