NAB Leadership Foundation Celebrates the Graduation of the 2026 Broadcast Leadership Training Class

The NAB Leadership Foundation (NABLF) proudly announces the graduation of the 2026 Broadcast Leadership Training (BLT) class. For more than 26 years, the executive MBA-style program has equipped senior-level broadcast professionals with the strategic and operational skills needed to successfully lead radio and television organizations. With the addition of this year’s 16 graduates, the BLT alumni network now includes 448 industry leaders.

It also marks a significant milestone as the first graduating class led by Co-Deans Trila Bumstead and Marc Jaromin, both accomplished BLT alumni. They continued the legacy of excellence established by founder Diane Sutter while expanding the curriculum to include artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies shaping the future of media.

Since its inception, BLT remains one of the broadcasting industry’s premier leadership development programs for executives across radio and television. The graduating class of 2026 includes:

• Andria Langston, founder, Legacy Media Productions; owner, WDKX Radio
• Allison Smith, president and general manager, KETV, Hearst
• Fletcher Brown, operations manager and program director, Big River Broadcasting Corp.
• Haley Townsend, regional director of digital content, Northeast, Fox TV Stations
• Jaimie León, vice president and general manager, WSLS, Graham Media Group
• Jennifer Dale, vice president of recruiting, Gray Media
• Jerome David Crumpton, general sales and marketing manager, Courtney French Broadcasting LLC
• Joey Figueroa, vice president and director of sales, Univision Orlando, TelevisaUnivision
• Katelin Tinley, vice president and market manager, CMG Long Island Radio, Cox Media Group
• Pamela McKay, vice president and market manager, Radio One Atlanta
• Ryan Hatch, senior vice president and market manager, Phoenix, Bonneville
• Samantha Linn, controller and chief accounting officer, Morgan Murphy Media
• Scott Trabandt, news director, CMG Pittsburgh TV, Cox Media Group
• Tiffany Hickman, vice president and general sales manager, Holston Valley Broadcasting Corp.
• Valerie Guyton, president and general manager, KWES; KIDY/KXVA; KYTX and KBMT/KJAC, TEGNA
• Whitney Grover, general manager and director of sales, KJRH Tulsa, The E.W. Scripps Co.

“This year’s class demonstrated exceptional curiosity, collaboration and strategic vision, particularly in exploring how artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are reshaping media,” said NAB Leadership Foundation President Michelle Duke. “Their passion for the business of broadcasting and commitment to innovation give us tremendous confidence for the future of our industry.”

The foundation thanks the sponsors whose generosity helps make the BLT program possible: Alabama Broadcasters Association, Beasley Media Group, Bonneville International, Cox Media Group, FOX TV Stations, Futuri, Graham Media Group, Gray Media, Hearst Television, Morgan Murphy Media, National Association of Broadcasters, Nielsen Foundation, Oregon Association of Broadcasters, Scripps, TEGNA and TelevisaUnivision.

Additional BLT supporters include Comscore; Earthjustice; Fletcher, Heald & Hildreth; Lerman Senter; National Association of Media Brokers; Nielsen and WideOrbit.

You can find a recent picture of the BLT class at the Celebration of Service to America Awards on June 9, 2026.

Companies interested in participating in future BLT classes may contact Pamela Cervera, senior program manager, at pcervera@nab.org about how to apply.

About NAB Leadership Foundation

The mission of the Foundation is to develop leaders, prepare individuals for careers in broadcasting and recognize the community impact of local television and radio stations. Learn more at nabfoundation.org.

About NAB

The National Association of Broadcasters is the premier advocacy association for America's broadcasters. NAB advances radio and television interests in legislative, regulatory and public affairs. Through advocacy, education and innovation, NAB enables broadcasters to best serve their communities, strengthen their businesses and seize new opportunities in the digital age. Learn more at nab.org.

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