Gary Lesniewski
In addition to tying Troy Kriechbaum in our "difficult to spell names" competition, Gary Lesniewski holds the distinction of having actually gone to work here before the "FM" was a part of Encouragement FM. If you want to know our detailed history, or Tchaikovsky's birthday, just ask the man who turned on our transmitter the very first time!
Ten Questions with Gary Lesniewski
1. When did you join Encouragement FM?
I was brought on board in 1983 to help start KVNE, the first full-time Christian radio station in East Texas and serve as its first program director.
2. What do you do now and what other job(s) have you held here?
Primarily I host the KGLY morning show and take care of some administrative duties for Encouragement FM.
3. Where else have you done similar work?
I started in radio in 1973 in Jacksonville always with a mindset that I wanted to work in Christian radio. My first Christian radio job was in 1975 with KPBC in Dallas.
4. Where did you go to school?
I attended the University of Illinois in Chicago, where I studied economics. I also took courses at the Institute of Biblical Studies in California, which relate better to my career in Christian radio.
5. Describe your family.
My wife Linda is Women's Minister at Green Acres Baptist Church and author two books. I have four grown children: Lori, Nathan, Lisa and Jonathan. I also have three grandchildren: Isabella, Julianna and Kaylee. I am blessed to have my three grandchildren in the Tyler area.
6. What do you enjoy most about working here?
I enjoy being a part of bringing a Christian radio environment to the folks in our listening area. It is so needed.
7. Why are you working in this ministry rather than in the for-profit/secular world?
That's just God's call on my life.
8. Share a funny story about working here?
In 1989, when I attended the Gospel Music Association annual meeting in Nashville, we had the opportunity to interview Christian recording artists. Each artist posted the times they were available for interviews on a bulletin board. I scanned the list of famous names and noticed that one new artist did not have a single interview request. Feeling a bit sorry for him I signed up for an interview and, later, spent an hour sitting on the floor of a hotel room chatting with Steven Curtis Chapman about beginning his career as a Christian singer. The boy made good!
9. What is your best memory/proudest accomplishment from your time here?
Being a part of starting a Christian radio station from scratch was a great privilege.
10. What do you hope to accomplish here?
To see both of our stations become even more effective in the lives of our listeners.
Vital Statistics
Name: Gary Lesniewski
Position: Vice President of Broadcast Operations
Birthday: January 30
Originally from: Chicago, Illinois
When I was a kid I wanted to be: pro athlete (golf or baseball)Favorite Verse: II Corinthians 5:17-18
Favorite Artist: Georgia O'Keeffe
Favorite Pastime: cycling in New Mexico
Favorite Food: Pizza
