Staff

Grant C. Parks - General Manager

I discovered KZFR during my senior year at CSU Chico and immediately fell in love with the station’s diverse and adventurous musical programming. As a lifelong reggae advocate, I was drawn to Devastation Sounds, and I hosted my first live broadcast the very weekend I graduated from Chico State, earning a degree in Philosophy, a minor in Ethics, and a Certificate in Teaching Logic and Critical Thinking.

I joined the KZFR staff in February 2011 as Office Manager, a role that soon expanded into Office Manager and Production Assistant. That experience gave me a deep understanding of both the administrative and broadcast sides of community radio, from keeping the station running day to day to helping bring programs to life on the air.

In 2021, I became General Manager of KZFR. It is an honor to serve a station that stands as the North State’s cultural epicenter and a trusted source for local news, emergency information, and community voices.

Outside of KZFR, I work as a DJ, MC, and stage manager with Stay Positive Sound, host and produce Caribbean Dance Radio, and serve as a consultant for Sipho’s Foods.

Contact: grant[at]kzfr[dot]org

Leah McKean - Volunteer Coordinator

I am a Chico State Alumni who didn't move away after graduation. I fell in love with this little town after finally finding like-minded, progressive folks through listening to KZFR. During the 30+ years I've lived here, I've worked & volunteered with a number of local nonprofits always with the goal of improving our community. I strive to leave things better than I find them and to cause as little harm as possible to the planet and all living things."

Contact: leah[at]kzfr[dot]org

Ray Laager - Underwriting Director

I have been involved in radio since my college days, and for over 20 years at KZFR. It is an honor to be on the air and able to share my love for music. And to help grow KZFR by bringing in Underwriters, raise our visibility and continue to reach out to our community.
Contact: underwrite[at]kzfr[dot]org


Shirley McCoy - Office Manager

I graduated from Chico State in May 2021 with my degree in business, but my passion has always been in the music industry. I love all 60s and 70s classic rock and blues and having grown up in the Bay Area, I was attending concerts multiple times a week at times and volunteering to promote a local blues festival which is where my passion and love for live music grew. I love our local community radio and how unique it is and the whole variety of programs we have. 

Contact: shirley[at]kzfr[dot]org


Diane Culpepper - Business Manager

My name is Diane Culpepper and I've lived in Chico for about 24 years now.  I'm originally from Ann Arbor, Michigan and came to California to escape the frigid weather.  I began my own bookkeeping business about a year after I came to Chico, and have been very fortunate to have met and helped many people along the way.  I am now looking toward the future and realizing I would like to work in one place, for one entity, so when I applied and got the job as Business Manager at KZFR, I was very happy.  I enjoy reading, shopping for antiques, and Mid Century Modern décor.  I love my kids and grandkids and I'm looking forward to a new chapter in my life!

Contact: diane[at]kzfr[dot]org


Carlos Casarez - Production Assistant

I joined KZFR in May 2026 as a Production Assistant, where I write scripts, produce voiceovers, manage podcasts, and use Audacity to edit and polish on-air projects.

I entered the broadcasting business in 1980 and have worked in radio and television throughout my career. Since 2021, I’ve continued working in public radio and television, with a particular passion for audio production and voiceover.

I support public media because I believe in the value of grassroots radio and its connection to the community. What I enjoy most about production is taking an idea and turning it into something interesting, engaging, and polished for the listener.

Outside of broadcasting, I’m married and have nearly a dozen grandchildren. I enjoy gardening and spending time watching films, especially film noir, drama, suspense, and detective movies, and I'm a Dodger Fan. For me, storytelling—whether through radio, voice, or film—is what makes great media compelling.