From his early days in radio, to serving as sports director at WYTV, Channel 33 for nearly two decades to his current position as President-Chief Professional Officer of United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley, Bob Hannon has been as versatile and adaptable as anyone when it comes to leadership.
Interchangeable might be a more apropos descriptor of the man who started out in radio, moved over to television, has served as the radio voice of YSU football coming up on 36 years this fall and since 2008, has been President and Chief Professional Officer of United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley.
He has used his media background to ensure they remain visible with all monies raised remaining right here locally for those in need.
A well-respected Master of Ceremonies, he has served as emcee for both the Curbstone Coaches and Trumbull County Sports Halls of Fame, among others, for over two decades.
His advocacy for honoring the sports superlatives of Mahoning Valley athletes, coaches and administrators, and the coverage he provided them during his time as sports director at nearby Channel 33 is well documented.
He has covered a myriad of national and local sporting events and for his efforts was named Ohio “Sportscaster of the Year” on four separate occasions.
For his work, he was nominated for a sports Emmy in 2002 for his coverage of Ohio State University’s national championship football season, that coming under the direction of former YSU head coach and former president, Jim Tressel.
After taking a portion of the 2022 season away to resolve several health issues, he returned this past season for his 35th year in the catbird seat as the “Voice” of Youngstown State University football.
He began his tenure as the Penguins’ play-by-play broadcaster beginning with their season opening road contest at the University of Maine in September of 1989 and has broadcast over 400 YSU home and away games.
His 400th game broadcast took place on September 24, 2022, when YSU traveled to Lexington, Kentucky to take on the Kentucky Wildcats, at the time ranked in the Top-10 of the FBS.
He has been the eyes of his listening audience for YSU’s 36 post-season games, also calling seven Division I-AA or FCS championship games of which four have resulted in championship banners for the program.
When his television career ended, he became president and CPO of the United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley, a post that he has held since 2008.
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When taking over at the United Way, their annual campaign was $2.2 million and this past year alone, oversaw a campaign that raised $3.6 million plus an additional $3 million in Federal and State grants to support those with the greatest needs in the Mahoning Valley.
Under his leadership, his group has been recognized by United Way Worldwide as a top 10% United Way nationally in both fundraising and the impact they have made on their community.
They are currently spearheading a new initiative of building a $3 million Volunteer and Resource Center in nearby Boardman.
His United Way has also been responsible for raising more than $3 million annually under his guidance, also leading the charge to the Community Impact model that focuses on Early Education.
He and wife, Beth, are the proud parents of three children, son Craig, and daughters Noelle and Melinda.
Craig is completing his 12th season as Girard’s head basketball coach this season and after a stellar hoop career at Westminster College, remains the Titans’ all-time leading scorer with 1,717 points.
When not working or playing golf, his passion now is his three grandchildren, Kennedy, Max and Mav.
We caught up with Bob recently and went “1 on 1” with one of the area’s most visible and caring individuals, a man whose leadership has been duly noted by the National United Way organization.
You grew up in New Castle with your background and passion athletics – how did you get interested in sports – did you play sports during your formative years?
“I graduated from New Castle High School and yes, with three older brothers I played sports growing up. Basketball and baseball were my sports of choice and I always knew I wanted to do something with sports as a career. I grew up mostly a Pittsburgh fan, Pirates and Steelers being my teams of choice.”
You went to college and majored in communications so where did you get this fascination with the media? Talk about those early days in radio, later gravitating to television and how working in the business has helped you in your current position as President/CPO of the United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley?
“I earned my communications degree from Slippery Rock and as a freshman in college, began working at WKST radio in New Castle. I did a little of everything, D.J., had my own sports talk show and did play-by-play of high school sports, you name it and I did it. This was so valuable for me at age 19 to have such a hands-on experience. I was hired by Steve Mechling at WKST and ironically, Steve went on to become the sports director at nearby Channel 21, WFMJ-TV. My favorite was always doing play-by play. After college I moved to Atlantic City, New Jersey, doing play-by-play and morning radio sports reports. It was mostly high school coverage but we also covered Philadelphia pro sports teams. From there, I was hired at WYTV in November of 1988. Television was a huge help in my current position, even though the careers are quite different. Being in front of the camera and now in front of donors, I am comfortable with people making the ask for a gift. Also, many people knew me from TV and were willing to meet with me about the work we do at the United Way.”
As one of the most visible sports directors and on-air anchors during your time at WYTV-TV, Channel 33, can you share a story or two of the top events that you covered? Locally, regionally and even nationally?
“My favorite events were covering all six national title games that YSU football played during the 1990’s, my favorite the first title win in 1991. We rallied to beat Marshall and that set off an incredible run by YSU in the 1990’s. I also enjoyed covering those great Cavalier teams in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s, teams that featured players like Mark Price, Brad Daugherty, Larry Nance, Ron Harper, great teams and leaders that just couldn’t beat Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls. Lastly, the 2003 Ohio State improbable national championship win over the Miami Hurricanes was memorable. It was Jim Tressel’s second year as Ohio State head coach and what a season they had.”
You have been the radio play-by-play voice of Youngstown State University football since 1989. How did that come about, what is your most memorable game and moving forward how do you think the Penguins’ grid program will do this year?
“I am blessed to be the radio voice of YSU football. Prior to the 1989 season, YSU was looking for a radio broadcaster, I had only high school experience so I submitted a cassette of my work, it made its way to former executive director of athletics, Joe Malmisur’s desk and the rest, as they say, is history. I had no expectations to get the job and have been thankful for the opportunity ever since. My first game was at the University of Maine in September of 1989, we lost but went on to go 8-3 and upset Eastern Kentucky in the first round of the play-offs. I have so many memorable games, but the 1994 play-off win over Steve McNair and Alcorn State is another favorite. Stambaugh Stadium was packed, the game was televised by ESPN and we won big against a quarterback who went onto have a nice NFL career. The future is bright under current head coach Doug Phillips. We made the play-offs last year and I expect another post-season trip this upcoming year. He is building a consistent winner.”
You have had multiple color analysts who have occupied the seat next to you in the booth those past 35 years. Can you share some insight about what they have brought to the table and provided for your broadcast?
“I think the number is now eight color analysts so I must be hard to work with, LOL! All have been unique but I feel it is my job to see what they do best, then utilize their skill set. Dick Hartzell, a former coach, was truly knowledgeable but there are times a coaches talk might go over the head of the average fan. I talked with Dick about simplifying his message because we have moms and grandma’s listening,. He was very receptive and exceptionally good as an analyst. Ed Muransky, a former player who played at the highest level, put more time into preparation that anyone I worked with. I remain good friends with all those that I worked with. Each had their own style and personality but I worked well with all of them.”
Who were your idols growing up, either in or out of the media industry and who gave you the best advice you ever received?
“My first idol was a guy named Dick Stockton. He was the sports director at KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh who later would go on to national fame doing NFL play-by-play for decades on CBS. I was a huge fan of Dick Enberg because he did it all and did it well. Enberg, Billy Packer and Al McGuire were so good together on college basketball. The best advice I ever received came from a guy named Stan Savran, legendary Pittsburgh broadcaster. He told me to do my homework because you cannot fake it and be yourself.”
The media landscape has changed, locally and nationally, over the past decade or so and you have moved from behind the camera to serving as head of the area’s extraordinarily successful United Way. How gratifying has that move been and what is on the horizon for the local organization? We mustn’t forget that all funds raised stay right here in the Mahoning Valley.
“I have had two distinctly different careers. I love my work at the United Way and in my 15 years, we have raised more than $50 million dollars which all stays locally. What is most gratifying is I see firsthand those we help, especially children. When I see a young child improve academically or expose them to opportunities through the United Way, that’s why we are here. We have reshaped our United Way over the past decade to be more impactful in our community.”
When you took over the reins of the United Way, it was in transition and under your guidance, each year you have incrementally raised more funds for local projects and individuals in need. Talk about the staff you have assembled and how you have been able to fundraise, especially during a challenging time when extra money is at a premium and volunteer time can be hit and miss, at best?
“Probably the best thing I have done at United Way is put together an all-star staff. The first thing I look for in an employee is the passion to do this work because it can be hard. I hire people who grew up in the Mahoning Valley, they know the lay of the land and have an excellent work ethic. We have more than 500 volunteers, which is so inspiring to my staff. With only a staff of 10, we need volunteers to help us achieve our mission and get the work done.”
You are coming off a serious, life-threatening illness that has tested you repeatedly. How have you become a stronger individual and leader now that your health is back in order?
“My mental strength was definitely tested during my illness and there were some dark days, but my family support got me through. Nine months out from surgery that saved my life, I am healthier now than before the illness. I eat better, have an organized work-out plan and I am disciplined with both. Most of all, I don’t sweat the small stuff anymore and I pray that I can stick with this. I am a ‘Type A’ personality and I used to worry about everything. Now, I realize that most of what I worried about was not that important. My youngest daughter is getting married in April so I am so extremely fortunate that I am here to walk her down the aisle.”
If you were granted a wish to have dinner with one person, living or dead, who would that person be? Why? What question or questions would you ask of him or her?
“That’s a great question but it is definitely my mother. She raised five children, my dad died when he was 49 and she did it all alone, raising four sons and a daughter and doing this while being deaf. I would thank her for always being there for us and for sacrificing her life for her children’s well-being. When I was younger, I didn’t appreciate her and how much she loved us and the love she had for her grandchildren.”
Finally, talk about your family and the strength-support that they have been for you over the years?
“Where do I begin with this one! My wife, Beth, and my daughters, Noelle and Melinda were so unselfish in nursing me back to health. They put their lives on hold to take care of me because I needed 24/7 care for about three months. When I came home from the Cleveland Clinic in October of 2022, I was down 60 pounds and walking from the couch to the kitchen was a challenge. It was tough love but they pushed me, made me work and not quit. Same with my son, Craig, as he came to the hospital often. Craig started going to YSU football games when he was four years old and attended every home game until his teens. That was a wonderful experience and bonding for both of us. He would sit right next to me during the broadcasts and THANKS to YSU for allowing him in the press box at such a young age. Now, Craig and my daughter-in-law, Marissa, have three beautiful children and there is nothing better than being a grandparent. I also have four amazing siblings, we are close and have always had each other’s back. My youngest daughter is getting married in April and it is an exciting time for our family. I am blessed to be part of it.”
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