Sudbury Mornings will never be the same – for listeners of Big Daddy 103.9 radio. Dave Mayes who co-hosts Big Daddy's Sudbury Mornings show with Carrie-Ann Tantalo is retiring on May 2.
Despite ratings success and community support, Mayes has decided to pursue other career opportunities.
Mayes has worked for several broadcasting companies in various capacities, in his 27-year career, most recently partnered with Carrie-Ann Tantalo on Sudbury Mornings.
“Carrie-Ann is probably the best partner I’ve ever had … and I’ve worked with some really talented people,” said Mayes in a news release. “She deserves a co-host who’s committed to the show, who understands timing, the community, and who’s ready to have some fun. There’s never going to be a good time for me to do this … I’m really torn, but if I don’t make this change now, I may never do it.”
Until May 2, Mayes will remain on-air with Carrie-Ann, wrapping up several projects he’s currently involved with, including his fitness challenge against Mayor John Rodriguez, Get Fit with Akfit. He will also assist in selecting his replacement.
Mayes said he has “a few pokers in the fire” but he can't announce yet what he plans to do. “I'm exploring my options and I will be catching up on sleep.”
Asked if he plans to work in radio again, the 45-year-old Mayes said, “Never say never. I will probably dabble in it and I will be working with my new replacement.”
“We will miss him on the air and around the office,” said Wendy Watson, general manager for NewCap-Sudbury. “Dave’s a great talent, a solid person, and even more, a good friend. We’ll miss him, but we respect his desire to travel other career paths, and wish him well in his future endeavours.”
“Dave is a natural talent who lights up any room he is in,” said Rick Tompkins, Big Daddy program director. “We are all better for having the opportunity to work with him. While we will miss him at Big Daddy, the listeners in Sudbury are going to miss him even more.”
Big Daddy is actively recruiting to fill Mayes' position.
