Our People

Our People

^{(Front: Jeff, Carrie, Jennifer, Mike. Back: Gary, Margie, Troy, Leah)}

We call this section "Our People," because "Staff" is really formal and stuffy... and besides, we're a lot more like a family than just co-workers. We all really appreciate the support you offer Encouragement FM and, if you'd like to get to know us a little better, this is the place to do just that!

Troy Kriechbaum

Troy Kriechbaum is the captain of the ship, the leader of the pack, the chief of the tribe, the... well, you get the point. If there are questions to be answered, decisions to be made, or meetings to be met (?) Troy's the man!

Leah Coombs

Leah Coombs has definitely earned the title of "Jill of all trades" here at Encouragement FM. In addition to overseeing all of the station's community outreach and donor relations efforts, she's found the time to host a show on 91.3 KGLY and teach herself accounting... which she occasionally enjoys!

Margie Shafer

The smiling face you see when you first walk through the doors of Encouragement FM is that of Margie Shafer, quite possibly the friendliest person you will ever meet. If talking with Margie - in person or on the phone - doesn't make you smile, we would suggest you seek immediate medical attention!

Jeff Johnson

Jeff Johnson is the "new guy" at Encouragement FM, though he's not new to radio. In an industry known for moving around, Jeff has done everything possible to put the movers' kids through college. In fact, the only thing he's done in more states than work in radio is sing karaoke!

FM: The Encouragement FM Cat

FM: The EFM Cat
The first member of the Encouragement FM family you may come into contact with when you visit the stations is not exactly human - but don't tell Margie that! Our station cat, "FM" (for "Feline Momma") has been entertaining us, and keeping us humble for longer than anyone can remember.

Gary Lesniewski

In addition to tying Troy Kriechbaum in our "difficult to spell names" competition, Gary Lesniewski holds the distinction of having actually gone to work here before the "FM" was a part of Encouragement FM. If you want to know our detailed history, or Tchaikovsky's birthday, just ask the man who turned on our transmitter the very first time!

Mike Harper

The voice that's been waking you up every morning for nearly 20 years on 89.5 KVNE belongs to Mike Harper. Mike joined Encouragement FM in May of 1989 and the rest, as they say, is pretty funny!

Carrie Parsons

She reminds you of your mom, your sister or your best friend, helping you get ready and get out the door every day. She's Carrie Parsons: a wife, a mom, a business owner, and the woman responsible for keeping Mike Harper in line, serving as the feminine side of Mike and Carrie in the Morning!

Jennifer Winborn

Our resident "drama queen" (she was a theater major) and self-professed "baby" of the KVNE family is Jennifer Winborn. Whether you're picking up the kids from school, dropping them off for soccer practice, or just trying to wind down after a hectic day, Jennifer's soothing voice is always there for you.