It’s time to say “thank you” to Lindsay Hood, and acknowledge his years of hard work and service as CKUA board chair. We’re also saying “welcome!” to our incoming Board Chair, Kathy Milani.
An Edmontonian with a long history in business and community contributions, Hood was part of CKUA history when he became co-chair of the board in 1997 and played a significant role in getting CKUA back on the air.
Most recently he served as chair since 2020. He will remain on the board as past chair, continuing to help guide CKUA.
“We were constantly facing challenges,” says Hood, of his recent time in the role, “but there was always the CKUA community. We had watched the community come together before. Our strengths were the people who cared about the station and knew the station. We adopted an aggressive strategy to survive and prosper, not to retreat.”
It’s a positive thing to change up leadership roles, says Hood. “We have a new generation of leaders who understand how important CKUA is. They are ready for the challenge. New faces and personalities are going to augment what has already been done. As we move towards the centenary in 2027, we’re going to continue to improve the station. We give ourselves the best chance to move forward when we bring new people in.”
As Hood moves on, his reflections on the station are heartfelt.
“CKUA. There is nothing like it. We are so fortunate to have it. It’s the true spirit of Alberta. It demonstrates determination, but also openness.” CKUA brings unfailing optimism, he says. “There is so much darkness in our world, but CKUA represents an opportunity to do things differently. I value that light.”
With many thanks to Hood for his leadership and contributions, we now welcome our new board chair, Kathy Milani, a long-time listener, donor, and advocate for music, culture and community.
Her connection to CKUA began in the 1980s. “We were looking for something different on the radio and CKUA caught our ears right away,” she says. “There was an immediately noticeable difference in what we were hearing and how it was presented to the listener.”
“CKUA is a wonderful way to broaden one’s knowledge of music,” she says. “Not only do I get to hear and learn of artists I would not hear on commercial radio, I also get to hear deeper cuts from popular artists I grew up with.”
She and her husband have called Calgary home since 1981, and that’s where they raised their three daughters. Milani recently retired from a successful legal career. Now she’s enjoying more time for hobbies like golfing, baking, and travelling, especially to visit her adult daughters and new grandson.
Through it all, CKUA is the constant soundtrack in her life. “The gentle purr of CKUA is in the background during most of my daily activities, but is cranked when a song moves me to dance – even solo!” Though she and her husband have been donors for years, she wanted to do more. In 2022, she joined the CKUA board and served as secretary. Now she has stepped up to take the helm.
“Since I retired in late 2024, I have more time to take on a bigger role with CKUA,” she says. “I have learned more about CKUA’s operations during my time on the board, and I am impressed by and grateful for the entire team being so focused on making the best radio possible.”
It feels good to be part of something so impactful, she says.
“Your political views, your job, where you live, your income level, or even what sports team you cheer for – none of that matters at CKUA. CKUA embraces everyone who wants to be part of the CKUA community and what it stands for. So many parts of the fantastic music and arts scenes in Alberta are made better by CKUA working to tie them together,” she continues. “My goal is to see CKUA set on a path – both financially and visionary – that allows it to continue to grow and evolve as it has in the past.”
Thank you, Lindsay. Thank you, Kathy. Your dedication to CKUA is truly appreciated by the CKUA community.
