The Vermont Association of Broadcasters will induct photojournalist Joe Carroll, broadcast engineer Joe Tymecki and the late radio legend John Hill into its Hall of Fame on Nov. 15 at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Burlington. Additionally, six individuals and two TV stations will be honored with excellence awards at the ceremony.
Carroll, a Rutland native, has served for 40 years as chief photographer at WCAX-TV. His Emmy Award-winning series "Super Seniors" has brought attention to the lives and stories of older Vermonters with empathy and respect. Beyond the lens, Carroll has mentored generations of journalists, fostering talent and professionalism in both photographers and reporters.
Tymecki, senior vice president of engineering and technology at Vermont Public, has consistently demonstrated visionary leadership and technical excellence across Vermont’s broadcast media landscape. His early career included on-air radio work at WWPV-FM, WVTC-FM, WCVR-AM, WVMT-AM and WXXX-FM. Tymecki served on the VAB Board of Directors as well as the Vermont State Emergency Communications Committee.
For over four decades, Hill was a cornerstone of Vermont’s radio landscape. His multifaceted career included roles as both on-air talent and in advertising sales. From 1994 until his passing in 2012, he worked at Star 92.9 (WEZF-FM).
The following will receive 2025 VAB Awards:
- Peg Doolin, business manager at WCAX-TV, Snyder-Teffner Award.
- Merl Grabowski, retired group sales manager at the Radio New England Broadcast Group, Distinguished Service Award.
- WSYB-AM Christmas Fund, Alan Noyes Community Service Award.
- WXXM-FM, Broadcaster of the Year Award.
The following individuals will be presented with 2025 Rising Star Awards:
- Bobby Lussier, development specialist at Vermont Public, Rising Star in Development.
- Adrian Pastor, morning news anchor at NBC 5, Rising Star in News Anchoring.
- Lily Sakaniwa, Amorning anchor and reporter at ABC 22/Fox 44 News, Rising Star in Reporting.
- Sam Shinn, executive producer at WCAX-TV, Rising Star in Executive Producing.