Urban One Baltimore GM Howard Mazer to Retire

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, November 25, 2025 | 3:57pm CT

Howard Mazer and Dave Willner

Urban One Baltimore announced that longtime General Manager Howard Mazer (pictured right) will retire at the end of the year, concluding more than three decades of service with the company and over 40 years in the Baltimore market. Mazer began his radio career in 1981 as General Sales Manager and was elevated to General Manager in 1992. He joined Urban One in 1994, continuing to lead the company's Baltimore station group through decades of growth and industry change.

"For more than three decades, Howard has been a steady, visionary leader for our Baltimore cluster," said Eddie Harrell, Co-President of Urban One's Audio Division. "His commitment to excellence, his instinct for developing talent, and his deep understanding of this market have strengthened our stations and helped shape the culture of our entire audio division."

With Mazer's retirement, Urban One has promoted Dave Willner, the company's Director of Sales for Baltimore, to General Manager effective January 1, 2026. Willner, an Urban One veteran who began his radio career in promotions before moving into traffic and on-air roles, joined the company in 1999 as an Account Executive. He later advanced to National Sales Manager, General Sales Manager, and ultimately Director of Sales.

Harrell said Willner's broad operational background and track record in revenue leadership make him a natural successor. "Dave has had the benefit of learning the business under Howard's guidance for many years, and he embodies the forward-thinking leadership we need for the next chapter," Harrell added. "I'm confident he will build on Howard's strong foundation and continue to advance the success of the Baltimore market."

Mazer and Willner will work together through the end of the year to ensure a smooth transition.