Local broadcasting needs leaders who understand the business and the community in equal measure. In that spirit, The New York State Broadcasters Association has graduated its Rising Leaders Fellowship Class of 2026 from sales, news, finance, and podcast roles.
Designed as an MBA-style program, the fellowship prepares emerging broadcast leaders for the 360-degree responsibilities of station, C-suite, and community leadership. Its curriculum connects personal leadership development with revenue development, news and content leadership, broadcast accounting, and strategic planning.
The graduates are Regional Radio Group, LLC Sales Manager Danielle Ashworth; Albany Broadcasting Promotions Director and On-Air Personality Candace Curby; WNYT and WNYA News Director Josh Koumjian; WHEC-TV Controller Kathleen O’Hare-Stewart; NewsChannel 9 WSYR News Director Rob Taylor; Pamal Broadcasting Account Executive Brielle Travis; WXXI Executive Producer and Director of Podcast Strategy Veronica Volk; and Nexstar’s WIVB-TV Senior Executive Producer Natasha Yurek.
NYSBA President and Executive Director Heidi Raphael said, “The future of local broadcasting depends on leaders who understand both our evolving business and the responsibilities of serving our local communities. This year’s graduates represent the talent, dedication, and potential that will move our industry forward. By investing in our fellows’ development, we are investing in the future of New York’s radio and television stations and the commitment we make to our local communities.”
Roundtable Media President Marc Jaromin, a NYSBA Board member and Fellowship Program Dean, stated, “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. For our fellows, that means knowing and building on your personal strengths, understanding the entirety of the business, and recognizing that station success and community service are deeply connected. Our graduates leave ready to contribute beyond their current job responsibilities and lead with greater confidence, curiosity, and purpose.”
