40 Under Forty

January 31. 2012 3:17PM

That midday voice on the radio might belong to WZID's Heather Bishop-Dumka

Staff Report

Heather Bishop-Dumka

Heather Bishop-Dumka, 36

Home: Tilton
Birthplace: Walton, N.Y.
Family: Husband of 15 years in June, Brian; almost 10-year-old son, Joshua; and dog, Sage
High school: Oxford Academy, Oxford N.Y.
College/post grad degrees: Herkimer County Community College A.A.S. radio/tv
Current job: Midday personality, 95.7 WZID-FM
Key past positions held: I have been working in radio for 20 years in August.
Volunteer activities: Past board of director member for N.H. March of Dimes; current board member of The Pines Community Center; various emcee/appearance events for American Red Cross, CHaD, Childrens Miracle Network, and more.
Most admired person (outside your family): Walt Disney, he believed that anything was possible with imagination, creativity, determination, leadership and hard work.
Key current professional challenge: In a world filled with mp3 players, satelite radio, and more, it makes it even more challenging to get and keep listeners' attention. It's a fine balance between being entertaining and overbearing. Keeping my listeners' attention while not distracting them from work, while adding personality and information is a tough juggling act. Imagine needing to be happy and personable even if you're having the worst day ever.
Last major achievement: I also do a midday shift for a station in Maine, which was awarded the Marconni AC station of the year this year by the members of the National Association of Broadcasters.
Two peers who know you well: Fred Caruso, my previous program director at WFTN; and Shannon Stephens, the assistant promotions director for WZID.
Biggest problem facing New Hampshire: New Hampshire is an amazingly affordable, fabulous place to raise a family but yet our young professional population needs to grow. Having been raised in upstate New York, my husband and I moved here for my job 14 years ago. In New York we could barely afford a one-bedroom apartment and one car. Within one year, we had two cars and a two-bedroom house. To top it off, we were not making much more than in New York, but without the income tax and sales tax we were ahead of the game. There needs to be more to attract younger professionals. Higher-paying jobs, tax breaks for small businesses, and more help with college costs. Our location is amazing, within an hour of Boston, the mountains and the lakes. Fantastic medical facilities for children. Low crime. Affordable housing. New Hampshire REALLY is in great shape when you compare it to the rest of the country.
Favorite place in New Hampshire: My back yard. I live within minutes of the outlets and stores but yet out enough to sit in my back yard and feel like I am miles away. There is nothing better than a warm Saturday in my chair reading a book while my husband and son work on some sort of project in the yard, with my dog running around.
What book are you reading now? I just finished “Mousejunkies 2” by New Hampshire's own Bill Burke. I willingly admit I have a DisneyWorld addiction. I am also reading “Killer Bunny Hill,” also by a N.H. native, Denise Robbins.
How do you relax? I read, watch movies or play with my XBox 360. Plus this year I started doing 5ks for fun and I love to take my dog, Sage, for walks. Of course taking my son and husband to Funspot is always a great way to unwind.
What websites do you visit most often? Facebook, twitter, mentalfloss. I LOVE social media! Plus Mentalfloss.com is a must for anyone who loves little factoids, cool stories and behind-the-scenes trivia.
Favorite TV show, radio station or musical artists: Because I watch so much TV and listen to so much music, it is hard to nail it down to one or two. My tastes are all over the place from “Mad Men” to “30 Rock,” “SNL” to “True Blood.” As for music, it is very rare I find something I do not like.

TILTON - When Heather Bishop-Dumka moved to New Hampshire for a job in radio, she was sure she'd be moving on to Boston or another big city in a year or two. Fourteen years later, Bishop-Dumka has not only remained in the Granite State, she's become an established member of the Tilton and Manchester communities.

Bishop-Dumka's voice is heard across the state everyday during her midday radio show on 95.7 WZID. She serves on the board of directors of the Pines Community Center in Tilton, is a past member of the New Hampshire March of Dimes board of directors and has given her time to numerous other charitable organizations.

Bishop-Dumka said she began her work for the March of Dimes after her son, Josh, was born prematurely and she learned the medicine he was given before birth to help encourage development of his lungs was developed by the organization. It was again her son who inspired her to give her time to Pines Community Center, where he attends programs. She said her volunteer work for other organizations, such as the American Red Cross and the Children's Hospital at Dartmouth, came about through her work in radio, with people often calling for help and Bishop-Dumka offering it.

When not at work or giving her time, Bishop-Dumka said she likes to listen to music, indulge in her “Disney addiction” and spend time at home with her family. Though she is originally from upstate New York, she has made New Hampshire her home. The low cost of living, the high quality of life, the great hospitals and the people are just some of the reasons she loves it here.

“People don't realize how truly lucky we are in New Hampshire,” she said. “It's a great, great place to raise a kid. I can't imagine living anywhere else with Josh.”

Bishop-Dumka said 2012 is a big year for her. Her son turns 10, she and her husband celebrate their 15th wedding anniversary and it will be her 20th year in radio. She can add her spot on 40 Under Forty to that list of accomplishments.