Alliance for Women in Media 2015 Board Inducted at First Board Meeting

WASHINGTON, Jan. 29, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Alliance for Women in Media (AWM) is proud to announce its 2015 National Board of Directors. Kristen Welch, SVP, Global Content Operations at Discovery Communications in Silver Spring, MD., has taken over the role of National Chair. The 2015 Board convened on January 23 at the National Broadcasters Association headquarters in Washington, DC, for its first board meeting. After the meeting, the board participated in judging the 2015 Gracies entries on January 24 and 25 at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.

"I am honored to take over the role of AWM National Chair," said Welch. "The AWM Board of Directors is united in its mission to empower career development, facilitate conversations about the state of women in the media industry and celebrate the success of like-minded causes. We couldn't have a better group of women to lead this charge."

Serving as ChairElect of AWM is Sarah Foss, Vice President of Product Management and Media at Imagine Communications, New York, N.Y. The Treasurer is Keisha Sutton-James, Vice President, Inner City Broadcasting Corp., New York, N.Y.; the TreasurerElect is Christine Travaglini, President, Christal Radio/KRG Partnerships, New York, N.Y. and Past Chair is Kay Olin, Principle, Kay Olin and Associates, St. George Island, Fla.

The following individuals will serve as Directors at Large: Robin Alston, Director of Business & Legal Affairs, A&E Television Networks, New York, N.Y.; Karla Ballard, SVP, Participant Media - TAG, Beverly Hills, Calif.; Heather Cohen, EVP, The Weiss Agency, Pacific Palisades, Calif.; Sandy Girard, Vice President, Brand Management and Development, SiriusXM Radio, New York, N.Y.; Susie Hedrick, VP, Radio Sales, Wide Orbit, Inc.; Consultant, Chicago, Ill.; Annie Howell, Interim Head of PR, Sundance TV, New York, N.Y.; Jill Luckett, SVP Program Network Policy, National Cable & Telecommunications Association, Washington, D.C.; Kimberly Maki, Corporate Vice President & Chief Communications Officer, Bright House Networks, Orlando, Fla.; Laura Martinez, Senior Director, Affiliate Sales, Westwood One, Wahington, D.C.; Christine Merritt, President, Ohio Association of Broadcasters, Columbus, Ohio; Deborah Parenti, Executive Vice President of Radio, Radio Ink/RBR/TVBR, New York, N.Y.; and Josie Thomas, Executive Vice President & Chief Diversity Officer, CBS Corporation, New York, N.Y.

"It is a privilege to work with these women who are so dedicated, personally and professionally, to furthering women in the media industry," said AWM Executive Director and President Debra Hurston.

For more information, visit www.allwomeninmedia.org.

About the Alliance for Women in Media (AWM): The Alliance for Women in Media advances the influence and impact of women in all forms of media. AWM is a diverse community – whether type of media, job or global location – that facilitates industrywide collaboration, education and innovation. Established in 1961 as the American Women in Radio & Television (AWRT), AWM is the longestestablished professional association dedicated to advancing women in media and entertainment. AWM harnesses the promise, passion and power of women in all forms of media to empower career development, engage in thought leadership and drive positive change for our industry and societal progress.

About the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation: The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (formerly known as The Foundation of American Women in Radio & Television) supports and promotes educational programs, charitable activities, public service campaigns and scholarships to benefit the public, the electronic media and allied fields. The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation has created partnerships and jointinitiatives with the National Middle School Association, the Emma Bowen Foundation, the American Red Cross and other organizations that are philosophically aligned with the mission of the Foundation. The Foundation also supports Empowering America®, an initiative which pays tribute to many of America's most pioneering and inspiring women. Through this program, the Foundation provides Empowering America® educational collateral to needy urban middle schools around the country. The Foundation also produces nationally acclaimed recognition programs, including the Gracies Awards®, a live gala that honors exemplary programming created for, by and about women.

SOURCE Alliance for Women in Media

Related Links

http://www.allwomeninmedia.org