February 2025 Employee of the Month Anne G’Fellers-Mason

Anne G’Fellers-Mason started as the Program Manager for the McKinney Center in December 2023 and has completely embraced every aspect of her job. Anne oversees the Story Initiative Program, which includes the monthly StoryTown Radio Show, the StoryTown Radio Show podcast, the story brigade, and other various projects.

Before being employed by the town, Anne would write monthly sections of the radio show called “Ask the Historian” which would feature historical stories from the area. Now that Anne has stepped into the role of Program Manager, she writes the script for the monthly radio show. She has some assistance from her writer’s group who turn in stories to feature in the radio show. Anne then casts up to twenty-five people in each show to make sure they each have a part that they will excel at. Anne directs the twenty-five-person cast while also being an integral part of the show herself. The radio show is recorded live to play on ETSU WETS and to be produced as a podcast. Anne will produce podcast episodes called “Director’s Cut” for any stories that were submitted but did not make it into the show.

Anne works very hard to make sure everyone in the volunteer cast is happy and that her production crew are a part of the process. I imagine it is difficult to write a hour long script for a show every single month. She also must secure and communicate with the musical acts that perform at each show. The 2024 season was her first full season of producing and directing the radio show. She put tremendous effort into every part of it and the data speaks for itself. The StoryTown Radio Show audience grew by 93% in 2024. Anne had 846 people in attendance of the nine monthly radio shows and sold out the 2024 Soups & Songs fundraiser. Anne worked hard and received $4,000 in sponsorships from 17 sponsors for the 2024 season. Anne raised $4,052.85 from the Soups & Songs fundraiser. StoryTown collected 83 stories in 2024 that included veterans, farmers, Jackson Theater stories, and the “Living Here” exhibit.

Her hard work will continue in 2025 and beyond. We are hosting the 2025 January Radio Show & Gala at the Jackson Theater on January 27th. On January 24th, the 275-ticket show sold out! She has currently received $2,250 from four sponsors for the 2025 season show. Anne’s hard work will completely rejuvenate and transform the radio show and the McKinney Center for many years to come.

Thank you, Anne! You are appreciated!