March / April 2008

Issue Archive

---

In This Issue

---

 

President’s Message

Dear NAMIC Members:

NAMIC is pleased to announce our 2008 Next Generation Leaders who will receive top honors at the NAMIC Annual Awards Breakfast on May 19th at the NCTA Cable Show in New Orleans. This year’s winners were selected by NAMIC and editors of MultichannelNews in three distinct categories: Cable MSO, Cable Programmer and Technology Company or Discipline.

And the winners are... Keith Dawkins, GM, Nicktoons Network, and SVP, Programming Partnerships, Nickelodeon; Marge Jackson, VP, Marketing & Sales, New Jersey Region, Comcast Cable; and Veenod Kurup, VP, Data Product Services, Cox Communications. All three were selected from an accomplished group of nominees for demonstrating exceptional practices of diversity and inclusion within the scope of their managerial capabilities.

We are also honoring NAMIC Luminaries for their commitment to advancing NAMIC’s mission, to promote multi-ethnic diversity within their companies, as well as giving back to the communities in which they work and live. These individuals include: Christine Bragan, Vice President, Marketing & Communications, Rainbow Media Holdings LLC; Darlene Chapman-Holmes, Senior Vice President, Marketing, AmericanLife TV Network; Sean Cohan, Senior Vice President, International, A&E Television Networks; Johnita P. Due, Senior Counsel & Diversity Council Chair, CNN Worldwide; Sonya Lockett, Vice President, Public Affairs, BET; Ariela Nerubay, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, TuTv Networks; Chris Powell, Executive Vice President, Human Resources, Scripps Networks; and Michelle Rice, Senior Vice President, Distribution & Strategy, TV One.

We hope you will join us at the Annual Awards Breakfast to personally congratulate these distinguished leaders!

Kathy A. Johnson

President

[to contents]

 

NAMIC Newsflash

NAMIC Presents Award-Winning Panel at the 2008 MultiCultural Media Expo

The 2008 MultiCultural Media Expo was held March 11-12 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. NAMIC's Multicultural Marketing Committee presented a panel titled "Attracting Multi-ethnic Television Audiences." Kathy Johnson, President, NAMIC was the moderator and the panelists included Vicky L. Free, VP, Entertainment Marketing, TBS, TCM & TNT; Ariela Nerubay, VP, Marketing, TuTv; and Ravi Pillai, Director, Marketing, Saavn. These television marketing experts shared their secrets, unique challenges and real life success stories on how they draw African American, Asian and Hispanic viewers. NAMIC’s own Kathy Johnson received an Outstanding Conference Presentation Award for Association Representation!

Pictured above (left to right): David Takata, President & CEO, MultiCultural Holdings, LLC; Kathy Johnson, President, NAMIC, Inc.; Ariela Nerubay, VP, Marketing, TuTv; Ravi Pillai, Director, Marketing, Saavn; Vicky L. Free, VP, Entertainment Marketing, TBS, TCM & TNT

[to contents]

 

NAMIC-Southern California

West Coast Creative Summit
Content 3.0 - The Future Is Here!
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
The Beverly Hilton Hotel
Beverly Hills, CA

Click here to register

Leading executives from the broadcast, cable, digital, entertainment and film industries will be on hand to help attendees hone their craft. Attendees will also learn insider tips about the business and meet industry colleagues and peers.

Presenting Sponsor: Warner Bros.
Sponsors: 20th Century Fox, ABC Disney Media Networks, A&E Television Networks, Bright House Networks, Fox Cable Networks, Fox Interactive Media, HBO, Scripps Networks, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Time Warner, Inc., Time Warner Cable, TuTv, and Universal Studios.

You won’t want to miss this dynamic lineup of speakers:

Marlene Braga, Director, Programming, The History Channel & History en Espanol
Todd Brown, VP, Western Division, Comcast Networks
Pablo Buffagni, VP & Creative Director, Conill
Dwight Caines, EVP, Worldwide Digital Marketing Strategy, Columbia TriStar Marketing Group
Essie Chambers, VP, Development, The N
Albert Cheng, EVP, Digital Media, Disney ABC Television Group/The Walt Disney Company
Jeff Clanagan, CEO, Code Black Entertainment
Yoji Cole, Los Angeles Bureau Chief, DiversityInc.
Chase Conerly, Executive Creative Director, The True Agency
Pete Corral, SVP, Production Administration, Sony Pictures Entertainment
Eva Davis, SVP, Acquisitions & Business Development, Warner Premiere
Raul E. de Quesada, SVP & Assistant GM, Fox Sports International
Lourdes Diaz, President, Agua Films
DeVon Franklin, Director, Development, Sony Pictures
Vicky Free, VP, Entertainment Marketing, TBS, TCM, TNT
Matthew Glotzer, SVP, Digital Media, Fox Entertainment Group
Billy Hall, VP, Programming, TNT, Turner Entertainment Networks
Roy Hamilton, VP, Production, FSN
Gina Holland, CEO, Ruby Red Inc.
David Hudson, VP, Unscripted, Specials & Franchises, TNT & TBS, Turner Entertainment Networks
Christopher Jones, Senior Brand Manager, Boost Mobile
Ken Kahrs, EVP, Human Resources, Universal Studios
Margaret Keene, Creative Director, Chiat Day
Tony Kinkela, Executive Producer, Dodgers on Demand, Time Warner Cable
Christine Lawton, SVP, Business Affairs, Universal Home Entertainment
Dan Limerick, SVP, Business Affairs, Warner Bros. Television
Dan Lin, Producer, Lin Pictures
Cristina Mancini, VP, Marketing & Publicity & Promotion, 20th Century Fox TV Distribution
Lucinda Martinez Desir, VP, Market Development, HBO
Lisa Meyers, EVP, Communications, Magic Johnson Enterprises
Diana Mogollon, VP, Programming & Marketing, Telemundo Network West Coast
Flavio Morales, VP, Development, mun2
Juan Morales, Director, Membership Publications & Editor-in-Chief, Academy of Television Arts & Sciences
Ramsey Naito, VP, Development & Production, The Cartoon Network
Shirley Neal, EVP, Programming & Production, The Africa Channel
Charisse Nesbit, Creative Executive, Production & Development, Lionsgate Films
Jun S. Oh, SVP & Head of Business Affairs, Warner Independent Pictures
Alex Perez, GM, The True Agency
Rose Catherine Pinkney, EVP, Programming & Production, TV-One
Chris Powell, EVP, Human Resources, Scripps Networks
Gabriel Reyes, President, Reyes Entertainment
Craig Robinson, EVP, Operations & Digital Strategy, KNBC
Patti Rockenwagner, VP, Regional Communications, Time Warner Cable
George Ruiz, SVP, Motion Picture Business Affairs & Head of New Media, ICM Talent Agency
Rajan Shah, President, Phenomenon & Co-Founder, South Asians in Media & Marketing
Evan Shapiro, EVP & GM, IFC
Art Sims, CEO, 11:24 Design
Jimmy Smith, Executive Creative Director, BBDO
Ligiah Villalobos, Writer/Executive Producer, Under the Same Moon
Kiko Washington, SVP, Worldwide Human Resources, Warner Bros. Entertainment
Manfred Westphal, VP, Communications, FremantleMedia N.A.

Agenda:

• Opening and Closing General Sessions
• Panel Discussions
• Presentation of the NAMIC Vision Awards
• Career Expo
• Networking Opportunities
• Evening Reception

The cost is $125 for NAMIC members; $150 for non- members; and $50 for students. You may also purchase a ticket only for the Opening General Session or the Evening Reception.

For general information about this event, please contact Sandra Girado at (212) 594-5985, ext. 23 or sandra.girado@namic.com.

[to contents]

NAMIC-Southern California Vision Awards

Luncheon Ceremony at West Coast Creative Summit
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
The Beverly Hilton Hotel
Beverly Hills, CA
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Access Hollywood's Shaun Robinson to Host 2008 NAMIC Vision Awards!

Twenty-nine networks are vying for awards in 14 categories for this prestigious recognition of original cable programming with positive imagery of our diverse cultures.

To view a list of the nominees, click here.
To purchase a table ($1,000) or buy tickets ($125 each), click here.
For general information about this event, please contact Sandra Girado at (212) 594-5985, ext. 23 or sandra.girado@namic.com.

[to contents]

NAMIC Annual Awards Breakfast

Morial Convention Center
Monday, May 19, 2008
New Orleans, LA
7:15 am – 8:45 am

Click here to register!

Honorary Chair: Patrick Esser, President, Cox Communications, Inc.

Join industry influencers at the NAMIC Annual Awards Breakfast during the NCTA Cable Show.

In partnership with Multichannel News, NAMIC will recognize Next Generation Leaders who demonstrate exceptional practices of diversity and inclusion and truly embody the professionalism that reflects our mission to educate, advocate and empower for greater multi-ethnic diversity in our industry. The NAMIC Luminary Awards will also be presented to recognize a distinguished group of professionals who have also emerged as some of our industry’s rising stars.

• Become a sponsor and choose from one of three levels - $15,000, $10,000 and $7,500 - each with their own visibility benefits
• Buy a table of ten at $3,500

For more information, contact Sandra Girado or Danny McGlone at (212) 594-5985 or sandra.girado@namic.com or danny.mcglone@namic.com.

[to contents]

Visit NAMIC at the Cable Cares! Booth (#2847) at the NCTA Cable Show

Give Back to New Orleans by Helping to Rebuild School Libraries

Planning on attending the NCTA Cable Show in New Orleans? If so, then be sure to visit NAMIC as part of Cable Cares! (Booth #2847).

Bring a colleague who is not a NAMIC member and if they join onsite, your name will be entered into a raffle to win a complimentary registration to the Annual NAMIC Conference this coming fall in New York City.

The Cable Cares Booth will be the drop-off destination for those who choose to give back to New Orleans by helping to rebuild school libraries. Make the joy of reading possible for school-age children of New Orleans and bring a copy of your favorite elementary school level book to the Cable Cares booth. To view a list of book suggestions, please visit the NCTA web-site at http://www.ncta.com/. You can also learn about options to purchase a full classroom set of books through the Cable Hope Fund or contribute video or audio content that your company publishes or produces.

Cable Cares is a three-year-old partnership of four cable trade associations: NAMIC, Association of Cable Communicators, Cable in the Classroom and WICT.

For general information about this the Annual Awards Breakfast, please contact Sandra Girado at (212)594-5985, ext. 23.

[to contents]

22nd Annual NAMIC Conference

Sunday, September 14 - Tuesday, September 16, 2008
New York Marriot Marquis
New York, NY

Click here to register online with a credit card.
Click here to download the registration form if paying by check.

Cable Diversity Week may be six months away, but a team of NAMIC volunteers is immersed in planning all facets of the 22nd Annual NAMIC Conference, the communications industry’s premiere educational forum focused on multi-ethnic diversity as a strategic business imperative.

With its rich and varied content, the NAMIC Conference has become an invaluable resource for all companies seeking to maximize multicultural teams; build relationships with the growing multi-ethnic consumer marketplace; enrich the leadership skills and knowledge of their employees; and attract and retain diverse talent.

Serving as co-chairs of the planning committee are:

• Kenetta Bailey, SVP, Marketing, We TV;
• Marsha J. Conaway, RVP, Human Resources, Midwest Region, Time Warner Cable;
• Charisse R. Lillie, VP, Human Resources, Comcast Corporation and SVP, Human Resources, Comcast Cable Communications; and
• Pragash Pillai, VP, Strategic Engineering, Bresnan Communications.
  

Register today!

Interested in sponsoring this must-attend event? Contact Danny McGlone at (212) 594-5985, ext. 13 or danny.mcglone@namic.com.

Book your room! NAMIC has a room block at the New York Marriott Marquis at the rate of $409 per night. Reserve your room before August 15th by calling

Have questions about the conference? Contact Sandra Girado at (212) 594-5985, ext. 23. or sandra.girado@namic.com.

[to contents]

Career Corner

NAMIC Leadership Seminar

The NAMIC Leadership Seminar is a professional development program created specifically to transform high-potential middle managers of color in the communications industry into effective leaders.

The next Leadership Seminar Class Session XI is July 24-25 in New York by invitation only. For more information please email info@namic.com or call the NAMIC National Office at 212-594-5985. Also feel free to visit our website http://www.namic.com/.

NAMIC congratulates the 37 professionals who completed Session IX of NAMIC’s Leadership Seminar, which took place in Los Angeles, California at the Anderson School of Management at UCLA on March 13-14, 2008.

Leadership Seminar Session IX members:

Jose Adams, Supervisor, Workforce Management, Charter Communications
Doreen Akune, Manager, Network Operations, Scripps Networks
Myia Alston, Director, Media Planning, MTV Networks/The N
Kimberly Benard, Traffic Director, ABC Family
Joy Branch, Associate, HBO
JaSaun Buckner, Manager, Current Series, MTV Networks/The N
Miranda Chattam, Production Manager, ESPN
Chevonne Collins, SST Quality Assurance Manager, MTV Networks
Carmela Eleazar, Manager, Customer Service, Time Warner Cable
Robert (Lee) Ferguson, Supervisor, Broadband Sales, Charter Communications
Renita Griskel, Project Director-Emerging Media Content, Scripps Networks
Ivan Heredia, Manager, Music Marketing & Talent, Nickelodeon
Jeannine Irons, Manager, Digital Markerting, Nickelodeon
David Johnson, Director, New Media Publicity, Hallmark Channel
Jason Jones, Manager, National Network Operations, Charter Communications
Erika Kennair, Manager, Entertainment Diversity Programs, NBC Universal
Cuong Lam, Associate Director, Marketing, ESPN
Min Lee, Director, Original Programming, Scripps Networks-HGTV
Monica Lee, Senior Manager, Finance and Strategy, ESPN
Sheereen Miller, Account Executive, MTV Networks
Isoud Manasir, Manager, Learning & Development, Time Warner Cable
Idriss Moftaqir, Telephony & Quality Assurance Manager, Cox Communications
Henri Moore, National Manager, Strategic Alliances, Comcast
William Myers, Technical Supervisor, Time Warner Cable
Robert Negrete, Manager, Call Center Operations, Comcast Cable
Cesar Peraza, Manager, Field Operations, Cox Communications
Armando Polanco, Account Executive, MTV Networks
Stacy Richard, Accounting Manager, Time Warner Cable
Mike Roig, Director, Event Production, ESPN
Maryann Sapia, Senior Compensation Analyst, ESPN
Miller Scott, Technical Supervisor, Time Warner Cable
Cheryl Small-Parris, Supervisor, ESPN
Dorothy Stith, Sales Operations Support Manager, Cox Communications
Eric Steaple, Account Executive, CNN-Time Warner
Kiersten Wanamaker, Senior Photography Manager, MTV Networks
Matthew Weeks, Associate Director, Studio Production Coordinator, ESPN
Kathy Winston, Manager, MTVN Core Services / Planning & Design, MTV Networks

NAMIC congratulates the 39 professionals who completed Session VIII of NAMIC’s Leadership Seminar, which took place in Denver, Colorado at The Cable Center on November 5-6, 2007.

Leadership Seminar Session VIII members:

Danita Adams, Supervisor, Customer Service, Comcast
Maleka Burnette, Marketing Manager, Comcast
Ernie Cheng, Director, ESPN
Lloyd Christian, Installation Supervisor, Time Warner – SW Division
Alexander Cortes, Manager, Network & Content Information, ESPN
Southwell Crispin, Technical Lead, Software Engineering, The Weather Channel, Inc.
Ivan Gordon, Technical Operations Manager, Comcast
Orlando Hadnot, Manager, Customer Service, Time Warner Cable
Samira Hall, Account Manager, MTV Networks
Yosef Hamilton, Project Manager, ESPN
Crystal Hearn, Community Affairs Manager, The Nielsen Company
Michele Hord, Director, Off Air Talent Recruitment and Development, ABC News
Anna Hougart, Manager, Business Intelligence, MTV Networks
Blandine JnPaul-Reid, Senior Director, Marketing, ESPN
Jerry Johnson, Field Operations Manager, Cox Communications
Mati Jones, Director, Human Resources, Time Warner Cable
Jimmy Kelly, Director, Sales and Marketing, Time Warner Cable
Manish Khanduri, Manager, Special Projects, Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.
Tae Kim, Senior Finance Manager, ESPN
Torrae Lawrence, Account Director, Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.
Laurel Ling, Programming Coordinator, AZN Television
Toni Matthews, Manager, Public Relations, Time Warner Cable
Barbara McCoy, Coordinator, Starz Entertainment
Chelsea Most, Sr. Production Manager, TV Land Networks
Emeka Ofodile, Brand Manager, Marketing, ESPN
Lisa Padilla, Director, Content Services, Comcast Media Center
Jacqueline Putnam, Manager, Financial Analysis, Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.
Segeda Ranjeet, Counsel, Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.
Victor Rasco, Product Manager, The Weather Channel, Inc.
Adrian Roberson, Consumer Marketing Manager, The Weather Channel, Inc.
Edgar Rodriguez, Event Security Associate Manager, ESPN
Kyle Speller, Operations Personnel Supervisor, Comcast Media Center
Thomas Stanford, South Division Director, Project Management, Comcast Cable
E. Sharon Thorton, Legal Counsel, The Weather Channel, Inc.
Michele Thorton, Sr. Account Executive, Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.
Brandii Toby, Press & PR Manager, Scripps Networks, Inc.
Dionne Williams, Project Manager, Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.
Raymond Wong, Director, Finance, Cox Communications
Kannie Yu LaPack, Manager, Publicity, Lifetime Networks

[to contents]

Participate in NAMIC's L. Patrick Mellon Mentorship Mentorship Program

NAMIC is currently recruiting mentors and mentees for the L. Patrick Mellon Mentorship Program. The goal of the program is to facilitate diversity in the communications industry by pairing NAMIC members with professional mentors who will assist them with their career advancement strategies.

To learn more about the L. Patrick Mellon Mentorship Program, please visit our website by clicking here. If you have questions, please contact Faride Precil, manager, education programs, at (212) 594-5985 or via e-mail at faride.precil@namic.com.

[to contents]

Looking For Diverse Candidates? Looking For Your Next Big Career Move?

The NAMIC Job Bank is the leading resource for connecting employers and highly qualified diverse job candidates in the communications industry. 

Job Seekers:  The NAMIC Job Bank provides you with access to the best employers and jobs in the communications industry.

• Advanced job searching options
• Control over your career advancement
• Increased exposure for your résumé
• Optional email alerts of new jobs

Employers:  Access a diverse talent pool of 2,000 professional NAMIC members by listing your job openings on the NAMIC Job Bank.

• Quick and easy job posting 
• Quality candidates
• Online reports to provide you with job activity statistics
• Simple pricing options

NAMIC members may search the Job Bank for FREE.

Click here to access the Job Bank.

[to contents]

 

NAMIC on the Scene

2008 Chapter Leadership Forum

NAMIC-Atlanta Named 2007 Chapter of the Year

The 2008 NAMIC Chapter Leadership Forum took place February 7-9 at the Mayfair Hotel and Spa in Coconut Grove, Florida.

Over 50 chapter leaders and National Board members gathered to further build the capacity of each chapter and better serve members on the local level. Representatives from 15 of NAMIC’s 17 chapters were on hand to welcome the newly chartered NAMIC-DePaul University student chapter! Chapter leaders also attended sessions on membership, programming team building and shared best practices.

The forum officially kicked off with a reception hosted by NAMIC-South Florida that celebrated the Lunar New Year. Helen Miranda-Smith, the newly elected President of NAMIC-South Florida, welcomed everyone.

The Annual Chapter Recognition Awards were presented during a “Celebrate You” Dinner. National board members Kenetta Bailey, SVP, Marketing, WeTV and Mark Kang, VP, The Sportsman Channel served as emcees of the awards ceremony.

The dinner also featured a motivational speech made by

Chapter awards were presented in the following categories:

• Chapter of the Year: NAMIC-Atlanta
• Watch Us Grow: NAMIC-Carolinas
• Show Me the Money: NAMIC-Carolinas
• Executed Flawlessly: NAMIC-Chicago
• Executed Flawlessly: NAMIC-Philadelphia
• Executed Flawlessly: NAMIC-Tennessee
• We Did It All: NAMIC-Carolinas
• Did It All And Then Some: NAMIC-Mid-Atlantic
• Did It All And Then Some: NAMIC-Atlanta
• Spread the Word: NAMIC-New York

NAMIC-Atlanta "Chapter of the Year"

Honorable Mention certificates were presented in the following categories:

• Revenue Generation: NAMIC-The Carolinas
• Program Innovation: NAMIC-Denver
• Membership Involvement: NAMIC-Southern California
• Media Outreach: NAMIC-Mid-Atlantic

Congratulations again to all NAMIC chapters for their services throughout the year!

[to contents]

Chapters In Action

NAMIC-Atlanta presented "Show Me the Money" on February 18th at Cox Enterprises. Twenty-eight attendees participated in the panel discussion and interactive breakout session. Facilitator Jamelia Smith, Affiliate Ad Sales Manager, Turner Network Sales and panelists Dan Delanty, Local Sales Manager, Comcast; Alex Dombronovich, Director, Local Ad Sales, The Weather Channel ; Scott Jolles, Regional VP, National Cable Communications (NCC); and David Porter, VP, Strategy & Development, Cox Media intrigued the audience with their advanced expertise in the communications industry. Cox sponsored the event.

Pictured above (left to right): David Porter, VP, Strategy & Development, Cox Media; Alex Dombronovich, Director, Local Ad Sales, The Weather Channel; Dan Delanty, Local Sales Manager, Comcast; and Scott Jolles, Regional VP, National Cable Communications (NCC).

NAMIC-Carolinas’ February 27th "Marketing to the Multi-ethnic Consumer" event at the Time Warner Cable Corporate Headquarters in Charlotte was a huge success. Twenty-five industry professionals discussed opportunities and challenges related to reaching consumers of various ethnicities. The event was held during the CIAA (Center Intercollegiate Athletic Association) basketball tournament which is one of the biggest social and community events in the African-American community. CIAA tournament week offers many opportunities for programmers and operators to interact with African-American consumers with an extremely targeted message. The buzz around the week's event was used as a backdrop to discuss tactics and strategies that have been created to reach diverse audiences.

The moderator was Mike Braxton, Account Director, Turner Broadcasting and the panelists included Dan Margulis, Director, Programming, Acquisitions, ESPNU; Brooke Sinclair, Director, Marketing, Charter Communications; Stacy Simmons, Senior Marketing Manager, TV One; Matthew Barnhill, Senior VP, Market Research, BET; and Wendy Vinson, VP Marketing, Inspiration Networks.

The event was sponsored by Time Warner Carolinas Region, Turner Broadcasting and Inspiration Networks.

NAMIC-Mid-Atlantic recreated one of the 2007 Annual NAMIC Conference’s most popular sessions, "The Only One in the Room" on February 4th at the NCTA Headquarters in Washington, DC. The panel discussion allowed participants to have an educational and frank conversation about the unique challenges encountered by employees of color as they negotiate the pathways that lead to C-Suites. The panel was moderated by Tony Harris, Anchor, Morning Edition, CNN Newsroom. Panelists included Barbara Gee, VP, Strategic Sales Alliances, Comcast; Kenneth G. Gordon, Jr. Legal Counsel, ESPN; Billy Hall, VP, Programming (TNT), Turner Entertainment; Emilio Mata, SVP, Creative Services, Starz Entertainment; and Rahda Subramanyam, VP, Nick Digital Networks, Nickelodeon.

Pictured above (left to right): Emilio "Che Che" Mata, SVP, Creative Services, Starz Entertainment; Barbara Gee, VP, Strategic Sales Alliances, Comcast Cable Communications; Billy Hall, VP, Programming, Turner Network Television; Pamela Ford, Director, Communcations, NCTA and NAMIC Mid-Atlantic President; Tony Harris, Morning News Anchor, CNN; and Ken Gordon, Legal Counsel, ESPN, Inc.

NAMIC-Minnesota held a "Membership Mixer" February 27th at the Zuhrah Shrine Center in Minneapolis. They kicked off the year with a Meet & Greet for 38 attendees featuring the 2008 officers who presented the agenda for the 2008 officers who presented the agenda for the year.

Pictured above (left to right): Bill Jensen, Regional VP, Mediacom Communications Corporation and NAMIC-Minnesota President; Yolanda Sims, Associate Security Investigator, Comcast Cable and NAMIC-Minnesota Secretary; Diana Hawkins, Government Affairs Professional, Comcast Cable and NAMIC-Minnesota Treasurer; and Mohammed Haroon, Director, Telephone Operations, Comcast Cable and NAMIC-Minnesota Vice President.

NAMIC-Minnesota hosted an event on March 17th at the North Central CATV Show at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Minneapolis. "Diversity & Multi-Ethnic Marketing" was the topic for this dynamic panel session moderated by William Wells, President, W. Wells & Associates. Panelists included Clayton Banks, President & CEO, Ember Media Corporation; Bill Jensen, Regional Vice President, Mediacom and NAMIC-Minnesota President; and Eric Brown, EVP, Affiliate Sales, Africa Channel.

NAMIC-New York held their 2008 Kick-Off Event January 24th at NBC Universal. Over 150 attendees were on hand to hear Paula Madison, EVP & Chief Diversity Officer, NBC Universal, discuss the importance of mentoring. The event was sponsored by NBC Universal.

More than 60 NAMIC-New York members spent "A Night on Broadway" on February 27th at a performance of the hit play, "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof." Afterwards, attendees were also treated to an exclusive Q&A session with the play’s famed director Debbie Allen, producer Stephen C. Byrd and cast members, including James Earl Jones, Phylicia Rashad and Anika Noni Rose.

Photo caption (from left to right): Denise Bennett, Manager, Integrated Marketing, MTV Networks and NAMIC-New York Secretary; and Juan Herrera, Senior Director, Strategic Partnerships, MTV Networks and NAMIC-New York President at the pre-reception for NAMIC-New York’s "Night on Broadway".

NAMIC-Southern California hosted an exclusive members-only Executive Speed Networking & Mentoring event at Fox Studios in Los Angeles on February 28th. Over 20 top executives in the entertainment and cable industry took the time to mentor nearly 50 members of NAMIC-Southern California. Each member spent five minutes with 4-7 of the executives who passed on words of wisdom on how they have achieved success in their chosen field. "I received much more than I gave. Thanks for the community building experience," said Todd Brown, Western Division Vice President, Comcast Networks. "I can't believe the people that I met and the advice I was given," stated Tiffany Lee, Regional Analyst, Time Warner Cable. "This is why I joined NAMIC." This event was sponsored by Fox Cable Networks.

Featured speakers/panelists included:
Courtney Armstrong, SVP, Business Affairs, Warner Bros. Features
Eric Brown, EVP, Affiliate Sales, The Africa Channel
Todd Brown, Western Division VP, Comcast Networks
Clarence Caldwell, RVP, Engineering, Time Warner Cable
Stacy Evans Morgan, President, One Accord Productions, Inc.
Peter Firestone, Principal, Deloitte Consulting LLP
Jeff Hirsch, Rochester Division President, Time Warner Cable
Mike Hopkins, EVP/GM, Fox Cable Network Service
Steve Kuo, SVP, Corp Development/Business Opportunities, Jamster/Fox Mobile Entertainment
Tracy Lawrence, Executive Recruiter, Media Practice, Russell Reynolds
Margaret Lazo, SVP, Human Resources, NBCU Networks & Cable Ent. Diana Mogollon, VP, Programming & Marketing, Telemundo
Ramsey Naito, VP, Longform, Cartoon Network
Patti Röckenwagner, RVP, Communications, Time Warner Cable
David Rone, President, CAA Sports
Collette Shelton, VP, Brand Integration, Fox Broadcasting Company
Danielle Wade, VP, Marketing & Customer Service, Bright House

NAMIC-St. Louis held their membership drive/career development event on March 7th at the Charter Communications offices in St. Louis. 70 persons from Charter, Suddenlink and Fox Cable were in attendance. Ron Phillips, VP, Human Resources, Comcast led a discussion titled "You’re Hired - Strategies to Make a First Impression." Speakers also included Cheryl Manley, VP, Senior Counsel Labor & Employment, Charter Communications; Daphne Leroy, VP, Marketing & Communications, NAMIC, Inc.; Betty Sanders, Director, Regulatory Affairs, Charter Communications; and Joi Philpott, VP, Senior Counsel Government Affairs and NAMIC National Board Director.

[to contents]

 

Membership Spotlight

Member of the Month: Reinaldo Llano

Reinaldo Llano
NAMIC-South Florida
NAMIC National Board of Directors
Director, Corporate Community Relations
Bright House Networks

How long have you been a NAMIC member?
I have been a member of NAMIC now for over 3 years.

Why did you decide to join NAMIC?
NAMIC was recommended to me by my boss. After signing up for membership, I began to realize all the opportunities NAMIC had to offer and quickly became involved.

How are you involved with/engaged in NAMIC?
My initial involvement began with attending the conference and subscribing to the e-mail communications. I then applied to participate in the Leadership Seminar. Now, I am officially part of the National Board of Directors representing my company.

Tell us a little about your position at Brighthouse Networks?
My role as Director, Corporate Community Relations involves shaping community relations strategies and tactics for the corporate office by enhancing and building key national tactical initiatives. Such initiatives include our Bright House Networks Star Teacher Awards and our Bright Kids Network—a recent investment of $1 million dollars to support after school programs. I have also developed robust industry relationships resulting in strong involvement from programming networks with Bright House-led initiatives. My main focus is to provide guidance to Bright House Networks divisions on applying industry best practices in community relations, and developing programs based on research.

What’s the one thing about you that’s not on your resume that you are willing to share with other members of NAMIC?
I was born and raised in the Bronx, NY by a low-income family. My success proves that by working hard and establishing positive and strong relationships you can overcome anything that may seem insurmountable.

Favorite Quote or Personal Motto:
The world is full of willing people, some willing to work, the rest willing to let them.
Robert Frost

[to contents]

Help NAMIC Stay Connected to You!

NAMIC wants to make sure that your contact information in our member database is current and accurate. Please take a few minutes to review your profile in MemberClicks and make any necessary updates.

Help us keep InTouch with you!

To access MemberClicks, please click here.

[to contents]

Is Your Membership Current?

Don't let your NAMIC membership lapse! If your membership is up for renewal, please act today. Don’t delay.

Not sure of the status of your membership? Contact Stana Fields at stana.fields@namic.com or (212) 594-5985, ext. 22.

To renew your membership and continue receiving NAMIC benefits, click here

[to contents]

Movers and Shakers

Kennetta Bailey, Pearlena Igbokwe and Tina Waters were named Women to Watch by Multichannel News. Bailey, a member of the NAMIC National Board of Directors, is SVP, Marketing, We TV. She’s also one of the Planning Committee Co-Chairs for this year’s Annual NAMIC Conference. Igbokwa is SVP, Original Programming, Showtime Networks, Inc. Waters is SVP, Customer Service Operations, Comcast.

Rainbow Media’s Christine Bragan has been promoted from Director to VP, Marketing and Communications.

TVN Entertainment has added Michelle Castro to its team as Affiliate Marketing Coordinator. Prior to joining TVN and relocating back to Southern California, Castro held a similar position at Oxygen.

Turner Animation has a new Chief Marketing Officer – Brenda Freeman – who was previously SVP, Integrated Marketing and Promotions for Nickelodeon, MTVN Kids, and Family Group.

Berto Guzman has joined Si TV as their VP, Affiliate Sales. Guzman, an alumnus of ELDP, was formerly SVP, Affiliate Relations and Strategy of International Channel Networks and VP, Group Division of Starz Entertainment Group.

Douglas Holloway, a member of the NAMIC National Board of Directors has been promoted to President, NBC Network Distribution Partnerships & Affiliate Marketing. Prior to his promotion, Holloway was President of Cable Investments for NBC Universal Cable.

MaryAnne Howland, President and CEO of Ibis Communications, is profiled in Redefining the Mommy Track, an article in the April issue of Ebony magazine.

NAMIC has upped its Directors to Vice Presidents. Jim Jones, Vice President, Education Programs, Daphne Leroy, Vice President, Marketing & Communications; and Danny McGlone, Vice President, Fund Development.

Time Warner’s Debra Langford, and NAMIC-Southern California President, TV One’s Rose Catherine Pinkney and ESPN’s Juliet N. Gilliam were honored by The Network Journal as three of 25 Influential Black Women in Business. Langford and Pinkney are prominently featured on the cover of the magazine’s March issue.

The April issue of Essence magazine features a Career Roundtable – Insiders’ Secrets to Success – moderated by Debra Langford – Time Warner Inc.’s Executive Director of Strategic Sourcing and President of NAMIC- Southern California.

Congratulations to Michelle Lewis, NAMIC Office Administrator, on the birth of her daughter, Jaeda Saniyah Howell.

Carla Lewis-Long has rejoined American Life Television Network as SVP, Affiliate Sales. She was previously a VP with Oxygen.

Reinaldo Llano, a member of the NAMIC National Board of Directors, alumnus of the NAMIC Leadership Seminar and Director of Corporate Community Relations for Bright House Networks, was honored by the Association of Cable Communications with a “Rising Star” Communications Achievement Award.

Wonya Lucas has joined Discovery Communications as Chief Marketing Officer. She was previously EVP & General Manager of The Weather Channel.

Lynda Mauze was promoted to Manager, Production Services at CBS Sports. She was previously Network Commercial Manager.

Alana Moton, VP of NAMIC-The Carolinas, has been promoted to Director of Field Marketing for Discovery Networks. She previously was Account Director.

Congratulations to Brett Perkins who will receive the NCTA Vanguard Award for Young Leadership during the Cable Show in New Orleans. Perkins is VP, Government Relations with Comcast. He serves as President of NAMIC-Philadelphia and is a member of the current ELDP class.

NAMIC has a new member of the national office team – Faride Precil, who assumed the role of Education Manager and will oversee the L. Patrick Mellon Mentorship Program and other education programs and initiatives. Prior to joining NAMIC, Faride was Associate Director of Admissions for American University of Antigua.

Share your goods news with us via email at mailto:info@namic.com for inclusion in the next issue of InTouch.

[to contents]

 

NAMIC 2008 Calendar

April 16	NAMIC-Western Pennsylvania Digital Diversity 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm Comcast Main Building - Payday Room 300 Corliss Street Pittsburgh, PA Open discussion on new products in digital media and diversity in technology. Free admission.
April 16	NAMIC-Southern California West Coast Creative Summit/NAMIC Vision Awards The Beverly Hilton Beverly Hills, CA To register, visit http://www.namic.com/.
April 15-16	NAMIC Spring 2008 Writers’ Workshop By invitation only The Beverly Hilton Beverly Hills, CA
April 16-18	Executive Leadership Development Program (ELDP) Class VII, Session IV By invitation only UCLA Anderson Graduate School of Management Los Angeles, CA
April 17	Executive Leadership Development Program (ELDP) Graduation Ceremony Class VII By invitation only UCLA Anderson Graduate School of Management Los Angeles, CA
April 23	NAMIC-Minnesota April Membership Mixer 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm Harrington Mansion - Zuhrah Shrine Center 2540 Park Avenue South Minneapolis, MN Members: $20 Non-members: $25 Light appetizers will be served. Please RSVP to Yolanda Sims at (952) 607-4095 by Wednesday April 16th.
April 28	NAMIC-New York Networking 2.0: Promoting and Branding Yourself Online 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm MTV Networks 1515 Broadway, 7th floor New York, NY For questions please email namic.ny.events@gmail.com.
May 1-2	NAMIC Leadership Seminar Session IX By invitation only Denver, CO
May 19	NAMIC Annual Awards Breakfast Featuring Next Generation Leaders Awards (At the NCTA Cable Show) 7:30 am – 9:00 am Morial Convention Center New Orleans, LA For information about sponsoring this event, please contact Danny McGlone at (212) 594-5985, ext. 13. For general information about this event, please contact Sandra Girado at (212)594-5985, ext. 23.
May 22	NAMIC Professional Development Webinar Ouch! That Stereotype Hurts!
July 10	NAMIC Executive Coaching Webinar In Your Own Style: Relational Selling Skills To participate, you must be one of the following: A NAMIC Executive Leadership Development Program (ELDP) Participant A NAMIC Leadership Seminar Participant
July 24	NAMIC Professional Development Webinar Ad Sales
July 24-25	NAMIC Leadership Seminar Session IX By invitation only New York, NY
August 7	NAMIC Executive Coaching Webinar Coaching For Multicultural Executives To participate, you must be one of the following: A NAMIC Executive Leadership Development Program (ELDP) Participant A NAMIC Leadership Seminar Participant A NAMIC Platinum Level Member
Sep 14-16	22nd Annual NAMIC Conference New York Marriott Marquis New York, NY Register by June 30 and save! To register visit http://www.namic.com/. For information about sponsoring this event, please contact Danny McGlone at (212) 594-5985, ext. 13. For general information about this event, please contact Sandra Girado at (212)594-5985, ext. 23.
Sept 25	NAMIC Professional Development Webinar Social Networks: The Art of Successful Consumer Marketing and Engagement
Oct 9	NAMIC Executive Coaching Webinar Words From the Wise To participate, you must be one of the following: A NAMIC Executive Leadership Development Program (ELDP) Participant
Nov 6-7	NAMIC Leadership Seminar Session IX By invitation only Orlando, FL
Nov 15	NAMIC Professional Development Webinar I, We, They: Cross-Cultural Conflict Resolution

[to contents]

 

NAMIC Staff

Kathy A. Johnson
President

James C. Jones
VP, Education

Daphne Leroy
VP, Marketing & Communications

Daniel J. McGlone
VP, Fund Development

Stana Fields
Manager, Chapter & Membership Services

Sandra Girado
Manager, Meetings & Events

Faride Precil
Manager, Education Programs

Susan Waldman
Manager, Research & Publications

Roxann Remekie
Project Coordinator

Michelle Lewis
Office Administrator

[to contents]