Drew Henderson (photo credit: WKAR/MSU)

Drew Henderson, WKAR Public Media (East Lansing) Senior Director of Broadcast Operations has announced that he is leaving the organization to embark on a new personal and career adventure. After more than a decade at WKAR, Henderson is pursuing his lifelong passion of aviation.

“Last summer, I began taking flying lessons and got my private pilot certificate last fall,” said Henderson. “It’s something I have wanted to do since age 17 when I went for my first flight ever in a Cessna 182. I really enjoyed being a student and learning from my flight instructors, so I’m going to work towards becoming a flight instructor myself, and perhaps fly jets someday.”

Henderson joined WKAR in August 2013 as radio chief engineer, where he ensured that radio operations ran smoothly across the station. In 2019, he was promoted to the position of senior director of radio strategy and operations, and in 2021, he was promoted to senior director of broadcast operations. In that role, Henderson oversaw broadcast operations for WKAR Radio and WKAR News, leading the teams to deliver high-quality content to the mid-Michigan regions they serve.

Under Henderson’s leadership, WKAR won the Outstanding News Operation award from Michigan APME three years in a row. WKAR was also named Michigan Public Radio Station of the Year under Henderson.

“As part of the leadership team, Drew has contributed to the success of several high-impact organizational initiatives that are a large part of the reason our radio news, information, and entertainment operations continue to thrive,” said Shawn Turner, WKAR general manager. “I am grateful to Drew for all he has done to support and advise me during my time as GM.”

Drew Henderson came to WKAR after working for Midwest Communications, where he was the network administrator for Midwest Communications' 13 radio stations in Michigan.

Read an interview with Drew as he discusses his move here.