SIDNEY — Longtime broadcaster and community leader Hunter Arterburn has been named Executive Director of the Cheyenne County Community Center while continuing his role as host of the morning radio show on 987 The Big Boy.

The announcement marks an exciting new chapter for both The Center and The Big Boy, allowing Arterburn to expand his leadership role in the community while remaining a familiar voice for listeners throughout western Nebraska, northeast Colorado and eastern Wyoming.

Arterburn will begin his new role on July 6, succeeding longtime Executive Director Mike Namuth, who announced his retirement earlier this year after more than 25 years of service.

The Cheyenne County Community Center Foundation Board said Arterburn's track record of community involvement, leadership and public service made him an outstanding choice to lead one of the region's most important community assets.

"We're very excited to welcome Hunter as our next Executive Director," Community Center Foundation Board Chairman Jason Petik said. "His energy, vision and ability to connect with people have made a positive impact throughout our community for many years. We believe those qualities will help lead The Center into an exciting future."

Arterburn said he is honored by the opportunity and excited to build upon the strong foundation already in place.

"The Center plays an important role in the lives of so many individuals and families throughout Cheyenne County," Arterburn said. "It's a place where people gather, stay active, build friendships and create memories. I'm honored by the trust the Board has placed in me and excited to work alongside the great staff, members and Board as we continue serving our communities."

While taking on his new responsibilities at The Center, Arterburn will continue hosting his radio show “The Burn” each morning on 987 The Big Boy and remain involved in station events, promotions, special projects and community initiatives.

"Hunter has spent nearly six years serving this community both on and off the air," Flood Communications CEO Andy Ruback said. "He's earned this opportunity, and we're excited that the community will continue to benefit from his leadership at The Center while listeners will still hear him every morning on The Big Boy. That's a win for The Center, a win for station and a win for the community.”

As part of the transition, Cooper White has been promoted to Operations and Sales Manager for The Big Boy and Cheyenne County Country. In his new role, White will oversee station operations, sales leadership, programming execution and local content initiatives.

Avery Lawson has been promoted to Promotions Manager and will oversee station promotions, contests, events and community outreach efforts.

"Cooper has put in the time, worked hard and earned this opportunity," Ruback said. "He's been a key part of our success and has the respect of our team, our advertisers and our listeners. Avery has shown tremendous maturity, wisdom and leadership in a relatively short period of time, and we believe she has an exceptionally bright future ahead of her. Together, they are well positioned to help lead the next chapter of local radio in Sidney."

Arterburn said the transition reflects the strength of both organizations and the people who make them successful.

"I've been fortunate to spend my career serving a community that means so much to me," Arterburn said. "I'm grateful for the opportunity to lead an organization that has such a meaningful impact on the lives of local families while continuing to connect with people every morning. I'm excited about what lies ahead for us at The Center and at the radio station."

Both organizations emphasized that the transition is designed to ensure continued local leadership, community engagement and service for years to come.