Staff
Jesse Woodward
Executive Director / Station Manager (Nanaimo)— Hired in 2018, Jesse is responsible for all administrative aspects of CHLY and the Radio Malaspina Society. Jesse writes grants, coordinates fundraising, handles communication, and is responsible for overseeing all staff, volunteers and members at CHLY. Previous to working at CHLY, Jesse sat as Board of Directors President from 2014 to 2018, and one year as Treasurer from 2013 to 2014. He attended Malaspina University College, as it transitioned into Vancouver Island University, studying graphic design and digital media. He is a life long fan of the audio medium, growing up listening to CBC Radio, and was an early listener of podcasts.
He is particularly excited about growing the station’s Nonprofit Newsroom Project.
Outside of his work at CHLY, he works as a freelance communications designer. His musical tastes are eclectic, he enjoys good beer and coffee, and he rides his bike everywhere.
Regular Office Hours:
Monday to Friday 10:30 AM–5:00 PM
Email for meeting.
Arbie Fru
Program Coordinator (Nanaimo) — Arbie is responsible for on-air and technical aspects at CHLY. As Program Coordinator, Arbie reviews program proposals for approval with Jesse. He also handles day-to-day trafficking of all on-air programming: shows, public service announcements, advertising, station IDs, etc. Arbie first started at CHLY as its volunteer Music Coordinator and enjoys jazz. He secretly plays the trumpet, flute, and French horn.
Regular Office Hours:
Monday to Friday 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
Email for meeting.
Lauryn Mackenzie
News Reporter (Nanaimo) — Lauryn is a LJI funded news reporter located in Nanaimo, reporting on civic and community news. She attended Vancouver Island University and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Digital Media Studies, focusing on journalism and audio production during her studies. Lauryn has worked at CHLY 101.7FM in its nonprofit newsroom since 2023.
Prior to her employment in the newsroom, Lauryn worked at the station as a Canada Summer Jobs employee in 2020 and 2023.
Regular Office Hours:
Generally Monday to Friday 10:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Email for meeting.
Joe Pugh
Host & Producer (Nanaimo) — Joe is the host and producer of Midcoast Morning, CHLY’s news and current affairs program. He also hosts and produces People First Radio, a program in partnership with the Vancouver Island Mental Health Society. Joe attended the University of Guelph for a Bachelors in Arts and Science, and later Humber College for a graduate certificate in radio and media production, before getting involved in CHLY during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Regular Office Hours:
None—email for meeting.
Contact:
joe.pugh@chly.ca
news@chly.ca
Key Volunteers
Kam Abbott
Technical Director — Kam Abbot handles internal and external tech at CHLY 101.7FM, and has been involved in the organization since its early days.
Regular Office Hours:
None.
Contact:
kam.abbot@chly.ca
Past Staff
A non-exhaustive list of past staff at CHLY 101.7FM.
Heather Watson—Comox Valley Area LJI Reporter (December 2024 to November 2025)
Mick Sweetman—Nanaio Area LJI Reporter (July 2023 to March 2024)
Will Hough—Junior Producer + Summer Camp Coordinator (Summers 2022 – 2025)
Sebastian Soble—Junior Producer + Summer Camp Coordinator (Summer 2022 and 2023)
Janel Jezierski—Junior Producer (Summer 2022)
Joe Pugh—Junior Producer + Summer Camp Coordinator (2021)
Elijah Robinson–Junior Reporter (2021)
Lauryn Mackenzie—Junior Reporter (2020)
Miranda Peterson—Junior Producer + Summer Camp Coordinator (2020)
Kaylie Russell—Summer Station Assistant (2019)
Adam Barron—Summer Station Assistant (2018)