The Alliance for Women in Media and its Foundation (AWM/F) are proud to announce its 2016 National Board of Directors. Kristen Welch, SVP, Global Content Operations at Discovery Communications in Silver Spring, Md., will continue the role of Chair for both organizations. The 2016 Board convened on January 29 in Washington, D.C., for its first board meeting. After the meeting, many board members, along with nearly 50 industry executives, participated in judging the record number of 2016 Gracies entries on January 30 and 31.
“We have incredible leaders serving on our Board of Directors who are focused on innovative ways to further our mission and rolling up their own sleeves to work on behalf of the membership of AWM and educational platforms of AWMF,” said Welch. “The AWM and AWMF Boards of Directors are united in the mission to connect, recognize and inspire women across the media industry.”
Continuing as Chair‐Elect of AWM/F is Sarah Foss, Vice President of Product Management and Media at Imagine Communications, New York City. The Treasurer of AWM/F is Keisha Sutton-James, Vice President, Inner City Broadcasting Corp., New York City; the Treasurer‐Elect of AWM/F is Christine Travaglini, President, Christal Radio/KRG Partnerships, New York City; and Past Chair of AWM/F is Kay Olin, Principle, Kay Olin and Associates, St. George Island, Fla.
The following individuals will serve as Directors at Large of AWM: Robin Alston, Director of Business & Legal Affairs, A&E Television Networks, New York City; Karla Ballard Williams, Founder and CEO, YING, Los Angeles; Heather Cohen, Executive Vice President, The Weiss Agency, New York City; Sandy Girard, Vice President, Entertainment, SiriusXM Radio, New York City; Susie Hedrick, SVP Sales, North America, Wide Orbit, Inc., San Francisco; Annie Howell, Founder and Co-President, The Punch Point Group, Washington, D.C.; Jill Luckett, SVP Program Network Policy, National Cable & Telecommunications Association, Washington, D.C.; Kimberly Maki, Corporate Vice President, Corporate Communications & Public Relations, Bright House Networks, Orlando, Fla.; Laura Martinez, Senior Director, Affiliate Sales, Cumulus/Westwood One, Washington, D.C.; Christine Merritt, President, Ohio Association of Broadcasters, Columbus, Ohio; Deborah Parenti, Publisher, Radio Ink/RBR/TVBR, Boynton Beach, Fla.; and Josie Thomas, Executive Vice President & Chief Diversity Officer, CBS Corporation, New York City.
The following individuals will serve as Directors at Large of AWMF: Karla Ballard Williams, Founder and CEO, YING, Los Angeles; Valerie Blackburn, Project Manager, CBS Radio, New York City; Heather Cohen, Executive Vice President, The Weiss Agency, New York City; Michelle Duke, Vice President, NAB Education Foundation, Washington, D.C.; Sandy Girard, Vice President, Entertainment, SiriusXM Radio, New York City; Annie Howell, Founder and Co-President, The Punch Point Group, Washington, D.C.; Jill Luckett, SVP Program Network Policy, National Cable & Telecommunications Association, Washington, D.C.; Kimberly Maki, Corporate Vice President, Corporate Communications & Public Relations, Bright House Networks, Orlando, Fla.; and Christine McLaughlin, Of Counsel, Sciarrino & Shubert, PLLC, Washington, D.C.
Three Board members have been selected as chairs of The Gracie Awards Gala, May 24, 2016 at The Beverly Wilshire in Beverly Hills, Calif. and The Gracie Awards Luncheon, June 21, 2016 at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City. Gracies Chairs for 2016 are Karla Ballard Williams, Heather Cohen and Annie Howell. They will advise on production, talent and logistics as well as guide the selection of the very best programming and individual achievement to celebrate at the Gala and Luncheon.
“The Gracie Awards is the largest fundraising event for the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation,” said Welch. “Each of our Gracies chairs were chosen based on their passion for seeing women celebrated for their work in media and their extensive backgrounds in TV, radio and digital media fields. With their guidance, the 41st Gracie Awards Gala and Luncheon will be elevated to the next level in awards recognition and entertainment.”
