KBUT’s Annual Membership Meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 21st, 2026 at 5:30pm at the KBUT studios at 508 Maroon Avenue in Crested Butte.
Five seats on our Board of Directors are up for election, and nine candidates are presented below. All current KBUT members are welcome and encouraged to vote. A KBUT member is anyone who has donated $50 or more in the previous year.
Not sure if you’re a member? Email Membership@KBUT.org. Don’t want to wait for an answer? You can make a membership-level gift RIGHT NOW at kbut.org/give. Candidates statements are presented in random order, and ordered in the same way on the ballot.
A link to the online ballot follows the candidates’ statements.
Polls will close at midnight on Friday, January 16th, 2026.
Candidate Statements (in randomized order):
BRIAN LYNCH
KBUT has been my soundtrack, my creative outlet, and one of the first things that made Crested Butte feel like home. As a DJ, KBUT softball player, and active community member, I’m running for the KBUT Board to help support a station that has given so much to all of us.
Professionally, I lead sales strategy and team operations at Zoom, where my work centers on building relationships, developing long-term partnerships, and creating revenue frameworks that support sustainable growth. These skills can translate into nonprofit fundraising by understanding how to engage supporters, communicate value clearly, and build systems that turn one-time donors into long-term advocates.
I believe KBUT is well-positioned to strengthen fundraising by leveraging simple, low-cost technology tools, improving donor communication, increasing awareness of pledge drives, streamlining event promotions, and expanding digital reach without increasing strain on staff or volunteers. This is an area where I can contribute meaningful hands-on knowledge.
If elected, my focus would include:
• Strengthening fundraising and underwriting through modern, relationship-driven outreach
• Using affordable technology to improve donation flow, event marketing, and listener engagement
• Supporting the KBUT staff and volunteers who bring this station to life every day
• Ensuring KBUT’s programming and community presence continue to reflect the heart of the Gunnison Valley
As host of Hot Like Sauce, I’ve experienced the power this station has to connect people, tell stories, and bring joy to our valley. I would be honored to help KBUT continue to thrive, innovate, and remain the cultural heartbeat for decades to come.
CHRIS COADY
My name is Chris Coady. I have been a member of KBUT’s Board of Directors for the past 3 years and I am hoping to serve another term. I currently serve on the board as chair person for the Personnel Committee and it’s an honor and privilege to be in service to this amazing organization and community. KBUT has been the soundtrack of my life since moving here in 1995 and I have been a KBUT DJ now for 17 years. I have a back ground in sales, business management, public speaking and communication, and with your vote I will be able to continue to put in the work necessary towards quality programming, responsible stewardship of revenue, and strategic planning while sharing our common vision for the future of this amazing volunteer powered, listener supported nonprofit community radio station for the Gunnison Valley!
ROB CARNEY
Having lived in Crested Butte for more than 45 years, and been on the air for more than 30 years, I’ve watched KBUT grow from its early days into a vital part of our community. I was involved in KBUT’s early festivals, and I began as a DJ in 1988, often doing 2–3 shows a week during those early years. Over the decades, my role as a DJ has deepened my connection to the station and strengthened my appreciation for music across all genres.
My background in music production, years of working directly with bands, and my experience as a Production Coordinator for Planet Bluegrass have given me a strong understanding of event organization, artist collaboration, and the power of music to bring people together.
I’m eager to learn more about how the KBUT Board of Directors operates—how we raise funds, manage program costs, and plan strategically for the station’s future. With federal support for public radio decreasing, I’m committed to helping the board increase donations and build long-term financial sustainability.
My lifelong passion for music and my love for Crested Butte and the Gunnison Valley drive my commitment to ensuring KBUT continues to thrive as a vital, independent voice for our community.
Sincerely,
Rob Carney
KIM MISITI
To whom it may concern,
I first moved to the north end of the valley in 2007 and KBUT has been the soundtrack to my life ever since. I am a long time member and deep lover of music and the station. My employer is a current business underwriter and I am able to see first hand the reach that KBUT has. As a woman and down valley resident I believe I would be a great addition to the board by providing different perspectives and ideas. I would love to be able to give back to kbut all it has given to me over these years. I believe that KBUT is an integral part and a lifeline of our community and I am committed to make sure it continues.
Thanks for your consideration.
Kim Misiti
LYNN MOORE
Hello Friends,
Lynn Moore here, I am excited for this opportunity to further serve one of my favorite communities and volunteer organizations.
As you know, I have been a member of the KBUT team for what feels like decades. Helping out with my friend’s radio shows, volunteering at events, and generally supporting in any way possible. Outside of my direct experience within this organization, I have countless hours of community driven activism throughout the Crested Butte township.
My experience in leadership and volunteer work is more than enough for this position. I am now ready to give more of my time and energy to this community and excited about what we will build together.
Thank you for your time in consideration for this board position. I look forward to speaking with you all soon!
LAURA SILVA
My reasons for wanting to join the board of directors is a very deep and multifaceted one. When I first got to Crested Butte in 1997 KBUT was on every single radio, in every business, throughout the Gunnison valley. It had such a profound impact on me that I knew I needed to become a volunteer DJ. I got my first permanent slot for my original show Lunch Lady Laura’s late night snack show Thursdays from 8 to 10 PM in August of 1999. After many years of volunteering at that slot, I changed over to the Thursday afternoon 2 to 4 PM slot and with the birth of my son and the birth of my daughter I continued to volunteer DJ, with some short breaks when the kids were born, and still DJing bi-weekly at that same time slot. In addition to my volunteer DJ slot, I have also been the main DJ and coordinator for KBUT’s event formerly known as Soul Train and currently known as KBUT’s Disco Inferno. I also spent a year as KBUT’s Events Coordinator and successfully coordinated and completed events such as the KBUT Kamp Out, KBUT‘s Soul Train, KBUT’s Female arm wrestling event, KBUT ‘s one and only Scrapple fest event, and multiple KBUT bingo nights.
In addition to my relations and commitment to KBUT, I am also involved intricately in the Crested Butte and Gunnison communities with additional ties in business, as the current Secret Stash restaurant manager. In arts and entertainment, not only through KBUT but I DJ and own High Mountain DJ’s since 2000. I have worked, DJ’d, collaborated, and coordinated with a large part of every nonprofit in the Gunnison Valley for over 20 years. I also helped to create and was the main event coordinator for the one and only three day Jazz fest in Crested Butte. I have worked in the service industry for the last 26 years in Crested Butte and I’ve been part of many other organizations and businesses, such as the Crested Butte news/weekly newspaper, advertising sales for the bus ads and multiple local maps, Acli-Mate mountain sports drink- senior sales representative, volunteer soccer coach for the West Elk Soccer Association, and parent volunteer and coordinator with West Elk hockey association. I feel that KBUT has always been a pillar of stability even through the toughest of times. KBUT is a community minded nonprofit that keeps the valley informed, grounded, united, entertained, and alive. I feel that with my years of experience in Crested Butte, not only in the community, but with the radio station, I would be a tremendous asset to the KBUT board of directors and would contribute a mindset that brings long time local knowledge and expertise but also understands the current and future progress of KBUT and the direction required to stay relevant and needed. Please consider me for a seat at KBUT ‘s board of directors.
ANNA LEGERE
My name is Anna Legere, and I am excited to be a candidate for the KBUT board. I bring a diverse perspective rooted in community engagement, the arts, and nonprofit work. I became a member of the Gunnison Valley community in 2015 and have been tuning in to KBUT ever since. My love for community radio began long before moving to the valley. My family was always tuned into our local station in Massachusetts. That early exposure inspired me to become involved in radio during college at 91.3 WXPL, a student-run station, where I hosted a weekly show and served as the Public Relations Manager. I became a fill-in DJ at KBUT in 2023 and am now the host of Tonight You Might, airing alternating Saturdays from 6–8 p.m.
KBUT is a vital staple of our valley, building community and culture while providing trusted information, news, and connection. It would be an honor to serve on the board, where I could contribute fresh ideas, new energy, and years of hands-on volunteer experience across many local nonprofits. Community radio remains one of the few places where authenticity, local culture, and genuine human connection truly thrive. Supporting KBUT as a board member means supporting the soul of the valley. As a board member, I would work to support DJs, volunteers, and staff so they can continue creating the programming that makes KBUT special, while also contributing to the station’s fundraising efforts. Those who know me would say I am a great problem solver with creative solutions and that I am always willing to lend a helping hand. Thanks for your consideration and tuning in!
JOE LAVORINI
I moved to the valley almost six years ago, the third week of March in 2020. I tuned into KBUT on day one, and haven’t tuned out since. My work enabled the move to this place where I’d dreamt about living. I work as director at a national non-profit doing land stewardship in the Gunnison Valley and across Colorado. This community is as good a place as any to do that work – there’s a closeness to the land here that is reflected in the culture. I would reflect that culture in my service on the board.
A few of my favorite things about KBUT are Earth Wise, Henrietta, the Inferno (wannabe disco king here), and when lost pets are reunited with their owners.
Thanks!!
DIANE MARKOWITZ
30 years ago I had a morning show above the bus barn. It was called Monday Mornings Over Easy and I had the 8 to 10 AM slot. I remember trudging over in all weather conditions, marching up those stairs and at that point picking out all my albums.
KBUT has changed quite a bit. My kids grew up with it and it’s been a part of our life every day. I’d love to give back.
Click Here for the online ballot
