LaDonne Craig is officially stepping back. The longtime Townsquare Media market manager will retire from her full-time role at the end of 2026.
What We Know: Craig has served Townsquare Media for two decades. She’ll officially exit full-time leadership on December 31, 2026, after building relationships across her market. Still, this isn’t a full goodbye. Starting in 2027, Craig will shift into a part-time consulting role. She plans to stay connected to the company while opening space for family and travel.
What They Said: (All quotes via LaDonne Craig Linkedin):
LaDonne Craig on her retirement: “Now that the news has been shared internally, I’m excited to share a personal career milestone. At the end of 2026, I’ll be retiring from my full-time leadership role with Townsquare Media. It’s difficult to summarize a career and a chapter of life that has meant so much to me. I’ve had the privilege of working with talented teams, helping businesses grow, building relationships throughout our community with non profits, and working in an industry that has changed tremendously over the years — and taught me just as much.”
LaDonne Craig on her accomplishments: “Of all the accomplishments along the way, I’m most proud of the people and relationships. I’ve always believed that leadership is ultimately about people — helping them grow, believing in them, challenging them and celebrating their success.”
LaDonne Craig on staying with Townsquare Media in a consulting role in 2027: “While I’m retiring from full-time leadership, I’m very happy that my relationship with Townsquare will continue. In 2027, I’ll remain involved on a part-time consulting basis, giving me the opportunity to continue contributing while creating more time for family, travel and the next chapter of life. I still have several months ahead of me and plenty I want to accomplish before I officially make that transition.”
LaDonne Craig shares her thanks for the opportunity: “I’m grateful — for the opportunities, the challenges, the friendships, the people who believed in me, and especially the teams I’ve had the privilege to lead. I plan to finish this chapter exactly the way I’ve tried to approach my entire career: with energy, gratitude and a commitment to finishing strong. And then…I’m looking forward to seeing what comes next.”
What Remains Unclear: Townsquare hasn’t named a successor for Craig’s market yet. It’s also unclear whether other leadership changes will accompany her transition.
What It Means: The timing of Craig’s announcement will help with the transition to new local leadership. The move reflects a broader pattern in local media: veteran leaders transitioning to advisory roles rather than exiting outright. Consequently, Townsquare retains her institutional knowledge as a new leader moves into the role. A credit to Craig and Townsquare for the arrangement. It signals how companies increasingly value phased retirements over sudden departures, preserving relationships built over decades.
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John Mamola is Barrett Media’s sports editor and daily sports columnist. He brings over two decades of experience (Chicago, Tampa/St Petersburg) in the broadcast industry with expertise in brand management, sales, promotions, producing, imaging, hosting, talent coaching, talent development, web development, social media strategy and design, video production, creative writing, partnership building, communication/networking with a long track record of growth and success. He is a five-time recognized top 20 program director in a major market via Barrett Medi’s Top 20 series and has been honored internally multiple times as station/brand of the year (Tampa, FL) and employee of the month (Tampa, FL) by iHeartMedia. Connect with John by email at John@BarrettMedia.com.