 Hi-resolution photo of Jeff Simpson |
 Hi-resolution photo of Deborah Thomas |
 Hi-resolution photo of Andrea Berry |
 Hi-resolution photo of Robert Okun |
WASHINGTON, DC -- The NAB Education Foundation (NABEF) has appointed four new Board members: Jeff Simpson, president and CEO, Bonneville International Corporation; Deborah Thomas, senior vice president, Human Resources, Cox Media Group; Andrea Berry, senior vice president, Media Services, Fox Networks Engineering and Operations; and B. Robert Okun, chairman and CEO, “The O Team.”
Jeff Simpson heads Bonneville International Corporation, including Bonneville Broadcasting stations in the Los Angeles, Phoenix, Salt Lake City and Seattle markets; Bonneville Communications, a brand and media strategy group; and Bonneville Distribution, a media syndication group. Bonneville International is a presenting sponsor of the NAB Education Foundation Service to America awards. Simpson's career began with Walt Disney Pictures and Buena Vista Television. He also founded Excel Entertainment Group, an independent music, film and video distributor, later acquired by Deseret Book Company.
Deborah Thomas develops and executes Human Resource strategies for Cox Media Group (CMG). Duties include talent management and succession planning, performance management, employee development, compensation, benefits administration, employee relations and compliance. CMG’s assets include 15 broadcast television stations, one cable channel and 86 radio stations. Thomas joined CMG in 2003, previously acting as vice president, Human Resources for Cox’s Television, Radio and Auto Trader Divisions.
Andrea Berry oversees all aspects of Digital Media Management for FOX, the Fox Sports Media Group, Fox Networks Group, Twentieth Television and MyNetworkTV. In prior executive roles, Berry led all broadcast operations and transmission that support FOX and all of the Fox Networks’ cable entities. She also ran the remote technical operations for Fox Sports’ live NFL, NASCAR and MLB telecasts. Before joining Fox in 1996, Berry held various technical positions at CBS. While at CBS and Fox, she received Emmy Awards for Outstanding Technical Team Remotes for coverage of figure skating at the Olympic Winter Games in Lillehammer, Norway, the World Series and NASCAR.
Bob Okun, founder of “The O Team,” a government relations and media business strategy firm, is also chairman and CEO of ThanksUSA, a non-profit organization that provides scholarships for children and spouses of active duty military. Before “The O Team,” Okun spent 16 years representing NBC’s interests to Congress, the Administration and the FCC as NBCUniversal’s Vice President Washington.
About NABEF
The NAB Education Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to reinforcing the future of broadcasting through a commitment to education and to advancing excellence in the diversity and community service efforts of our industry. Learn more at www.nabef.org.