Dave Schwartz, a long-time executive with Sinclair who has worked as the company’s stations operations leader, will retire this summer after a career that spans more than four decades.

Schwartz has worked for Sinclair since 2004, when he joined as the General Manager of the broadcaster’s outlet in Michigan, WSMH (Channel 66, Fox). In 2007, he became the Senior Vice President of Station Operations — a role he continues to hold to this day — where he helped guide all of Sinclair’s local TV stations through various growth and transformative initiatives, including the company’s switch from analog to digital broadcasting more than a decade ago.

“For over 20 years, Dave has been an exceptional leader, a trusted colleague, and a driving force behind our station operations,” Rob Weisbord, the Chief Operating Officer and President of Local Media at Sinclair, said in a statement. “His deep understanding of the local broadcast business, combined with his passion for people and community, helped make Sinclair stronger at every level. We are deeply grateful for his years of service and wish him all the best in this well-earned retirement.”

Schwartz began his career in 1985 at Seltel, a company that produces and sells technology for the broadcast industry. In 1995, he joined WRBW (Channel 65) in Florida as its Vice President of Sales, a role he later reprised at the Transit Television Network in 2002 before joining Sinclair’s WSMH two years later.