Tom Cook
W. Thomas Cook has been involved in broadcasting for more than 50 years, with much of that career in academia. According to Tom, it combined the “Real” world of broadcasting and the academic world of educating students in telecommunications.
He was active in radio, television, film and electronic media. Tom is a true pioneer in broadcast education. He established the first full broadcasting curriculum in Colorado at Metropolitan State College. He has supported the efforts of public broadcasting on the board and advisory council of KRMA-TV (Rocky Mountain PBS) for 32 years.
On the air and behind the camera and mike, Tom Cook is distinguished for his leadership, service and expertise he has provided to his students, his listeners and his viewers.
Merrie Lynn
Merrie Lynn is well known as and On-air Talent. In addition, she has been an executive, author, lecturer.
Merrie Lynn’s versatility has been observed and honored in a variety of prestigious and important settings. Her distinguished career in broadcasting includes innovative approaches to programming for Denver radio and television audiences. An expert interviewer, Merrie Lynn is equally adept at posing questions to celebrities and to ordinary, every day folks with interesting stories to tell.
In her broadcasting career, she has served as special events director, producer, host of numerous live remote broadcasts and as a key member of the management team.
Merrie Lynn gained further distinction during her service as Colorado’s first lady. Her presentation skills were utilized as a top lecturer and instructor for the Department of Homeland Security around the country.
Beverly Martinez
Beverly Martinez is a key figure in Public Service to the community through the station she has represented for nearly three decades.
As Public Affairs Manager at KWGN-TV, she developed and spearheaded charitable fundraising efforts and creative community programs for countless worthwhile causes. In one year alone, Martinez directed WB2 Charities in giving more than $3 Million to non-profit organizations focused on helping families and children.
She was one of the founding partners of the Healing Fund, an outlet for those who wished to help the recovery process after the Columbine tragedy.
Beverly’s first broadcast job was as producer and host of “Denver Now”, a community forum for social and cultural issues. She served in leadership capacities with several organizations related to broadcasting and the community.
Joe Tennessen
They call him Mister Greeley.
Joe Tennessen started his career in radio long before he went on the air. As a boy in Wisconsin, Joe would lie in bed at night and pretend he was the sports announcer he was listening to on the radio. At age 16, he was actually serving as the color announcer on broadcasts of high school sports.
For over 35 years, Joe has been the voice of Weld County in KFKA-AM in Greeley. Over the years, Tennessen was host of the popular “Up With Weld County” community-based morning talk show. He has served the station in both management and ownership.
He recently retired from the radio station, but continues in a new venture in banking, alongside his contributions to numerous community projects in and around Greeley.