Mary Quass Recipient of 2017 MIW Trailblazer Award

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, August 4, 2017

Mary Quass

The Mentoring and Inspiring Women (MIW) in Radio Group has announced that NRG Media Chairman/CEO Mary Quass will receive the 2017 MIW Trailblazer. Quass will receive the 9th annual MIW Radio Group Frances Preston Trailblazer Award on September 6th during the 2017 Radio Show Wednesday Headliner general session at 4pm. The 2017 Radio Show, held September 5-8 in Austin, is jointly produced by the Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB) and the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB).

The MIW Radio Group Trailblazer Award is presented annually to a woman who, through her leadership and success in the media industry, creates opportunities for other women in radio. In 2012, it was renamed the "Frances Preston Trailblazer Award" in honor of Frances Preston, longtime president and chief executive officer of BMI and one of the original MIW Radio Group members.

Quass formed New Radio Group in 2001, growing the company since that time to NRG Media, a privately held radio broadcasting and digital media company that operates 45 radio stations and corresponding digital delivery channels in 10 Midwest Markets (Nebraska, Iowa, Wisconsin and Illinois). Quass' radio career began as an account executive in 1977, and she bought her first radio station in 1989. What began as a single market company called QBC, became part of Capstar Broadcating and eventually Clear Channel. New Radio Group came soon thereafter.

Throughout her career, Quass has served many industry and local organizations. Currently, she is a member of NAB Executive Committee/NAB Board of Directors, a member of the RAB Board of Directors and is a past Iowa Broadcasters board member. At the local level, she is past chair of the Cedar Rapids Chamber of Commerce, and is a former board member of several charitable organizations such Cedar Rapids Community Foundation, Waypoint Women's Center and All Saints Parish Foundation.

"The Trailblazer Award is the MIW Group's most respected and coveted accolade," says MIW Group National Spokeswoman Denyse Mesnik. "MIW Trailblazers are accomplished professionals whose courage and tenacity has propelled them to the highest level of success. What further sets them apart is a dedication to utilize their talents to inspire others to do the same. Mary Quass embodies these qualities and it is a privilege to recognize her as our 2017 MIW Trailblazer."

"I am so appreciative of this honor, and humbled to stand in the shadow of those who have gone before me," added Quass. "I am grateful to have had the benefit of the MIWs good work and support. Also, I am thankful for their tireless efforts to elevate the profile of women in broadcasting and applaud them for always being there to encourage talented women to achieve their goals. I feel very fortunate to be in this wonderful business and will do my best to strive to achieve some of what these amazing women have accomplished."

When Mary Quass receives the MIW's 9th Annual Trailblazer Award at the 2017 Radio Show, she will join a group of female media professionals, respected for their leadership and commitment to the radio industry including: Beth Neuhoff (2016), Kim Guthrie (2015), Diane Sutter (2014), Weezie Kramer (2013), Caroline Beasley (2012), Ginny Hubbard Morris (2011), Lynn Anderson (2010) and Erica Farber (2009).