NYSBA Announces 2026 Rising Leaders Fellowship Graduates

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, October 23, 2026 | 3:35pm CT

New York State Broadcasters Association (NYSBA)

The New York State Broadcasters Association (NYSBA) has announced the graduation of eight broadcast professionals from its 2026 Rising Leaders Fellowship, a leadership development program designed to prepare emerging executives for expanded responsibilities in radio and television.

The MBA-style fellowship focuses on the business and operational skills required of today's broadcast leaders, combining personal leadership development with training in revenue generation, news and content management, broadcast accounting, strategic planning and community engagement.

The 2026 Rising Leaders Fellowship graduates are:

• Danielle Ashworth, Sales Manager, Regional Radio Group
• Candace Curby, Promotions Director and On-Air Personality, Albany Broadcasting
• Josh Koumjian, News Director, WNYT and WNYA
• Kathleen O'Hare-Stewart, Controller, WHEC-TV
• Rob Taylor, News Director, NewsChannel 9 WSYR
• Brielle Travis, Account Executive, Pamal Broadcasting
• Veronica Volk, Executive Producer/Director of Podcast Strategy, WXXI
• Natasha Yurek, Senior Executive Producer, Nexstar/WIVB-TV

"The future of local broadcasting depends on leaders who understand both our evolving business and the responsibilities of serving our local communities," said NYSBA President and Executive Director Heidi Raphael. "This year's graduates represent the talent, dedication and potential that will move our industry forward."

Raphael added that investing in the development of emerging leaders strengthens New York's radio and television stations and their commitment to local communities.

Marc Jaromin, President of Roundtable Media, NYSBA Board member and Fellowship Program Dean, emphasized that the program is designed to develop leadership capabilities beyond participants' current positions.

"Our goal is not simply to help talented people take the next step in their careers. Our goal is to help build leaders who make the people and organizations around them better," said Jaromin.

He noted that the fellowship encourages participants to recognize their personal strengths, develop a broader understanding of broadcast operations and appreciate the connection between station success and community service.