From left to right: Mike Hulvey, Kevin O’Dea, and Beth Neuhoff
In honor of his 40 years of distinguished service, Thursday, June 30, 2022, has been declared “Kevin O’Dea Recognition Day” in Springfield, Illinois. Mayor James O. Langfelder issued the proclamation in celebration of O’Dea’s 40 years in the broadcast industry and Springfield community.
Tuesday, June 28, 2022, friends, colleagues, and family gathered to honor Kevin and surprise him with this proclamation. Neuhoff Media COO, Mike Hulvey said, “Kevin continues to have a remarkable career. Now in his 40th year at the Neuhoff stations in Springfield, Kevin has demonstrated what makes a local broadcaster great. A dedication to his team, his community, and his clients. It’s an honor to work along side Kevin. He’s simply the best!”
The Proclamation reads:
WHEREAS, Kevin O’Dea has been a part of the broadcasting industry and Springfield Community for 40 years, beginning at the radio station in 1982, then becoming General Manager in 1992, and eventually President of Neuhoff Springfield in 2012; and
WHEREAS, Kevin’s dedication, commitment, and hard work was recognized nationally by his industry in 2014 when he was named the “Best General Manager in America” by Radio Ink Magazine; and
WHEREAS, under Kevin’s guidance and leadership, the Neuhoff Springfield radio stations have received four “Station of the Year” Awards from the Illinois Broadcasters Association; and
WHEREAS, Kevin has been a pillar of the Springfield business community, creating marketing and advertising campaigns that have generated over $150,000,000 in economic impact over the years; and
WHEREAS, as General Manager of Neuhoff Springfield, Kevin helped raise millions of dollars to benefit schools, Veterans organizations, the sick, the homeless, and those in need, along with numerous other worthwhile causes that make the Capital City a better place; and
WHEREAS, for 40 years Kevin has directed a wide array of coverage including incidents that caused peril in the community and the effects of inclement weather and a health pandemic that impacted how schools and businesses were able to operate; and
WHEREAS, Kevin’s commitment to the local high school sports community is unparalleled in his station’s and Channel1450’s coverage of Springfield area schools and student athletes, keeping our residents informed when they cannot be in the stands; and
WHEREAS, President Abraham Lincoln once said, “At every step we must be true to the main purpose.” Today we thank Kevin for his 40 years of steadfast commitment in bringing quality and purposeful broadcasting to the residents of Springfield.
NOW THEREFORE, I, James O. Langfelder, Mayor of the City of Springfield, Illinois, together with the Springfield City Council, do hereby proclaim that Thursday, June 30, 2022, shall be:
Kevin O’Dea Recognition Day
in the City of Springfield and call upon all citizens to honor and celebrate Kevin’s broadcasting career.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City of Springfield to be affixed this 28th day of June, 2022.
Kevin O’Dea Photo Gallery
