Radio veteran JOHN SUMMERS has joined Cayuga Radio Group – Ithaca (Saga Broadcasting) and WHCU AM/FM as brand manager and news director. He was most rezxdirector and news director for the Northwest News Radio Network and the Washington Ag Network. In addition to his experience at the Northwest News Network, Summers has worked in News at WIBW–Topeka, KOH–Reno, and KHTS–Los Angeles.

WCNY has made the following staff appointments.

CAROLINE BASSO was named VP, development and engagement. She was previously director, development and marketing at WSKG in Binghamton. Brasso brings 16 years of advancement, fundraising, major and planning giving, membership, grants, and community engagement to WCNY.

MARY JO BARNELLO was appointed director of leadership giving. She previously served in development positions at Everson Art Museum, Loretto Foundation, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central New York, and Boys & Girls Clubs of Syracuse. Barnello brings more than 20 years of fundraising experience to WCNY.

SHANNON HANRAHAN was named director of individual giving. She was previously major gifts officer for WSKG Public Media, and manager of membership operations. Before working in public media, Hanrahan oversaw art appraisals and clientele for a private art services company in New York City. She brings more than10 years of experience to WCNY.

MEGHAN KANE has joined as development coordinator. She was previously a development associate at Presbyterian Homes & Services in New Hartford. Kane is an experienced professional in a variety of fundraising disciplines, social media marketing, and communications.

LEE PRZYTULA has come aboard as editor and videographer, 415 Productions. He was previously a video editor at CardRunners.com. Przytula has a background in producing for educational content, entertainment, and marketing communications along with editing and motion graphics. He brings 18 years of experience to WCNY.

MICHAEL F. MELARA has been appointed CEO of Diocese of Syracuse Catholic Charities, Inc. effective Jan. 5. He has served as the interim CEO for the past year while maintaining his role as executive director of Catholic Charities of Onondaga County. Melara will continue to serve in both roles. As CEO, he serves as the diocesan director of Catholic Charities — directly reporting to the bishop of Syracuse and working collaboratively with the corporate board of trustees. Melara has served as executive director of Catholic Charities Onondaga County since 2008 and has extensive experience in social-service leadership roles serving as the past executive director of Huntington Family Center in Syracuse, director of Child and Family Services at Liberty Resources, Inc., as well as social-service positions within Catholic Charities and the Department of Mental Health. He has a master’s degree from Chapman University and a bachelor’s degree from Le Moyne College.