Aubrey Williams

Position: General Manager – listener, wrangler, planner, thinker, strategist, and overseer of things (radio stuff, people, items, ideas).

Describe Yourself: I’m originally a city girl, born and raised in Washington DC, but I have found my home here in Chapel Hill. I heard someone say once, “I wasn’t born in Chapel Hill, but I got here as fast as I could.” This really resonates with me, because I can honestly say that I have never felt more at home anywhere. I came to the radio station in 2003 and I love my job and the wonderful staff at 97.9 The Hill/Chapelboro. In addition to my work family, I have my own family. I am the proud wife of Justin R. Williams and proud mother of our son, Fox R. Williams. This works out perfectly, because the number three is, and has always been, my favorite number.

Favorite Song:  Most people who know me know that The Smiths is my all time favorite band. But choosing a favorite song out of all of the songs in the world is SO HARD. What constitutes a favorite? For me, it is probably something that a) I never tire of and b) consistently brings the same amount of joy it did from the first time I ever heard it. For The Smiths, some faves are: “Stretch Out and Wait,” “Cemetery Gates” and “Vicar in a Tutu.” I am a music lover and I am constantly discovering music that is new to me and falling in love with bands. Email me if you’d like a list of more recent faves!

 


Aaron Keck

Position: Host of “This Morning with Aaron Keck,” 6 – 9am weekdays on 97.9 The Hill!

Describe Yourself: I’ve been here at 97.9 The Hill WCHL since 2010, and still loving it every day. I was born in Lansing, Michigan (go Michigan State!), got my Ph.D. in political science from Rutgers University, moved to the Triangle in 2008 for a postdoc at Duke, and fell in love with the area immediately. Now I get to go on every day and talk about local news, sports, issues, and music with some of the smartest, funniest, most influential folks in town. (And I also teach American Government at Durham Tech, when I’m not on the air.)
Fun fact: I got the job at WCHL by doing comedy in the local improv scene. True story!
Favorite Song: I have a lot of favorite songs, but since I host our Live & Local local-music hour every weekday at 6 pm, I have to go with my favorite local song: “Gravy” by Phatlynx!

 


 

 

Aaron “AJ” Johnson

Position: Production Director and Edgy Night Guy (aka Host of “After Hours”)

Describe Yourself: Appalachian State graduate. Been on the radio for seven years which is around 1/6th of the time that Ron has. So I’ve got that going for me which is nice.

Favorite Song: Anything ACDC; It’s all great so why choose one?

 

 


Andrew Stuckey

Position: Music Director / Host of “News on The Hill”

Describe Yourself: I was born and raised in Indiana and went to Indiana University.  I spent my first 15 years after college teaching high school English, Social Studies, and Speech in Indiana and then in the Seattle Area.  In 2017 I decided to pursue a career in audio production.  At the start of 2022 my wife and our two kids decided to move back East to be closer to our families (she is from Carrboro)—and then I found a job at this radio station that is so fun and full of characters that it seems like a work of fiction.

Favorite Song: This changes at least quarterly, but here are some recent entries: “Bad Love” by Dehd, “Let Me Roll It” by Wings, “Kyoto” by Phoebe Bridgers.

 


Victor Lewis

Position: Midday Show Host / Digital Content Editor, Man-About-Town and All-Around Cool Guy

Describe Yourself: Victor Lewis is a writer. He was born in Kannapolis and grew up in Pittsboro. He came back home to the Piedmont in 2012, and currently resides in Durham. He enjoys tackboard, V-necks, Crispix and impermanence. All of his drinks must have an odd number of ice cubes, and he is actively trying to do less. For more information, do not call or text him.

Favorite Song: His #1 most played song on Spotify is Flamingosis’ “Brunch at the Bodega”

 


Brighton McConnell

Position: News Director — I report and manage the news coverage for both Chapelboro and 97.9 The Hill.

Describe Yourself: I was born and raised in Brevard, North Carolina, before moving to Chapel Hill to attend UNC. As a broadcast journalism major, I was very involved with Carolina Connection and competed in the Hearst Awards National Championship for Journalism. Following graduation, I joined 97.9 The Hill before being promoted to News Director in December 2019. In my free time, I enjoy watching movies and podcasting about them, playing disc golf and visiting the mountains!

Favorite Song: Kasey Musgraves’ “Golden Hour” — and as a bonus, I’ll say that my favorite album is “Heard It In A Past Life” by Maggie Rogers.

 


Michael Koh

Position: Sports Reporter

Describe Yourself: Like many Triangle residents, I was born in New England. I moved to Boone when I was 4, lived there until I came to UNC as a student in 2014, and have been here in the area ever since. I’m very much into any sport played by humans with a ball/puck/birdie, or anything involving a person who races really fast and has to beat the clock. Yes, that doesn’t narrow it down much, but sports are awesome, so who cares? Did I mention I’m the sports reporter?

Favorite Song: Anything by ABBA or maybe “Somebody To Love” by Queen.

 


Jada Jarillo

Position: Marketing and Operations Manager. I coordinate major station events and promotions, and assist with administrative tasks like processing payments and payroll.

Describe Yourself: I was born and raised in Western North Carolina where I grew an appreciation of small sleepy towns and mountains views. I moved to the Triangle Area in 2009, starting in Raleigh and slowly migrating to Hillsborough. I live there now with my wonderful husband, beautiful, energetic young son, and our two wild kitties.  I have worked for 97.9 The Hill and Chapelboro.com since Fall of 2015!

Favorite Song: Who can choose? Let’s go with “Knights of Cydonia” by Muse. It’s a real journey.

 


Kenny Dike

Position:  Radio Broadcast & Radio Program Manager. Also #ContentTeam and #ITKenny

Describe Yourself: UNC Chapel Hill J-School alum. I’m a big fan of Ticonderoga #2 pencils. I’m done with pens.  My wife & I live in Historic Downtown Hillsborough with a 7-year-old young gentleman/future Tar Heel.

Philosophical statement: Muse should be way more famous, like a top 5 household name band kind of famous.

Favorite Song: “Son of A Bitch” – Nathaniel Rateliff

 

 


H’aiasi Chinfloo

Position: Social Media Manager

Describe Yourself: Hi, My name is H’aiasi pronounced (A-ah-See), I am originally from Durham, NC. For as long as I can remember music, visual arts and culture have been at the heart of my existence. Being the daughter of a Dance Teacher and DJ father, I was always supported through the performing arts. Growing I participated in school talent shows and Theatre productions. I believe that these interests curated my love for public speaking and entertainment. During my senior year of High School, I did the Morning Announcements and that really sparked my desire to one day become a Reporter. For me, having a position at WCHL is a chance to continue to work towards my dreams and further my overall growth.

Favorite Song: For me, growing up in an Afro-Carribean household. I enjoy the sounds of Dancehall, Reggae, Afro beats, Reggaeton and Hip Hop. I just love feeling like I am on a beach dancing the night away.
Right now, My top afro beats artists are Wizkid and Burna Boy.

Jordan Beyle

Position: Office and Music Coordinator

Describe Yourself: I was born in Durham, but lived my whole life here in Chapel Hill. I graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with a degree in Communications. I’ve been working at 97.9 The Hill since August 2021. I’m a lover of dogs (especially my boy, a retriever named George) and music. I was raised with a deep love for the Boston sports team thanks to family on Cape Cod.

Favorite Song: Goodbye Yellow Brick Road by Elton John