Christine Zuba, a significant figure in Dielectric’s history, is retiring next week after a 49-year career that has made a substantial impact.
Michael Sharpstene, who joined Dielectric in January, will take over as Regional Sales Manager on July 1.
Early Career and Progression
Zuba began her broadcast career as a college intern at WVIA-TV, a PBS member station in the Scranton-Wilkes-Barre market in Pennsylvania. She later transferred to Penn State University, majoring in electrical engineering, which laid the foundation for her career. Zuba joined RCA after graduation, working in the company’s antenna division. After gaining experience in cellular radio and broadcast consulting, she returned to RCA.
Role at Dielectric
Dielectric acquired RCA in 1986, marking a new chapter in Zuba’s career. She held various roles in engineering and product management before becoming the Director of Sales and Marketing in 1989. In 1994, she was promoted to National Sales Manager, a position she held until her retirement. Zuba’s advanced technical knowledge and relationship-building skills have been instrumental in Dielectric achieving a significant market share in the US high-power TV sector.
Zuba’s Reflections and Sharpstene’s New Role
Zuba reflects on her unexpected yet fulfilling career in sales, highlighting her enjoyment in addressing customer needs and solving complex problems, such as the triple-stack antenna project for the Sears Tower in Chicago. She expresses confidence in Sharpstene’s ability to continue serving Dielectric’s customers effectively.
Sharpstene, who brings experience in customer-facing roles, is set to carry forward Zuba’s legacy. Zuba is optimistic about the future of Dielectric, praising the company’s blend of experienced and new engineers.
Retirement Celebration
Dielectric recently celebrated Zuba’s retirement, acknowledging her contributions to the company. In retirement, Zuba looks forward to spending more time with her family and pursuing hobbies like golf, travel, and relaxing by the pool. She expresses gratitude for the support from Dielectric and its customers throughout her career.
Acknowledgment from Dielectric
Dielectric’s leadership, including Pelletier, expressed their gratitude for Zuba’s long-term commitment and contributions. Zuba’s dynamic presence at industry events and her influence within the company will be missed, but her retirement is seen as a transition rather than an end.
Dielectric continues to innovate and grow, inspired by both long-time employees and new talent, ensuring a strong future for the company and its customers.
About Dielectric
Based in Raymond, Maine, Dielectric LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sinclair Broadcast Group. Dielectric is a leading provider of innovative broadcast products. The company has been building and delivering antennas and RF systems optimized for every TV and FM radio broadcast need since 1942. Dielectric is an innovative, customer-centric organization with a long history of engineering excellence in designing and manufacturing high-quality broadcast solutions. As a trusted partner of broadcasters worldwide, Dielectric maintains its legacy of advanced, precision RF solutions while building in features that prepare broadcasters for the future.
News source: Dielectric
