As RBR+TVBR first hinted on Friday, there will be a new General Manager of Lotus Communications’ media properties in Arizona’s second-largest market at the start of 2026. We now know who will be succeeding Debbie Wagner, as the company also announced an operational move in Southern Nevada.
Lotus’ Arizona Lotus Corporation subsidiary has named Dee Anne Thomas its new GM for a group of stations comprised of Rocker KFMA-FM, Adult Contemporary KMXZ-FM, Classic Rock KLPX-FM, Sports Talk KFFN-AM 1490, Regional Mexican KCMT-FM, Classic Regional Mexican KTKT-FM, and K227DX “HANK FM.”
Thomas has been in Tucson since 1993 and has a long career in marketing and media sales, rising from Director of Sales. A Louisiana State University graduate, she began her career in 1984 as a Retail Marketing Manager for 222 Corporation’s WCKW-AM & FM in New Orleans. She exited there in November 1992, joining a group of stations now owned by iHeartMedia as General Sales Manager in 1993. Thomas would spent 16 years at the properties, exiting in 2009. She’d then hold sales-oriented roles at ADVision Outdoor and ON Media Publications.
In May 2014, Thomas entered the world of broadcast TV sales, joining TEGNA’s KMSB “FOX 11” as Local Sales Manager. She held the role for 3 1/2 years.
Meanwhile, Thomas for 20 years has been an active member of the Tucson Advertising Federation and the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
“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,” said Jim Kalmenson, Chief Operating Officer of Lotus Communications. “She’s someone everyone respects, trusts, and genuinely loves working with — and that makes this transition not just seamless, but inspiring.”
Taking on Thomas’ role as DOS at the Lotus/Tucson stations is Ericka Aguilar — a 2018 Medallas de Cortez winner as Sales Manager of the Year. A University of Arizona graduate, Aguilar began her career at a KEVT Radio on-air personality before joining Telemundo as a Promotions and Marketing Manager for its Arizona stations. She joined Lotus in 2008 to serve as an Account Executive, rising to her current position of General Sales Manager in February 2016.
“Ericka is a true Tucson success story and one of the most respected sales leaders in Southern Arizona,” said Kalmenson. “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.”
A NEW OM IN NEVADA
Lotus Broadcasting also made a move in Las Vegas, with the appointment of JD Greene as Operations Manager. It’s a big move to Southern Nevada for Greene, who has served as VP of Programming for Leighton Media in Minnesota since January 2022. Before that, he spent 15 1/2 years at iHeartMedia, holding programming duties in markets such as Pittsburgh and Minneapolis.
“JD brings tremendous energy and expertise to our team,” said Natalie Marsh, Market Manager for Lotus in Las Vegas. “His positivity, leadership, and collaborative approach make him an outstanding fit for our culture and our goals.”
In his new role, Greene will oversee daily operations and help drive strategic initiatives that enhance the company’s content and engagement efforts at KRLV-AM 920 “Raider Nation Radio,” Spanish-language Sports KENO-AM 1460, ESPN Radio affiliate KWWN-AM, Sports Talk KLAV-AM, FOX Sports Radio affiliate KKGK-AM, Classic Regional Mexican KWID-FM “La Buena,” Rocker KOMP-FM and Classic Rocker KXPT “97.1 The Point.”
