Richard D. Gleason
Dick
Gleason, President of Gleason Media Services, attended the University of
Maine in Orono and earned both a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in
business administration with an emphasis in marketing.
In
the early 70’s, he served as regional director for H&R Block income tax
service and was appointed as marketing specialist on their regional
advisory board.
From
1972 to 1975, he assisted in establishing WTOS-FM on top of Sugarloaf
Mountain and served as it’s first manager.
In
1975, he purchased an FM radio station in Norway, Maine, known today as
WOXO-FM.
In
1976, he purchased an AM radio station in South Paris, Maine, known today
as WKTQ-AM.
In
1977, he formed Gleason Marketing Services to assist businesses in
building their sales. That same year, he was honorably discharged from the
U.S. Army Reserves as a captain in infantry.
From
1982 to 1985, he served as a part time marketing instructor for the
University of Maine in Auburn and he has done workshops for the SBA.
In
1985, he purchased an AM radio station in Lewiston-Auburn, Maine, which
today operates as WEZR1240.
In
1987, he opened Computers and Electronics, a Radio Shack Dealer in Oxford.
Maine. It grew into one of the largest dealers in Northern New England and
the company bought it back from him 12 years later in 1999.
In
1990, he purchased WTBM-FM in Mexico, and in 2000, he purchased the AM
station in Rumford, then upgraded it to 10,000 watts and designated it as
Christian, WTME, so that he now owns and operates five radio stations.
He
has served as President of:
The Norway / Paris Kiwanis Club,
The Oxford Hills Area Development Corporation,
The Oxford Hills Chamber of Commerce, and in 1989,
Founding President of the United Way of Oxford County.
Other
Western Maine activities have included:
Corporator of Norway Savings Bank and Stephen’s Memorial
Hospital
In
Lewiston-Auburn, he has served on community boards including:
Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce (Chair, 2005)
Boys & Girls Club of Auburn-Lewiston
USM Corporate Partners
Auburn Business Association
Healthy Androscoggin
Business Advisory Board for Congressman Michaud
Advisory Committee for Central Maine Community College
Auburn City Council (2006-2007)
United Methodist Church of Auburn
Taylor Pond Yacht Club
He
currently serves on the following boards:
The Chapman House (formerly Auburn Home for Aged Women)
The School of Business of the University of Maine
Central Maine Community College
And
serves as a corporator for:
Auburn Public Library
Boys & Girls Club of Auburn-Lewiston
Mechanics Savings Bank
He
has received Recognitions including:
Broadcaster of the Year, Maine Association of Broadcasters
Business Leadership Award, Andro. County Chamber of Commerce
Business Cornerstone Award, from the Maine Senate
Legion of Honor, Kiwanis International
Ray Geiger Award, Andro. County Chamber of Commerce
He
has been married to his wife, Kathy, since 1969 and lives in Auburn. He
has three daughters and five grandchildren.
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