Michelle Rutkowsk
Audacy‘s WXRT (93XRT)/Chicago has announced Michelle Rutkowski as the new Brand Manager effective October 13. In this role, Rutkowski will oversee the station’s content strategy, talent, operations and branding. She succeeds Laura Duncan, whose last day will be November 3.
“We are excited to welcome Michelle to the WXRT family. Her deep knowledge of the format, along with the strength of her relationships across the region were the drivers of her consistent success in Milwaukee. We look forward to her replicating that performance on behalf of WXRT,” said Kevin Cassidy, Senior Vice President and Market Manager, Audacy Chicago. “I would also like to recognize the immense contribution that Laura Duncan made during her tenure as Brand Manager of WXRT. She hands Michelle the keys to a finely tuned muscle car!”
“This iconic station has influenced me so much as a listener and shaped my deep love of music, and as a programmer who strives for the level of excellence that WXRT has delivered for decades,” said Rutkowski. “It’s an absolutely euphoric experience to be welcomed back to my beloved hometown to continue the legacies of those who made WXRT the revered Chicago treasure that it is. I would like to thank Jeff Sottolano, Dave Richards and Kevin Cassidy for the opportunity of a lifetime.”
Rutkowski is a Chicago native with two decades of radio experience. After starting her career at WKQX and WLUP, she joined Milwaukee’s WLUM in 2006, quickly advancing from nighttime personality to Music Director and Programmer. In 2016, her role expanded to direct programming across three stations, including WLDB and FONZ. Rutkowski was most recently the Vice President of Programming and Operations for Milwaukee Radio Alliance, where she led the 2024 launch of Froggy, a new country station focused on emerging artists.