DETROIT - WDET's longtime general manager, Caryn Mathes, has accepted a position as general manager at WAMU, a public radio station serving the Washington D.C. area. Mathes has worked at WDET for 22 years, serving 20 years as the station's general manager. Under her leadership, WDET grew to one of the largest public radio stations in the country. During her tenure, the station's external support grew by 535 percent, support from individuals increased by nearly 500 percent, underwriting support has grown by $1 million and the weekly audience of WDET increased by 280 percent. Mathes is also responsible for implementing web-based gift processing at WDET, which created a tremendous cost savings for the station through greater efficiency.

Beyond the numbers, Mathes has persevered in maintaining the station's mission of public service. WDET continues to be recognized with many local and national awards for excellence in local news coverage, programming innovation, creativity and community service. Mathes always recognized the force of WDET as an outlet for information, education and cultural enlightenment and led the station in directions that further fulfilled that sense of service. Mathes also served as the president of the Michigan Public Radio Network (2003-2004) and as a board member of the Michigan Association of Public Broadcasters.

"We are deeply saddened about Caryn's departure but are extremely grateful for all she has done and are happy for her in this new opportunity," said Meredith Gibbs, Wayne State University Executive Vice President, Chief of Staff. "Caryn has agreed to stay on to manage the transition as Wayne State engages in a national search for a successor of her caliber."

Mathes will stay on as general manager of WDET through February 2005 and be a part of the search committee for the station's future general manager. She begins her job at WAMU effective March 1, 2005.

"I will always cherish these years I spent in Detroit," said Mathes. "I've had the opportunity to know so many wonderful people at the station, at the University and in the community. It is with gratitude that I reflect on my years at WDET and know that the station will continue its tradition of excellence and public service."