Lotus Communications has announced a series of leadership changes at its Tucson AZ cluster.
Debbie Wagner will retire at the end of the year ending a 42 year career in radio management. Wagner has led Lotus Tucson since March 2021 after previously holding VP/Market Manager roles for iHeartMedia and its predecessors in Tucson, San Diego, and Springfield MA. She commented, “After 42 unforgettable years in radio management, I’m retiring with immense gratitude to Lotus Media and to the many teams, stations, clients, on-air talent, listeners, and community partners who made this journey so rewarding.”
Lotus COO Jim Kalmenson said, “Debbie was a magnificent leader who people, clients, and employees rallied around. She helped groom the next generation of leadership, allowing us to continue our long-standing preference of promoting from within.”
With Wagner’s retirement, Dee Anne Thomas will rise from Director of Sales to General Manager and Ericka Aguilar from General Sales Manager to Director of Sales.
Thomas joined Lotus in 2017. She previously spent sixteen years at what would become iHeartMedia’s Tucson cluster as General Sales Manager from 1992 to 2009 after beginning her sales career at WCKW New Orleans. She has also held roles at KMSB/KTTU-TV Tucson and a few local agencies.
Kalmenson added, “Since the emotional announcement of Debbie’s retirement, it’s been clear that the Tucson market and our entire team are rallying behind Dee Anne. She’s someone everyone respects, trusts, and genuinely loves working with — and that makes this transition not just seamless, but inspiring.”
Aguilar has been with Lotus since 2008 and has served as GSM since 2016. She began her career on-air at 1210 KEVT Tucson and later held promotions roles at Telemundo Tucson before joining Lotus.
Kalmenson said, “Ericka is a true Tucson success story and one of the most respected sales leaders in Southern Arizona. Her promotion has energized the entire cluster — she embodies the spirit of Tucson and the culture of excellence that defines Lotus. All of us are behind her and celebrating the growth she deserves.”
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