Gray Television, Inc. announced its appointment of two veteran broadcasters as new General Managers.

Gray Co-Chief Operating Officer Nick Waller said, "Today we promote two skilled veterans, with deep roots in their stations and communities, to lead our Augusta and Harrisonburg stations upon the impending retirements of legendary leaders John Ray and Tracey Jones.  All four of these individuals exemplify the character and commitment that we believe makes Gray a great company for dedicated broadcasters to grow their careers."

In Augusta, Mike Oates will become the General Manager of WRDW (CBS) and WAGT (NBC).  Over 26 years, Mr. Oates has consistently risen through the ranks at WRDW, and he has served as WRDW's General Sales Manager for the past ten years.

In Harrisonburg, Sacha Purciful will become the General Manager of WHSV (ABC) and WSVF (CBS/FOX).  She has served as the General Sales Manager of these stations for the past year.  Previously, Ms. Purciful has held sales management positions in Knoxville and Huntsville.   

Both individuals will assume their new positions upon the retirements this spring of John Ray in Augusta and Tracey Jones in Harrisonburg.  Mr. Ray, who will be inducted into the Georgia Association of Broadcasters' Hall of Fame later this month, has worked in various positions and markets with Gray for 23 years and for other broadcasters for 21 years before that.  Ms. Jones has spent the past 30 years working in and managing various Gray television stations.