BFOA Honors Ernest Liebre With Lombardo Spirit Award

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, February 2, 2026 | 3:14pm CT

Ernest A. Liebre

The Broadcasters Foundation of America has named Ernest A. Liebre, Senior Vice President and Institutional Financial Advisor at CAPTRUST, as the recipient of the Philip J. Lombardo Spirit Award.

Liebre has been a longtime supporter of the Broadcasters Foundation and has advised the organization on its investments for more than 20 years. He has spent the past 14 years at CAPTRUST, serving as a trusted advisor to institutions and nonprofit organizations across the media and broadcasting sectors.

His client work has included organizations such as the National Association of Broadcasters, Beasley Media Group, New York State Broadcasters Association, Television Bureau of Advertising, and the International Radio & Television Society Foundation.

"Ernest exemplifies the values at the heart of the Broadcasters Foundation - generosity, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to helping others," said Scott Herman, Chair of the Broadcasters Foundation. "His dedication to our mission and his longstanding support of the broadcasting community make him an exceptionally deserving recipient of the Philip J. Lombardo Spirit Award."

Liebre said he was honored by the recognition and praised the organization's mission to provide financial assistance to broadcasters facing illness or disaster. "The work this charity does to support members of the broadcasting community during times of need is truly inspiring," he said.

Ray Cole, a member of the Broadcasters Foundation Board of Directors and former COO of Citadel Communications, said the award reflects the spirit of its namesake. "Phil believed deeply in recognizing people who quietly but consistently show up for others, and Ernest embodies that same spirit in every way," Cole said.

Before joining CAPTRUST, Liebre founded Cambridge Financial Services and previously worked in risk management roles at Revlon and FMC Corporation. His professional honors include multiple Cadaret Grant Top Adviser awards and the NAPA Top DC Advisor Teams Award across several years.

The Philip J. Lombardo Spirit Award recognizes individuals or organizations that demonstrate generosity, integrity, and commitment to the Broadcasters Foundation's mission of assisting broadcasters in need.

The Broadcasters Foundation has also announced additional honorees for its upcoming gala, including Mark Lazarus, Judge Judy Sheindlin, and Stephen A. Smith.