After a quarter-century of helping build, lead, and expand one of radio’s prominent local media companies, Kelly Quinn is preparing to turn the page. Townsquare Media’s Chief Growth Officer has announced that he will leave the company effective October 31, bringing an end to a 25-year journey that took him from selling advertising without an established account list to occupying some of the organization’s highest executive positions.
Quinn shared the news in a personal LinkedIn message, reflecting on a career that included leadership responsibilities across local markets, corporate sales, digital operations, and companywide revenue strategy.
His path through Townsquare included serving as the company’s first Corporate Vice President of Sales, helping guide its digital business, and eventually holding the titles of Chief Revenue Officer and Chief Growth Officer.
That’s a considerable climb for someone who began in the sales trenches, where the first order of business is usually finding somebody willing to answer the phone, followed closely by convincing that person to spend money.
And anyone who has ever started in radio sales without an account list understands that the experience can build character, patience, and a remarkable tolerance for hearing the word “no.”
A Career That Followed Radio Beyond the Transmitter
Quinn’s career reflects a period of enormous change in broadcasting. During his tenure, radio companies increasingly expanded beyond traditional spot advertising, developing digital marketing products, integrated sales strategies, and new ways to serve local businesses.
Townsquare Media became particularly associated with combining its local radio operations with digital advertising and marketing services, an approach that requires sales organizations to think beyond the traditional commercial schedule.
For executives like Quinn, that evolution meant helping teams adapt to an advertising environment in which the competition was no longer limited to the station across town.
Local advertisers gained access to search advertising, social platforms, streaming services, and increasingly sophisticated digital campaigns. Radio salespeople had to become broader marketing consultants, capable of explaining how multiple products could work together.
That transition has not always been easy for the industry, but it has become an essential part of how many broadcasters approach revenue development.
Quinn’s progression through several senior leadership roles placed him in the middle of that transformation.
The People Behind the Numbers
While his executive titles tell one part of the story, Quinn’s departure announcement placed particular emphasis on the relationships he developed throughout the company.
He recalled traveling extensively, working alongside employees in numerous Townsquare markets, and learning from the people he encountered along the way.
He also acknowledged the considerable amount of time spent in hotels, a familiar occupational hazard for corporate broadcasting executives.
After 25 years, one would hope the hotel loyalty points are substantial enough to qualify for a small vacation home.
But the larger point of Quinn’s message was unmistakable. His professional relationships appear to be what he values most from his time with the company.
And that is worth remembering in a business that can become consumed with quarterly performance, revenue projections, and the next strategic initiative.
The people who make those numbers possible are still the foundation of the organization.
What Comes Next for Townsquare and Quinn
Quinn’s announced departure creates a leadership transition at Townsquare as the company continues operating in a challenging and evolving local advertising environment.
The information accompanying his announcement does not establish who will assume his responsibilities or what professional opportunity Quinn may pursue next.
Those details will be worth watching as the October 31 departure date approaches.
For now, his announcement marks the conclusion of a career that began with an empty account list and grew into a role helping shape revenue and growth strategy across a national media organization.
That’s a journey few salespeople could have imagined during their first week on the job.
And it offers a useful reminder to younger broadcasters who may be wondering whether there’s still room to build a long-term career in this industry.
Sometimes the person making cold calls today becomes the executive leading the organization tomorrow.
The important part is recognizing that careers are built through relationships, persistence, adaptability, and a willingness to keep learning.
On The Dial wishes Kelly Quinn continued success as he prepares for his next chapter. Twenty-five years with one organization represents a substantial professional commitment, particularly in an industry where ownership changes, restructurings, and shifting business models have become familiar realities.
And if his next chapter involves considerably fewer hotel check-ins, that might be a promotion all by itself.
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