Spirit Catholic Radio
After more than two decades of leadership and vision, Jim Carroll, executive director of the Spirit Catholic Radio Network (SCRN), will step into a new role to develop and grow a foundation to support Spirit Catholic Radio.
As president of the VSS Catholic Communications Foundation, Carroll will focus on expanding Spirit Catholic Radio’s presence beyond Nebraska and support the development of new programming to meet the needs of tomorrow’s listeners.
Carroll has led the network for 23 of its 26 years, during which Spirit Catholic Radio grew from a single station to 20, serving communities across Nebraska and parts of neighboring states. Under Carroll’s leadership, Spirit Catholic Radio experienced remarkable growth — not only in physical reach but also in its quality and variety of programming. In the past year, the network expanded its reach into underserved areas, launched new locally produced shows and upgraded technical infrastructure. Its mission is to evangelize and educate through Catholic programming.
His time with the network, Carroll said, “has been one of the greatest blessings of my life to walk this journey with our listeners, supporters, and dedicated team.”
“I’ve witnessed firsthand how Catholic radio can change lives — often in quiet, powerful ways. As I step into this new role, I do so with deep gratitude and great hope for what lies ahead. The mission continues, and I’m honored to help guide it into the future.”
As Carroll transitions to his new role focused on national expansion and program development through the VSS Catholic Communications Foundation, the Board of Directors of the network named Eric Svoboda as the next executive director of the SCRN, effective July 17. Svoboda, previously operations director, joined the network in 2023 after more than 25 years in business operations and supply chain leadership.
Inspired by Spirit Catholic Radio since 2016, Svoboda felt a calling to transition from the corporate sector to faith-based work, bringing with him a deep appreciation for the network’s mission and a strong background in organizational leadership. He and his wife Andrea live near Brainard, where they are members of Holy Trinity Parish. Together, they raise five children and help maintain a small, family farm.
“Spirit Catholic Radio is more than just a radio station; it’s a ministry of truth, encouragement, and hope,” Svoboda said. “I’m honored to continue this mission into the future.” For more information about the SCRN, visit www.spiritcatholicradio.com.
The SCRN is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit and is an affiliate of the EWTN Radio network, broadcasting a variety of programming, including both local and national programs with Catholic hosts on topics such as faith, family, and relationships, current events as well as prayer and devotions. The SCRN’s 20 signals reach more than 2.1 million people in Nebraska, Iowa, Colorado, South Dakota, Kansas, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and Missouri. Listeners can access archived podcasts and a live internet stream at spiritcatholicradio.com and download the Spirit Catholic Radio smartphone app.
