RAB, BMI and MIW Complete 16th Annual Leadership Program

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, August 23, 2024 | 3:01pm CT

Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB)

RAB, in conjunction with BMI, Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio (MIW) and Xperi, has announced the completion of the 16th annual Rising Through the Ranks program. The program began with a virtual session on Tuesday, August 13, and continued with in-person sessions on August 20-22 at the BMI Nashville office. 2024 Graduates with featured speakers included Erica Farber, Kim Johnson and Trisha Yearwood.

Attendees were selected following an application process. The two-day curriculum focused on the specific needs of women in radio leadership or those aspiring to move into leadership positions. The program worked to enhance their overall knowledge and skills. The classroom materials, including participants' notebooks, were sponsored by Mr. Master.

Sessions included such topics as:

• Having it All
• Building Your Personal Brand
• Beyond Management: Unlocking the Leader Within
• Building Team Culture

• Hartley Adkins, president, market groups, iHeartMedia
• Rob Babin, executive vice president, radio, Cox Media Group
• Danni Bruns, operating manager, program director of mornings, CUMULUS MEDIA
• Kristin Cantrell, owner/chief executive officer, Seven Mountains Media and CapCity Communications
• Joe D'Angelo, senior vice president of broadcast radio and digital audio, Xperi
• Erica Farber, immediate past president and chief executive officer, RAB
• Kelli Frieler, owner, Vibrant Impact and director, Guaranty Digital Media
• Kim Johnson, vice president of professional development, RAB
• Susan Larkin, chief operating officer, Audacy
• Ruth Presslaff, board president, MIW
• Jeff Schmidt, senior vice president, professional development, RAB
• Erika Sylvia, market accounting manager - Houston and Dallas, Radio One
• Sandye Taylor, senior vice president and chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer, BMI
• Brooke Williams, senior vice president, membership, RAB
• Trisha Yearwood, award-winning artist
• Linnae Young, executive vice president, operations and revenue development, Salem Media Group

The curriculum was customized to feature practical and real-world applications that participants can immediately put to use within their companies and for their personal development.

"This year's graduates join the 440 women who have participated and benefited from RAB's Rising Through the Ranks," noted RAB President/CEO Mike Hulvey. "We are immensely proud of the initiative and its impact on the business."

"Being part of Rising Through the Ranks and hosting the program is something we look forward to each year," added BMI Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer Sandye Taylor. "I was honored to be among such a distinguished group of executive presenters selected to educate, mentor, and help drive opportunities for women in radio and share my experiences to empower these emerging leaders to create an inclusive workplace. It was truly an unforgettable and enriching experience for us all."

"Rising Through the Ranks is truly a one-of-a-kind program," said MIW Board President Ruth Presslaff. "Once again, MIW is honored to contribute to the profound impact RTTR has on a select group of women who in turn positively impact the entire radio industry."

2024 Rising Through the Ranks Graduates:

Kaylee Barr
Cox Media Group, Orlando, Florida

Laurie Clotworthy
Audacy, New Orleans/Kenner, Louisiana

Katie Doherty
Southern Stone Communications, Jackson, Tennessee

Sheri Fermoyle
Hubbard Radio Minnesota North, Alexandria, Minnesota

Hannah Hageman
WHOP, Forcht Broadcasting, Hopkinsville, Kentucky

Monique Harris
Cox Media Group, Atlanta, Georgia

Terri Hayden
BMI, Nashville, Tennessee

Nikki Kuniej
Charleston Radio Group/Saga Communications, Charleston, South Carolina

Liz Lively
Wheeler Broadcasting, Roanoke, Virgina

Alice Lobo
Premiere Radio Networks, New York, New York

Annette Malave
RAB, New York, New York

Kellie Marnin
Audacy, New York, New York

Amanda Orlando
Cumulus Media WRRM, Cincinnati, Ohio

Lauren Pallitto
iHeartMedia, Farmington Hills, Michigan

Kelly Pruitt
Cumulus Media, Indianapolis, Indiana

Samantha Randall
Seven Mountains Media, Elmira, New York

Heather Riley
Ham Broadcasting/The Edge Media Group, Cadiz, Kentucky

Morgan Spano
Cox Media Group, San Antonio/Abilene, Texas

Kristen Summers
Community First Broadcasting, Spirit Lake, Iowa

Tess Taylor
Hubbard Radio Brainerd, Baxter, Minnesota

Liz Urban
Beasley Media Group, Ferndale, Michigan

Emily Vainstein
Audacy, Los Angeles, California

Bani Werner
Alpha Media, North Mankato, Minnesota

Felicia Wong
Tampa Radio, Cox Media Group Local Solutions, Clearwater, Florida