Chuck Mikowski

Longtime WZZM-TV (Grand Rapids) Vice President of Technology Chuck Mikowski has retired after 45 years of service to the station.  Mikowski's first day at WZZM was January 7, 1980 when he came aboard the station as a maintenance technician.

For 33 of his 45 years, he has led the station's broadcast engineering department.  He retires with the honor of being WZZM's longest-serving employee.

In a post on the station's website, WZZM notes that Mikowski "not only witnessed broadcast history: he's made it." From leading WZZM through the analog broadcasting switch to digital signals to maintaining the station's broadcast tower, Mikowski also served as (station owner) TEGNA's Chief sUAS Pilot, organizing the drone training program.

"Chuck’s unmatched dedication, deep expertise in broadcast engineering and technology, and tireless commitment to maintaining our facilities have been vital to WZZM’s success," WZZM President and General Manager Dan Baylog said when announcing Chuck's retirement to staff. "For 45 years, Chuck has seamlessly managed responsibilities at both 645 Three Mile and the transmitter site, often at odd hours of the day, ensuring everything runs smoothly. It’s one of those behind-the-scenes roles we rarely see but rely on every single day...Chuck’s contributions to WZZM are immeasurable, and his absence will undoubtedly be felt."

WZZM has placed a plaque outside the maintenance shop, which has been renamed in his honor as the Mikowski Maintenance Workshop.  Mikowski plans to spend more time with his family and grandkids in retirement.

Mikowski was the recipient of the prestigious Carl E. Lee Broadcast Engineering Award in 2015.

Replacing Mikowski as Head of Technology and Operations is Jeff VanSyckle. VanSyckle join WZZM as a satellite truck operator in 2006, became a engineering technician in 2007, promoted to Engineering Supervisor in 2017 and was appointed Supervisor of Technology and Operations in 2022.