Michelle Rutkowski Named Brand Manager at WXRT Chicago

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, October 2, 2025 | 10:03am CT

Michelle Rutkowski

WXRT-FM (93XRT) Chicago appoints Michelle Rutkowski as its new Brand Manager, effective October 13. She will oversee the station's content strategy, talent, operations, and branding, succeeding Laura Duncan, whose final day will be November 3.

"We are excited to welcome Michelle to the WXRT family. Her deep knowledge of the format, along with the strength of her relationships across the region were the drivers of her consistent success in Milwaukee," said Kevin Cassidy, Senior Vice President and Market Manager, Audacy Chicago. "We look forward to her replicating that performance on behalf of WXRT. I would also like to recognize the immense contribution that Laura Duncan made during her tenure as Brand Manager of WXRT. She hands Michelle the keys to a finely tuned muscle car."

Rutkowski, a Chicago native, brings two decades of radio experience to the role. She began her career at WKQX and WLUP before joining Milwaukee's WLUM in 2006, where she advanced from nighttime personality to Music Director and Programmer. In 2016, her responsibilities grew to include programming for three stations -- WLUM, WLDB, and FONZ. Most recently, Rutkowski served as Vice President of Programming and Operations for Milwaukee Radio Alliance, where she oversaw the 2024 launch of Froggy, a Country outlet focused on emerging artists.

"This iconic station has influenced me so much as a listener and shaped my deep love of music, and as a programmer who strives for the level of excellence that WXRT has delivered for decades," Rutkowski said. "It's an absolutely euphoric experience to be welcomed back to my beloved hometown to continue the legacies of those who made WXRT the revered Chicago treasure that it is."