Self-confessed "tech geek" and country music fan Ron has been in radio since his freshman year in college and continues to enjoy communicating one on one with listeners at events and promotions. "There's nothing better than being able to help people through their day with the traffic and news they need to keep moving, some information to brighten their day and a LOT of music to tie it all together!"

An Air Force brat who was drawn to radio during long cross country trips to new postings, Ron still has strong ties to military personnel. "I come from a family of soldiers and airmen. It's left me with a profound respect for those who wear the uniform and serve this country around the globe, as well as those who serve in the communities in which they live...the police, fire and EMTs who are the first responders on the front lines here at home."

Before coming to Birmingham, Ron was the Assistant Program Director and Music Director for 99.5 WYCD, Detroit's Best Country for eight years. Ron was also the Webmaster and directed digital content for the station, managing multiple websites, audio streams and programming WYCD's HD2 station. As part of the staff at WYCD, Ron helped produce one of the largest country music festivals in the US. He's also been a fixture on the country radio scene, working with Nashville and taking part in a number of promotions, concerts and industry events. Ron's radio career has also included stops in Biloxi and Hattiesburg, MD, Baltimore and Frederick, MD and a number of stations in and around New Orleans, LA.

Divorced for nearly a decade, Ron's a devoted Dad to Ross, 18 and Sally, 16. Both live with their mom in MI. "Ross has developed into a fairly accomplished musician who leads his own band "The Quickshot Ace." Ross also plays in a number of other area bands performing on guitar, bass and drums as needed," says Ron. "Sally is the athlete of the family, lettering in swimming and soccer at her high school. She's also working her way towards becoming the youngest certified clogging instructor in the state of Michigan, taking up the dance form when she was just 7 years old."

When not working, Ron is a gadget buff who's likely to be fixing or upgrading computers for friends and family, or catching up on a favorite book or movie. Usual choices include science-fiction and comedies, as well as anime from Japan. He's designed number of websites and continues to manage a few to stave off boredom. Like most radio people, he's planning to write a book and continues to insist that he has the notes for it "somewhere."

E-Mail Ron at ron.chatman@coxradio.com

Check out Ron's interview with Craig Morgan here...