Press Releases

WCNY appoints Mark Fancher, David Lombardo, Samantha Sidorakis, Virginia Verdoes; promotes Timothy Williams

by Rouhollah Goudarzi

January 18, 2020

WCNY, Central New York’s community-owned flagship public broadcaster announces the following appointments and promotion:

Mark Fancher was appointed facilities maintenance engineer. Francher previously served as facilities coordinator at Chase Design in Skaneateles. He earned a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts from Syracuse University. He resides in Baldwinsville.

David Lombardo was appointed as Host of “The Capitol Pressroom.” Lombardo brings 10 years of experience in journalism, state politics, and digital media to the position. He previously served as Capitol reporter for the Albany Times Union, where he was also host of the Capitol Confidential podcast. Lombardo’s work in podcasting and data visualization has been recognized by the New York Associated Press Association. He was named one of Albany “40 Under 40 Rising Stars” by City & State New York. Lombardo earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the State University of New York at Geneseo. He resides in Saratoga Springs.

Edward Molloy was appointed as an account manager for underwriting and corporate support. He brings 30 years of experience to WCNY. Molloy previously served as a senior account manager for Galaxy Media Partners. His professional experience also includes sales and management roles with WSTM NBC3 TV, iHeartMedia, Hubbard Broadcasting and Gormally Broadcasting. Ed resides in Fayetteville.

Samantha Sidorakis was appointed copywriter. Sidorakis previously worked as a volunteer and English teacher in Vietnam. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English and Political Science from St. Michael’s College in Burlington, VT. She resides in Baldwinsville.

Virginia Verdoes was appointed director of underwriting and corporate support brings 30 years of experience to WCNY. Verdoes previously served as General Manager, Stickley Audi & Co., Towne Center. Her professional experience also includes sales positions with WSYT FOX68, WSTM NBC3 TV, Clear Channel, and WTVH CBS TV. She resides in Manlius.

Timothy Williams, promoted to senior political producer of “The Capitol Pressroom.” Williams has produced the show since 2017. He was named one of Albany “40 Under 40 Rising Stars” by City & State New York. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Sociology from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.

About WCNY
WCNY was founded in 1965 as The Educational Television Council of Central New York. Today it is a community-owned media company that produces content across multiple platforms, including television and radio programs, dynamic web and targeted email content, the WCNY CONNECT member magazine, and social media. Through online stream technology, WCNY has a global broadcast audience of viewers and listeners throughout the United States and 17 countries. WCNY operates five digital, pledge-free broadcast channels and three radio stations. Towers are located in Watertown and Utica, and WCNY’s radio programming extends into Canada. Classic FM is one of a few radio stations in the world dedicated to locally-programmed music.

Educational services include workshops; a 10,000 square-foot building with dedicated Education Center; Read Out, a radio reading service for the visually impaired; Enterprise America for middle school students; and a media and marketing communications program for high school students.

WCNY is LEED® Platinum Certified by the U.S. Green Building Council, the highest certification level achievable in Leadership, Energy & Environmental Design. Other achievements include “Business of the Year” in the nonprofit category in 2014 by CenterState CEO.