Public radio station KDNK in Carbondale is parting ways with general manager Steve Skinner, who had been at the helm for the past 11 years.

“The KDNK board of directors has decided to make a change in management at the station with overall long-term interests of the station at heart,” according to a message sent to volunteer disc jockeys Wednesday by the nonprofit board.

“In order to face the current challenges and opportunities impacting community access radio, the KDNK board is seeking a new station manager, effective immediately,” the message continued.

“We are grateful for the 11 years that Steve Skinner has given KDNK as station manager,” the board said. “Please know that we undertake the task of finding the station’s next station manager with complete faith in community radio.”

Skinner told the Post Independent that the decision came as part of his annual job review, and was somewhat of a surprise given that the radio station staff had given him good peer reviews.

“I have enjoyed serving the community, and think I did a good job for KDNK,” Skinner said. “I’m really going to miss that job, and I hope the people continue to support the station and will think about getting involved if they really care about it.”

Skinner said he believed he had the community radio station moving in the right direction with its emphasis on a broad mix of music programming, local and state news and National Public Radio news, “plus a popping staff, great underwriting and a strong youth radio program.

“I feel very proud of what we’ve done since I’ve been here,” he said.

Skinner was also KDNK’s station manager for two separate stints in 1986 and again in 1989.

KDNK Board President Bob Schultz declined to comment beyond the board statement that was sent out on Wednesday, but did say it was a unanimous decision.

“We are forever grateful to all of the volunteer staff and DJs that tirelessly continue to bring programs and information to our community,” that letter continued. “The KDNK board sees this as an opportunity to re-engage with the community, reach out to new membership, and build a future for community access radio.”

The board will be taking applications for a new station manager over the next few months.