Rush Retires; Foster's on the Roster: "20 years in radio, 25 years in records – sounds like enough to me," Ken Rush tells Country Aircheck in announcing his end of the month retirement. "Lots of scars. Lots of great memories and friends, too. I'm very fortunate to have worked for four of the best in the business – Bobby Kraig, Bill Macky, Pam Newman and the late David Haley." The Thirty Tigers Dir./Southwest Promotion joined the label last year with the launch of its promo department (CAT 3/24/15). Rush's 20 years in radio included four with KPLX/Dallas where he was air talent/morning show producer when he left in February 1993 to join Arista/Nashville, where he worked 12 years. He cites grandchildren 4 1/2-year-old Olivia and 3-year-old Penny as reasons for the decision, along with planning some personal travel. "Over recent years, Ken has become my partner in crime in accelerating numerous artists’ careers," says Thirty Tigers VP/Promotion & Artist Development Pamela Newman. "I feel a little bit like I’m losing a limb but wish him only the best as he explores the rest of what life has to offer." Reach Rush here.

Gwen Foster takes over Southwest promotion for Thirty Tigers. The former IRS/Nashville Dir./West Coast is already on the job and working with Rush. "Her passion for music, coupled with her fearlessness to be different, made her the only person who could fill Ken Rush’s large shoes in the forward thinking music business model that is Thirty Tigers," says Newman. Reach Foster here.