about / board of directors

Lisa Gregorian

CMO, Warner Bros. Television Group
PromaxBDA Co-Chairman

Highly respected marketing innovator Lisa Gregorian was promoted to Chief Marketing Officer of the Warner Bros. Television Group (WBTVG) in May 2010. She had previously served as Executive Vice President, Worldwide Marketing, Warner Bros. Television Group, since September 2005, the second executive named to the then-newly created group.

In her position, Gregorian interfaces with the Studio’s internal television marketing teams as well as television networks and stations worldwide to maximize and fully exploit the promotional marketing opportunities for all of the Studio’s television properties, including network, first-run, cable and animated series from Warner Bros. Television (WBTV), Warner Horizon Television (WHTV), Warner Bros. Animation, Telepictures Productions and the television windows (pay, cable and broadcast) for theatrical titles. Gregorian and her marketing team also work cross-divisionally with the Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group and The CW Television Network. She is also the architect of the trade and consumer marketing efforts related to WBTVG’s multiplatform digital media business strategy and its entertainment destinations, including CWTV.com, TheWB.com, Studio 2.0 (the company’s digital venture for original programming) and more.

Gregorian continues to collaborate on the marketing and promotion of WBTVG series along with its series broadcast and cable partners, to include traditional, new media and product licensing as well as integration initiatives with blue-chip advertisers. She has also been instrumental in creating digital promotional opportunities for WBTVG series, both in streaming and EST. In recognition of her accomplishment and leadership role in entertainment marketing, Gregorian was named co-chair of the board of directors of PromaxBDA – the leading global association for marketing, promotion and design professionals in the entertainment industry – in June 2010.

Throughout her career, Gregorian has been an innovator in the development and creation of multiplatform marketing/brand extensions in the form of original digital series on behalf of the Studio’s TV properties – including current shows “Gossip Girl” and “Smallville” and, previously, “The O.C.” – and has spearheaded associations with key brands such as Dove, Toyota, Sprint, Verizon and more for these series. She has also been instrumental in creating product-integration collaborations for WBTV programs with major national brands, including Procter & Gamble, Unilever, AT&T, Chili’s and more.

Since 2006, Gregorian has spearheaded Warner Bros. Entertainment’s industry-leading participation at Comic-Con, conceptualizing and planning the Studio booth on the main convention floor and working across divisions of the company to maximize effectiveness for all business units, including television, theatrical motion pictures, home entertainment, interactive entertainment, consumer products and more. Additionally, she is responsible for the creation of some of the most-buzzed-about items at recent Comic-Cons: the Studio’s limited-edition, signature oversize canvas bags, distributed annually and which have been called the convention’s “ubiquitous accessory” by Entertainment Weekly. Prior to her role at WBTVG, Gregorian held the position of Senior Vice President, Warner Bros. Television Creative Serves, a position created for her in April 2003. Previously, she was Senior Vice President, Marketing, Warner Bros. International Television Distribution (WBITD), since October 1998, and Vice President, International Marketing & Research, WBITD, from 1994–1998. During her tenure at WBITD, Gregorian spearheaded several innovative marketing programs. She played a key role in the development and launch of the first website from a United States television distributor designed to service clients by providing marketing materials and information via the Internet (www.wbitv.com). Further, she was instrumental in adding daily international news items and television ratings to the website.

Gregorian created WBITD’s Concierge Club, a unique hospitality service available to international clients during the annual L.A. Screenings. She was also the driving force behind the creation of WBITD’s International Press Junket, where more than 100 print and electronic journalists from around the world attend press conferences with actors and producers of programming distributed by the Studio.

Gregorian has been honored with several industry awards over the years and was named a Studio Brand Builder by PROMAX in 2003. Gregorian began her association with Warner Bros. when she joined Lorimar Telepictures in 1986 (the company was later acquired by Warner Bros.) and has held various positions including Director, International Home Video & Caribbean Television, and Director, International Research & Pre-Sale Marketing.

Adam Stotsky

GM, G4 Media, NBC Universal
PromaxBDA Co-Chairman

Adam Stotsky is general manager of G4, previously president of marketing for the NBC Entertainment division of NBC Universal. In this capacity Stotsky leads all strategy, branding, creative, paid media, digital/social media and partnership marketing initiatives for NBC’s Daytime, Primetime and Late Night day-parts, including “The Office,” “30 Rock,” “Community,” “Park & Recreation,” “Parenthood,” “Chuck,” “Heroes,” the “Law & Order” franchise, “Biggest Loser,” “Celebrity Apprentice,” “Days of our Lives,” “Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” and “Saturday Night Live.” Stotsky led NBC’s strategic brand repositioning, resulting in the launch of “NBC: More Colorful” in the fall of 2009. 


Previously, Stotsky served as EVP, global brand strategy and market development for NBC Universal’s SCI FI business. Under his leadership, SCI FI became widely regarded as one of the best-branded and marketed channels on television. Highlights of his SCI FI tenure include seven consecutive years of revenue, profit, ratings and audience growth, an Emmy win for “Steven Spielberg presents TAKEN” as well as countless industry accolades including multiple creative awards from BDA, Cannes, Clio, D&AD, One Show, PromaxBDA and the channel’s first-ever Gold Effie from the American Marketing Association. In addition to leading the US channel’s brand, marketing and creative efforts, Stotsky led global branding for SCI FI’s international channels across European, Asian and Latin American businesses. Stotsky also expanded SCI FI’s business portfolio in the US beyond broadcast and digital media and into video gaming, licensing, merchandising and the youth market. 


“Advertising Age” selected Stotsky as one of their “MARKETING 50” for his marketing innovation for SCI FI’s Peabody-Award winning franchise, “Battlestar Galactica.” Stotsky was also honored by “Multichannel News” as one of their “40 UNDER 40.” Stotsky was elected to the PromaxBDA Board of Directors in 2004 and currently serves as its co-chairman. 


Prior to NBCUniversal, Stotsky served as SVP for the Entertainment Practice at J. Walter Thompson Worldwide, VP of Marketing at Discovery Communications and began his career at Fallon Worldwide as an account director.

Scot Chastain

SVP, Affiliate Marketing & Development, NBC Television Network
PromaxBDA Vice Chairman/ Conference Committee Chair

Scot Chastain has been the Senior Vice President, Affiliate Marketing and Development, NBC Television Network since the spring of 2008. He reports to Ted Harbert, Chairman, NBC Broadcasting.

In his current role, Chastain oversees the bi-coastal NBC Affiliate Marketing groups that develop and distribute all network marketing, sales and advertising materials for the 234 owned and affiliate television stations. The groups’ efforts ensure promotion of the network across all prime, news, sports, Olympics, daytime, late night and Saturday morning dayparts on local station platforms. In addition, Chastain works on existing and developing new business projects that involve the partnership between the network, stations and their respective ownership groups. He also serves as Executive Producer of NBC's key client presentations plus major affiliate business and marketing meetings.

A key member of NBC transition teams, Chastain served on the KNTV/San Francisco Switch Project and was part of the NBC Universal Integration within TV distribution, TV studio and marketing. He also played a role with the Telemundo network transition, as well as top leadership positions for the marketing and launches of both NBC WeatherPlus and nbcolympics.com.

Chastain also serves on the NBC Universal Marketing Council, a group composed of marketing leaders from all NBCU businesses.

He joined NBC Entertainment in January 1995 as Manager, Affiliate Advertising & Promotion Services and was promoted to Director in 1997 and to Vice President of the department in 1999.

In local markets, prior to joining NBC, Chastain served as Director of Marketing and Promotion at WDSU-TV, the NBC affiliate in New Orleans where he oversaw the entire station brand, marketing, media activities and planning. From 1991 to 1993, he was a Senior Promotion Producer and later, Interim Marketing Director at WXII-TV, the NBC affiliate in Winston-Salem, N.C. Before WXII-TV, Scot was at KBTX-TV, the CBS affiliate in Bryan, Texas for 6 years, serving a variety of roles including Production, Promotion, Operations Manager and Special Projects Executive Producer. Before moving to the CBS affiliate, Chastain spent 5-plus years in a variety of production roles for KAMU-TV (PBS) in College Station, Texas including local freelance production positions for other national/regional sports networks.

He is currently serves as Vice Chairman on the Board of Directors of PromaxBDA, a marketing and design trade association. Elected to the board originally in 2005, he served as treasurer from 2007-2008 and for four consecutive years, has led the all-important Conference Committee.

His creative and production work has been recognized by numerous organizations such as PromaxBDA, local branches of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences and the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Chastain earned his Bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University. He currently resides in Wood Ranch, California with his wife, Jennifer, and their two sons Jack and Carson.

Chuck Carey

Co-Founder and President, Troika
PromaxBDA Treasurer, Education/Philanthropic Development Committee Chair

As Co-Founder and President of Troika, Chuck spearheads business development, business strategy and philosophy, as well as Troika’s educational and career enhancement programs.

Chuck infuses his passion for the creative process, client collaboration and technology into his role. Under his guidance, Troika has grown to a staff of 26 creative directors, executive producers, designers, animators, producers, writers, editors and brand strategists.

Prior to Troika, Chuck was a producer and creative director at Pittard Sullivan, working with clients such as Fox Family Channel, HBO, Lockheed Martin, National Geographic, Spelling Entertainment and Warner Bros./John Wells Productions. Before Pittard, Chuck produced at Messner Vetere (now Euro RSCG), working on the MCI, Nasdaq and Volvo accounts.

Chuck is a graduate of Northwestern University and currently serves as the Treasure of Promax|BDA.

Lesli Rotenberg

SVP, Children's Media and SVP, Marketing and Communications , PBS
PromaxBDA Secretary

Ms. Rotenberg leads both PBS’ children’s media team and its marketing and communications team.

As Senior Vice President of children’s media, Ms. Rotenberg leads a cross-disciplinary team charged with content production, web development, multi-platform asset distribution, education resources, marketing and communications for the #1 educational media brand for young children. Ms. Rotenberg spearheads an initiative called PBS KIDS Next Generation Media and is charged with developing the strategy and managing the team that will define the role PBS plays in the changing digital children's media landscape. She oversees the PBS KIDS Next Generation Media Advisory Board, which brings together renowned experts in the fields of child development, education, psychology and new media, to guide staff as they create a dynamic media service that meets the needs of a new generation of children, their parents and teachers.

As Senior Vice President of marketing and communications, Ms. Rotenberg is responsible for the development and implementation of PBS’ marketing and communications strategy across all segments of the business. She oversees the strategic positioning of primetime and children's programming, online content and education services, and is responsible for building and extending the brand equity of PBS and PBS KIDS, the most trusted media brands in the U.S. Ms. Rotenberg is also responsible for the development of a comprehensive strategic corporate communication program that supports key external and internal stakeholders, while meeting the strategic communications needs of PBS and its 350 member stations. Her responsibilities include national oversight of PBS’ creative services including on-air and print production, advertising strategy, media planning, corporate communications, program promotion, and station professional development.

Ms. Rotenberg was named one of the nation's top 15 "Women to Watch" by Advertising Age in 2001. She was also named one of the top 30 Brand Builders by Broadcasting & Cable, Multichannel News and Promax/BDA. Ms. Rotenberg has received numerous advertising and promotion honors including 2 Emmy awards -- the 2010 Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Promotional Announcement and the 2003 Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Commercial; the 2004 CINE Special Jury Award for Best On-Air Promo; 20 CINE Golden Eagle awards; 32 Promax/BDA Awards, four CTAM Awards, and three Telly Awards. In 2004, Television Week and Promax/BDA selected the PBS "Be More" campaign as one of the top 10 Campaigns of Distinction. Prior to joining PBS in November 2000, Ms. Rotenberg was Vice President, Marketing, at Animal Planet, and a marketing executive at Discovery for 10 years.

Michael Benson

Chief Creative Officer, Time Warner Global Media Group
PromaxBDA Immediate Past Chair

Michael Benson is best known for his innovation, creative development and entrepreneurial endeavors in the entertainment industry. He is currently Chief Creative Officer for Time Warner Global Media Group, working to develop partnerships with industry leading marketers to create and distribute premium content, applications and experiences that build brands and drive business growth. A catalyst for creativity and collaboration across the company, the Global Media Group offers a unique point of access to Time Warner's wealth of content, media platforms and consumer insights. Through its efforts, the Global Media Group contributes to the growth of advertising revenue across the Time Warner portfolio.

Prior to Time Warner, Mr. Benson served as Executive Vice President, Marketing at ABC Entertainment Group, overseeing all marketing, advertising and promotional activities for ABC Primetime, Late night and ABC Studios programming. In addition to being responsible for the launch of, and all marketing activities surrounding ABC's ‘Modern Family,” “Lost,” ‘Desperate Housewives,’ “Grey’s Anatomy,’ "Dancing with the Stars," "V," "The Bachelor," "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" and a variety of other ABC programming. Mr. Benson created a variety of effective, innovative and highly-recognized marketing campaigns for scripted and alternative series, specials, movies and mini-series for the ABC Television Network.

While at ABC, he led the industry with groundbreaking marketing strategies and tactics, including global, digital, multi-platform, alternative reality games and multi-level consumer engagement activities. He was a leader in formulating a vision and strategy for the development of a network brand and positioning strategy, program franchises, and partnership integrations that built the ABC brand, drove ratings and generated incremental revenue for the company. He worked with a multitude of partners and advertisers outside of ABC to create new marketing and communication platforms, strategies and tactics. He created and launched the television industry's first cross-platform, brand identity and viewer-navigation system with the "ABC Start Here" initiative, and he was instrumental in the creation and development of the "ABC Music Lounge," ABC's first digital platform for music tied to ABC program and marketing product. He managed and in-house marketing, creative and production operation with more than 150 employees, along with relationships with out-of-house media planning, buying and creative agencies. He began at ABC in June of 1998 as Senior Vice President, Advertising and Promotion and implemented ABC's infamous "Yellow/TV is Good" Campaign to the general consumer.

Mr. Benson joined ABC from VH1/MTV networks, where he was Senior Vice President, Promotion, Program Planning and Research, since January 1996. He was instrumental in redefining the network's position as a cable music channel, creating a new brand position for the channel through on-air promotion and the launch of significant original programming. He programmed and launched the series "Behind the Music," "Pop Up Video," "Legends," "Storytellers" and "The Rock & Roll Picture Show." His work helped to reinvent music on television for an adult audience and contributed to significant ratings gains for the cable network.

Prior to VH1, Mr. Benson served as director of communications for KCBS-TV in Los Angeles, and held various positions at WCCO-TV, the CBS owned and operated affiliate in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he began his career.

For his endeavors, Mr. Benson received ABC's first marketing Emmy Award in 2009, was named an Entertainment marketer of the year in 2008, 2007, and 2005 by Ad Age and , in 2000, by Brandweek magazine. He was also recipient of the PromaxBDA and Brand Builder Award in 2004 and recipient of the Campaigns of Distinction Award in 2007 and 2004. Mr Benson was named one of the top Hispanic marketers of the year by AdWeek's Marketing y Medios magazine in 2005.

Mr. Benson serves on the Promax/BDA board of directors, most recently as Chairman, is an adjunct professor for Boston University, teaching media and entertainment marketing under a program based in Los Angeles, and has a host of scripted projects in development for television and feature-film.

Father of two, Mr. Benson resides in New Your, NY.

John L. Young

VP, Marketing, Comcast Interactive Media
Innovations Committee Chair

John Young is VP of marketing for Comcast Interactive Media (CIM), the business unit dedicated to developing Comcast’s online media businesses. He directs all marketing efforts and is responsible for creating awareness, traffic and engagement for Comcast’s web properties – including the online video distribution site xfinityTV.com – and mobile applications.

In his role, Young leads the development and execution of integrated marketing campaigns to promote viewership of professional online video content and the adoption of web and mobile-based cross-platform applications. His team specializes in digital advertising, online promotions, database marketing and leads Comcast’s social media marketing efforts. In addition, Young develops cross-promotional programs as CIM’s liaison to Comcast Cable and NBCU marketing teams.

Young joined Comcast Interactive Media in December 2006 after leading Comcast’s Marketing Communications department. There, he spearheaded the development of the company’s repositioning efforts with the “It’s Comcastic” campaign, “Adweek’s” Campaign of the Year and the cable category’s largest marketing campaign ever. In addition to a broad variety of traditional marketing tactics, the campaign included a Cannes Gold Lion-winning website in launch marketing mix.

Before joining Comcast in 2001, Young served as VP of marketing and a founding member of Cybermoola Inc., the Internet’s first pre-paid card allowing consumers to shop online without a credit card. Cybermoola was recognized as a leader in the alternative payments arena, garnering international media attention. Young directed all strategic marketing, including advertising, sales promotion, retail distribution and public relations.

Lucas Aragon

VP, Design, OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network

Within the last decade, Lucas Aragon has cemented himself as a creative leader in the broadcast design industry, leaving his thumbprint on some of the largest promotions and series launches in the television industry. Currently, he is working as the VP of Design for OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, which he has been with since the fall of 2009. Lucas most recently worked as a Creative Director for Engine Room after working as VP of Design for Lifetime Television. He spent four years as the Design Director of Entertainment Marketing for ABC. While there, he developed the on-air marketing campaigns for Desperate Housewives, Lost, Grey’s Anatomy, Dancing with the Stars and Ugly Betty, to name a few. Prior to ABC he worked on the launch of National Geographic Channel in 2001 and was there for four years. Prior to the start of his career, Lucas studied Graphic Design and Television Production at Eastern New Mexico University, and worked for NBC affiliates WRC, WHDH & WESH, and FOX affiliate KDFW. Lucas currently lives in Los Angeles and, in his free time, loves to travel to the far ends of the earth.

Jon Arklay

VP, Creative and Brand, Bell Media Agency

After joining CTV in 2000 as Director of Creative Services, Jon Arklay currently holds the position of VP Creative, Design and Brand for the CTV Creative Agency - an in-house creative team representing all of CTV's conventional and specialty channels.

Prior to that, Arklay held the position of Creative Director of TSN - The Sports Network.

Arklay has held a variety of creative and production positions with TSN, Discovery Channel and on CTV's coverage of the Barcelona and Lillehamer Olympics.

Arklay started his career in Promotions and Design working in the promotions department at Q107 radio in Toronto.

Steven Borden

President, Borden Media Consulting

Steven Borden is President of Borden Media Consulting, which specializes in high-level management consulting and executive placement for a wide range of media and entertainment companies. BMC’s areas of expertise include executive placement, strategic planning, organizational design, process evaluation, values and culture determination, internal/external communications, and executive coaching. Prior, Mr. Borden was a principal at Sucherman Consulting Group, providing management consulting services. Mr. Borden oversaw the company’s West Coast consulting and executive placement office, and launched and managed the firm’s executive placement practice.

Mr. Borden was formerly an independent television producer of reality, documentary and scripted programs for various outlets, including ABC, CBS, NBC and FBC. Mr. Borden was also an award-winning news producer, an executive producer and an executive at a variety of local television stations, including WCCO in Minneapolis, WFLD in Chicago and WTTG in Washington, D.C. Mr. Borden specialized in launching newscasts and developing local programming. Mr. Borden also worked in various capacities at ABC Sports, ABC News and ABC Broadcast Operations and Engineering. He began his career in television as a desk assistant at CBS News in Washington, D.C. Mr. Borden is a member of the Writers Guild of America and the Directors Guild of America.

Danixa Diaz

Executive Producer & Co-Founder, iartists.tv

Danixa Diaz is the executive producer and co-founder of iartists, which represents a roster of international hybrid creative production and mixed-media companies, working in various disciplines, including advertising, film, TV, interactive and video games.

Most recently, Diaz was the director of business development for Imaginary Forces, a position she held for seven years. She led the development and implementation of strategies for all aspects of sales for the multidisciplinary entertainment and design agency, while managing and prospecting business relationships in the areas of broadcast design, branding, gaming and commercial production. 

Diaz began her career in entertainment in Miami, where she focused on the Hispanic and Latin America markets. Her passion for design and contagious personality helped her to expand and cultivate solid relationships with networks, ad agencies and brands around the world. She has been an active member of several renowned industry organizations and most recently was invited to join the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, the Emmys Title Design Executive Committee.

Beyond work, Diaz has applied her experience to the world of education, conducting a Senior Business Seminar at the respected Otis College of Art and Design.

Diaz is a passionate supporter of PromaxBDA, and has served on the Board of Directors for several years.

Joe Earley

President, Marketing & Communications, Fox Broadcasting Company
PR Committee Chair

As President, Marketing and Communications, for the Fox Broadcasting Company, Joe Earley is responsible for all FOX marketing functions, including on-air and off-air promotion and advertising, national media, national promotions, content production and affiliate marketing. He also oversees all aspects of entertainment publicity, corporate communications and talent relations, as well as creative services, the company’s internal corporate marketing, promotion and special projects arm.

Mr. Earley was formerly Executive Vice President of Marketing & Communications and has also held roles at FOX as Executive Vice President of Publicity, Corporate Communications and Creative Services; Senior Vice President, Publicity and Corporate Communications; and Vice President, Entertainment Publicity. He also spent several years as Director of Publicity after joining the network in 1994 as a Senior Publicist.

Before joining FOX, Mr. Earley spent several years in Media Relations at HBO. He began his entertainment career in production and development with producer Gale Anne Hurd.
In 2008, Broadcasting & Cable magazine honored Mr. Earley with the prestigious Brand Builders Award, and he was named to the Promax/BDA Board of Directors.

A native of Chicago, Mr. Earley received a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications from the University of California, Los Angeles.

Tina Exarhos

EVP, Marketing & Multiplatform Creative, MTV: Music Television and MTV2

Tina Exarhos is EVP, marketing and multiplatform creative, MTV: Music Television and MTV2.

Exarhos is responsible for the on- and off-channel marketing and branding of MTV, MTV2, mtvU and MTV.com. This includes directing the marketing efforts for such marquis events as the MTV Video Music Awards and MTV Movie Awards, as well as groundbreaking promotion for a vast array of MTV television programming such as “Skins,” “Jersey Shore,” “The Real World,” “16 and Pregnant,” “Teen Mom” and “The Hills.” Exarhos leads a team that also creates and produces all short-form visual packaging, on- and off-air graphics, online marketing, movie promotion, and consumer and trade advertising, helping to take MTV and its ancillary businesses to unparalleled image highs with innovative campaigns.

In February 2010, MTV unveiled new graphic changes to its channel environment, including the bold decision to update the iconic MTV logo. Exarhos led the team responsible for the creative development and execution of the channel redesign with the goal of reflecting MTV’s evolution into a destination for more than just music.

Exarhos’s efforts also extend into the realm of community service, where her team produces award-winning public service ad campaigns, including the 2008 “Choose or Lose” campaign, which encouraged youth voting, the “Half of Us” campaign, which addresses issues of mental health among teens, and the “GYT (Get Yourself Tested)” campaign, which encourages young people to get tested for STDs. These campaigns were recognized with Beacon, Peabody, Gracie, PromaxBDA and Creativity Awards, among others, for giving voice to important issues affecting MTV’s audience. Most recently, Exarhos led her team in the development of an innovative and thought-provoking on-air promotional campaign for MTV''s “A Thin Line,” an initiative to educate today’s youth about digital abuse, bullying and sexting.

Exarhos has also played a key role in advancing MTV2, now found in more than 65 million homes, through inventive marketing opportunities and tour sponsorships, helping MTV2 attract the attention of the music industry and fans alike. She successfully oversaw the launch of a number of franchises for MTV2 including the “MTV2 2$ Bill Concert Series” and “MTV2 Sucker Free Sunday.” In 2005, Exarhos oversaw the rebranding and repositioning of MTV2 through a fresh logo redesign, successful viral marketing campaign and innovative content and programming, allowing MTV2 to emerge with its own distinct identity as a first-choice network among viewers and tastemakers.

Prior to being named head of marketing, Exarhos was SVP, MTV communications, music marketing and promotions. Originally joining MTV’s Press department in 1986, she has held a succession of positions culminating in her current position. MTV Networks owns and operates the cable television programming services MTV: Music Television, MTV2, mtvU, Nickelodeon/Nick at Nite, TV Land, VH1, CMT: Country Music Television, Spike TV and Comedy Central, as well as The Digital Suite from MTV Networks, a package of 13 digital services, all of which are trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks also operates and offers joint ventures, licensing agreements and syndication deals whereby its programming can be seen worldwide.

Robert Gottlieb

SVP/Group Creative Director, Fox Sports Media Group

Robert Gottlieb has been the chief creative executive in the Fox Sports Media Group marketing department since March 2004, when he was named VP/creative director of on-air promotions for Fox Sports and FSN. He currently holds the position of SVP/group creative director of Fox Sports Media Group.

Gottlieb is responsible for all the video marketing assets for Fox Sports, as well as conceiving and producing campaigns and providing creative support for Fox Soccer, Fox Deportes, Fuel TV, Speed, Big Ten Network, FoxSports.com and FSN.

Gottlieb’s in-house group has become widely recognized for creative excellence and won scores of industry awards, including “Spot of the Year” at the 2010 Sports Media Marketing Awards, sweeps of the on-air categories at the Sports Emmy Awards in 2009 and 2011, and more than 90 PromaxBDA Awards since 2004, including the inaugural “Marketing Team Of the Year” Gold in 2011.

Gottlieb serves on the board of PromaxBDA and is a founding member and awards committee chair for the Sports Media Marketing Awards.

Rick Haskins

EVP, Marketing & Digital Programs, The CW

Rick Haskins was named EVP, marketing and brand strategy, The CW, on February 21, 2006. Haskins reports directly to Mark Pedowitz, president of The CW.

Haskins has enjoyed a 27-year career in marketing to both consumer and trade on No. 1 brands across a diverse field of industries. At The CW, he is responsible for the ongoing support and management of the network’s brand identity across all media platforms, extending from on-air to online to mobile. Supervising The CW’s entire marketing department, Haskins oversees all phases of marketing for the network, including on-air promotion, off-net media buying, creative advertising and new media initiatives. In addition, he’s been integral in establishing and expanding The CW’s online presence, building traffic to the network website (cwtv.com) from scratch at its launch in 2006 to 5.4 million unique monthly visitors just three years later.

Upon joining The CW prior to its debut, Haskins’s top priority was the formulation of the network’s launch campaign and initial brand image. As the network’s identity has evolved over the years, he has overseen the development and execution of various innovative network image campaigns, including “Free 2 B” and the current “TV to Talk/Text/Blog/IM About,” as well as the highly successful campaigns for individual series, including “Gossip Girl,” “90210” and “The Vampire Diaries.”

Prior to The CW, Haskins had served as EVP/GM for Lifetime Television. During his tenure at Lifetime, Haskins was an instrumental part of the team that helped the network become the highest-rated basic cable entity on television. Haskins elevated the network’s "Television for Women" slogan to new heights after joining the company in 1999, making it one of the best-known brands in cable.

Previously, Haskins helmed his own marketing consulting company, The Haskins Group, from 1996-99. He held a variety of positions for The Walt Disney Company from 1988-96, including VP, marketing, Buena Vista Television and director of development, reality programming, Buena Vista Television. During his eight-year stint there, he helped market such hits as "Regis and Kathy Lee," "Golden Girls" and "Home Improvement." From 1982-88, Haskins was a brand manager with Procter & Gamble in Cincinnati, overseeing premium packaged good brands like Crest and Vidal Sassoon hair care products.

Gordon Ho

CEO, GKH Media
Chair, PromaxBDA Research Committee

Gordon Ho is the current CEO of GKH Entertainment & Media and the CMO of 24/7 Card. He serves as chair of the PromaxBDA Research Committee and is the former EVP and head of worldwide content, marketing and business development at Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment. Ho is on the advisory board of several new media start-ups including i.TV, the No.1 second screen TV guide application; Rixty, an online game currency platform; and Simulmedia, a targeted TV advertising solution.

Roger Hyde

SVP, Creative Services & Brand Integrity, DIRECTV
Awards Committee Chair

Roger Hyde began his career in broadcasting after graduating with distinction from Film School in Pretoria, South Africa.

He began developing his skills as a film editor of non-fiction projects for the state-owned National Television Broadcaster.

After transitioning as an advertising agency producer with Young & Rubicam, he launched himself as a writer/director of television commercials throughout the European community, working in more than eight countries on local and multi-national brands.

After immigrating to the United States in 1994 he continued to freelance as a director and editor of commercials with representation by production companies on three continents, while producing an award-winning, feature-length documentary: “Queen of the Whole Wide World”, which premiered at the Los Angeles Film Festival before being shown at over 30 film festivals around the world.

He joined DIRECTV in 2001 and helped transform the fledgling creative services division into a full-service, in-house agency, production company and post-production facility, to help grow the various revenue-driving areas for all 19+ million subscribers of the nations premier satellite provider in addition to developing and executing a competitive brand strategy.

While pursuing his current-customer responsibilities, in 2009 Hyde opened an in-house print creative group for DIRECTV in New York, to produce advertising for acquisitions and direct marketing to drive new subscribers to the platform. He also helms the corporation’s brand integrity and user-interface, interactive app and mobile app design groups.

His cumulative body of work has garnered more than 200 local and international awards, and has been showcased in festivals throughout the globe.

An active member of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, Hyde is on a number of Primetime judging panels for the annual Emmy Awards.

Chris McCumber

Co-President, USA Network

Chris McCumber serves as co-president of USA Network where he jointly oversees strategic direction, programming and operations across all platforms for USA. He previously held the position of EVP of marketing, digital and brand strategy for four years, after serving as SVP, where he was responsible for the overall strategic and creative vision for USA marketing, as well as overseeing all expressions of the network brand, including consumer marketing and media planning, on-air and off-air creative advertising, interstitial programming and all digital efforts. He will also continue to serve as executive in charge of all WWE programming and integrated sales. McCumber reports to Bonnie Hammer, chairman, NBC Universal Cable Entertainment and Cable Studios. He is based in New York.

Leading the charge of unprecedented brand transformation at USA, McCumber was responsible for the conception, development and execution of “Characters Welcome,” the first comprehensive multiplatform brand identity for USA in its 30-year history, which has won multiple accolades, including Addys for the multi-tiered campaign and a Clio for design. McCumber also led his group in the creative launch and implementation of USA’s successful brand extensions, including Characters Unite, the network’s ambitious multiplatform pro-social initiative designed to combat prejudice and intolerance in America, as well as the Character Approved Awards, the Character Approved Blog and Character Project.

Over the last 10 years, McCumber and his team have created and executed highly successful campaigns for the debuts of the last five of USA’s newest original series, each the No. 1 shows of the year: “Psych” in 2006, “Burn Notice” in 2007, “In Plain Sight” in 2008, the No. 1 and No. 2 shows of the year in 2009, “Royal Pains” and “White Collar,” and “Covert Affairs” in 2010, the most-watched first season show in USA history in P18-49 and the most watched new scripted series of the year in P18-49. USA successfully rolled out a campaign for “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” and its unprecedented move from NBC to USA, and produced a campaign for the eighth and final season of the critically acclaimed series “Monk,” the show that was at the forefront of award-winning original programming on cable.

Under McCumber’s direction, his team has won numerous marketing and promotional awards for the launches and on-going momentum of USA’s record-breaking series, garnering Addys and PromaxBDA awards. McCumber was responsible for one of USA’s biggest and most innovative marketing efforts to date for the Emmy award-winning original television event “The Starter Wife,” consisting of a multi-layered 360° branding campaign that included a massive marketing blitz, grassroots/guerrilla outreach, promotional partnerships with brands including POND’S as the exclusive presenting sponsor, and Simon & Schuster, a huge digital initiative and extensive product integration. McCumber also led the marketing effort behind “WWE Monday Night Raw’s” triumphant return to USA, its original home, and soon after was made executive in charge of production for all WWE programming. Additionally, McCumber sits on the NBC Universal marketing council, where he is responsible for leveraging USA’s brand across all the company’s platforms. When he first joined USA, McCumber served as SVP of on-air promotion, where he oversaw the TV campaigns for the launches of “Monk,” “The 4400” and “The Dead Zone.”

Prior to joining USA, McCumber was creative director for the media and entertainment practice at Razorfish, where he led a 65-member team of strategists, creatives and technologists on brand strategy and creative solutions for television networks and broadband entertainment services. McCumber has worked with more than 100 media brands including NBC, ABC, CBS, Fox/Newscorp, Disney, HBO, Turner Networks and MTV Networks. Additionally, he was responsible for new business pitches and revenue growth and functioned as an executive consultant to major clients. He also served as associate creative director at Lee Hunt Associates, a television branding and design agency. While at Lee Hunt, he focused on launching and redesigning such networks as MSNBC, ESPN2, Odyssey, Disney Channel and Game Show Network. McCumber began his career at MTV Networks as associate producer and shortly thereafter joined the on-air promotion team that launched Comedy Central.

An accomplished commercial film director, McCumber helmed 14 short films for “Saturday Night Live” entitled “Fuzzy Memories by Jack Handy.” He also serves on the board for PromaxBDA, the nonprofit association for entertainment and content marketing, promotion and design.

Tim Nolan

SVP, Marketing Creative & Brand Strategy, Lifetime Networks

Tim Nolan was named SVP, marketing creative and brand strategy, for Lifetime Networks in 2010. Based in New York, he is responsible for overseeing all on-air, print, online and out-of-home marketing efforts for Lifetime Television’s scripted and reality series, and original movies, as well as Lifetime Movie Network and Lifetime Real Women.

Prior to joining Lifetime, Nolan was VP of the Creative Brand Group for History, where he created on-air campaigns for some of the network’s most successful series and specials. Nolan oversaw the development and production of on-air promotions, short-form programming, VOD and sales videos across all History platforms, including HI (formerly History International), History en Español, Military History and History.com.

In 2008, Nolan received an Emmy Award as executive producer of “Great Moments from the Campaign Trail,” a series of documentary shorts produced exclusively for Elections ’08 On Demand, a VOD channel with material created for the 2008 presidential campaign season. “The New York Times” called the series “the most polished pieces on Elections ‘08.”

During his more than 10 years at History, Nolan executed on-air promotion campaigns for a number of successful series and specials, including “Pawn Stars,” “American Pickers,” “America The Story of Us,” “Ice Road Truckers,” “Ax Men,” “Life After People,” “102 Minutes that Changed America,” “1968 with Tom Brokaw” and “Band of Brothers,” among many others.

Prior to joining History, Nolan was a writer and producer for A&E Network, where he produced topical promos for its signature series “Biography,” “Investigative Reports” and “American Justice.” He also worked in the on-air promotions department at HBO, working on numerous projects, such as the Emmy-nominated special preview, “First Look: Mike Tyson.” Nolan began his career writing, producing and editing commercials for broadcast on local cable in New York’s Hudson Valley.

Tricia Melton

SVP, Entertainment Marketing, TNT, TCM & Turner Classic Movies, Turner Broadcasting

Tricia Melton is SVP of entertainment marketing for TBS, TNT and Turner Classic Movies (TCM). In this capacity, Melton is responsible for the strategic and creative development of marketing for the networks. She also oversees interactive and affiliate marketing, as well as emerging markets. Melton is based in Atlanta and reports to Jeff Gregor, EVP and CMO of TNT, TBS and Turner Classic Movies (TCM) and general manager of TCM.

Since joining TBS in 2004, Melton has supervised high-profile marketing campaigns, including award-winning work for the launch of TBS’s late-night series “Conan.” She has also overseen extraordinary campaigns for Tyler Perry’s “House of Payne,” Tyler Perry’s “Meet the Browns” and the TBS Just For Laughs Chicago comedy festival. Among her first achievements for TBS was marketing the hugely successful “Sex and the City” launch, a key component in the network’s rebranding campaign.

In 2006, Melton’s duties expanded to include TNT marketing. Her work for the network includes the promotion of basic cable’s top two series of all time, “The Closer” and “Rizzoli & Isles,” as well as popular dramas like “Leverage” and the acclaimed series “Southland.” This summer, her work included launch campaigns for cable’s top-rated new series, “Falling Skies,” from DreamWorks Television and executive producer Steven Spielberg, as well as TNT’s hit legal drama “Franklin & Bash.”

Melton’s responsibilities expanded in 2007 with the addition of TCM marketing. She has since overseen the marketing for the network’s high-profile documentary series “Moguls & Movie Stars: A History of Hollywood;” specials like the acclaimed “Johnny Mercer: The Dream’s On Me;” annual programming events like 31 Days of Oscar? and Summer Under the Stars; and the annual TCM Classic Film Festival in Hollywood.

In addition to her duties for TBS, TNT and TCM, Melton serves on the board of PromaxBDA. She is also a member of CTAM: Cable & Telecommunications Association for Marketing and Women in Cable Telecommunications (WICT).

Melton joined Turner after serving as VP of marketing for Lifetime Television, where she was responsible for all aspects of consumer, affiliate, ad sales and synergy marketing for Lifetime, Lifetime Movie Network and Lifetime Real Women. During her tenure at Lifetime, she successfully launched two new original series, “Wild Card” and “1-800-Missing.” She also developed the marketing plan for the most successful special in Lifetime’s history, “The Golden Girls Reunion.”

Before Lifetime, Melton served as VP of marketing for Oxygen Media, overseeing consumer and affiliate marketing and advertising for the Oxygen network, from its launch in 1999 until October 2002. She developed marketing campaigns for successful launches of original series, acquisitions and movies, including “Oprah After the Show,” “Xena: Warrior Princess” and “movies@oxygen.” Melton also organized marketing events, including the Oxygen Tank Tour, a national grassroots tour traveling to more than 40 markets.

Brenda Piper

CMO, Turner Animation, Young Adults and Kids Media
Education & Industry Development Committee Co-Chair

Brenda Piper is chief marketing officer for Turner Animation, Young Adults & Kids Media, responsible for providing overall vision and leadership to all areas of marketing, on-air and trade creative services that support the cable television networks Cartoon Network, Adult Swim and Boomerang, along with their digital businesses. Her duties include developing the strategic marketing plans directed at building these businesses among key constituencies—viewers, users, ad sales clients, promotional partners, affiliates and industry trade communities. Piper is based in Atlanta and reports directly to Stuart Snyder, president and chief operating officer, who oversees the Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. portfolio of media properties.

A veteran brand marketing and promotion executive, Piper previously was senior vice president of integrated marketing and promotions for Nickelodeon and MTVN Kids and Family Group. In this position, she oversaw development and execution of all promotions marketing efforts for the media brands Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., Noggin, The N, NickToons Network, and Nick at Nite, as well as Nickelodeon magazines and Nick Digital businesses. Her responsibilities included both on-air and off-channel promotions, client services, ad sales marketing, online promotions and special events.

Prior to that, Piper served as vice president of consumer marketing for VH1, where she oversaw all consumer and off-channel marketing for the company as well as digital marketing for the network, and the digital networks VH1 Classic and VH1 Soul. Her promotional partners included premier companies such as Starbucks, SWATCH, American Airlines, the NBA and the NFL. Piper also previously worked as vice president, affiliate marketing, Entertainment Group for MTV Networks, implementing marketing strategy around affiliate efforts in brand promotion, distribution support, and local ad sales promotional support for Spike TV, Nickelodeon, Noggin, Nick GAS, NickToons, Nick at Nite and TVLand.

Before joining MTV Networks, Piper was executive director of marketing and special events for ABC Radio Networks, where she was responsible for the total Urban business in the company, positioning the organization to capitalize on the significant impact of Urban consumers. Previously, Piper held a number of significant strategic consumer marketing and product development management positions for Frito-Lay and Pepsi-Cola, both divisions of PepsiCo. Preceding that tenure, she was a marketing, operations and financial executive for Mobil Oil in its consumer retail and distribution businesses.

Piper earned a bachelor’s of science degree in chemical engineering and a MBA degree in marketing and finance, both from the University of Maryland. She is a member of the Atlanta Board of Visitors for the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD); serves on the Advisory Board for the University of Maryland College of Engineering and the Fernbank Board of Trustees; and is a Board member of Usher’s Camp New Look.

Among her accolades, Piper was a recent Girls, Inc. Luncheon Honoree, cited for “taking professional risks, bringing a spirit of individuality and collaboration to her work and always seeing a broader canvas of possibilities.” CableFAX Magazine named her among the Top 50 Most Influential Minorities in Cable 2009, the Most Powerful Women in Cable 2008 and the Top 50 Most Influential Minorities in Cable 2006. Piper also was recently included in the 12th Edition of Strathmore’s Who’s Who in Atlanta, and she was chosen as a potential candidate to represent the marketing community in the 2009-10 Edition of Emerald Who's Who. Additionally, she was named among American Women in Radio & Television’s “25 Women to Watch in Sales and Marketing: 2009.”

Marla D. Provencio

CMO, ABC Entertainment Group

Marla Provencio is CMO of ABC Entertainment Group. Previously, she was EVP of marketing at ABC Entertainment Group since June 2009. In this position she oversees all marketing activities for ABC’s primetime and late-night lineup, while establishing the tone and brand for the network. Her duties include oversight and strategic planning, creative development and implementation of all on-air and off-air marketing, advertising and promotional campaigns for all ABC Entertainment programming, including scripted and reality series, alternative, movies and specials. Prior to her Group title, Provencio had been EVP of marketing for ABC Entertainment since February 2007.

In addition to being responsible for the successful launches of ABC’s "Modern Family," "Desperate Housewives," "Lost," "Grey’s Anatomy," "Dancing with the Stars" and "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," among other ABC primetime and late-night programming, Provencio created a variety of award-winning and innovative marketing campaigns. She launched the television industry’s first multi-platform brand identity and viewer-navigation system through the "ABC Start Here" initiative, developed multi-platform marketing strategies, alternative reality games and multi-level engagement activities for the hit series "Lost" as well as other programming, and was honored by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences 2008-2009 Emmy Awards for Outstanding Creative Achievement in Interactive Media (fiction) for "The Dharma Initiative" ("Lost"). Provencio created Hispanic-targeted campaigns for "Desperate Housewives" and "Ugly Betty." Both series’ premieres ranked as the No. 1 show of the evening and time period among all Hispanic viewers watching English language television, and Provencio was named one of the top Hispanic marketers of the year by AdWeek’s "Marketing y Medios Magazine."

For her creative endeavors on behalf of ABC, Provencio was named "Entertainment Marketer of the Year" in 2005 and 2007 by Ad Age. She has also been nominated for numerous PromaxBDA Awards, winning several for on-air promotion campaigns that she developed. These include the "ABC House" branding campaign as well as campaigns for such series as "Modern Family," "Lost," "Desperate Housewives," "Grey’s Anatomy," "NYPD Blue" and "Alias," as well as the movie and miniseries "Oprah Winfrey Presents: Tuesday’s with Morrie" and "Life with Judy Garland: Me and My Shadows."

Provencio started her career in on-air promotion at ABC in 1979 as production coordinator. Over the years she has held various positions, including producer, senior producer and executive director of daytime and children’s promotion; VP, overseeing all on-air creative for drama and long-form programming; and VP, marketing, ABC Entertainment.

In addition, Provencio was selected by a panel of executives to participate in ABC’s mentoring program. She was also voted one of the 50 Elite Hispanic Women two years in a row by "Hispanic Business Magazine." She currently serves on the PromaxBDA Board of Directors.

Sandep Rahi

Head of Content Strategy & Development, Dentsu Network West
Content Committee Chair

Sandep Rahi is an Emmy Award-winning creative director, seasoned in both the entertainment and advertising industries. He has extensive experience overseeing strategic and creative development for global brands, cultivating close and collaborative relationships with their key stakeholders.

He has led creative teams on the promotion and branding assignments for major networks and affiliates including NBC, ABC, CBS, Fox, FX Networks and ESPN. He has also branded television shows such as The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, CBS’ The Late Late Show and ESPN’s International Figure Skating, UEFA and SportsCentury.

Rahi has spent a decade telling brand stories with both short and long-form content for clients such as Daimler Chrysler, Ford Motor Company, Glaceau, Hershey’s, KFC, Mike’s Hard Lemonade, T-Mobile, Toyota and Verizon.

As SVP, group creative director for Dentsu Los Angeles, Rahi led his teams in the development of cross-media branding and advertising campaigns for clients including Chandon, Chapman University, Famima!!, Hass Avocado Board, Kissui Vodka, Major League Soccer, Nissin Foods, Sutter Home Wines and Union Bank, several of which were also new business wins for the agency.

He now heads up the content strategy and development for Dentsu Network West, working with Dentsu Network agencies across the Americas and Europe to create cross-media marketing models built around original content.

Rahi has taught at SCI-Arc, CalPoly and Carnegie Mellon/Heinz School of Entertainment Industry Management. Along with his Emmy, he’s also been honored with several PromaxBDA muses, though the wins he most enjoys today are in business development and growing his clients’ market share.

Alexis Fife Rapo

VP, Broadband & Interactive Media , WGBH

Alexis Fife Rapo joined WGBH in 2010 to lead digital product and service strategy, including examining new formats and platforms for WGBH content as the broadband and interactive consumer environment evolves. She works in close collaboration with WGBH content vice presidents, television and radio executive producers, and education directors, addressing the dynamic between consumer behavior and WGBH content and delivery opportunities. WGBH has been on the forefront of advancing public media's presence in the evolving digital landscape. As the first public broadcasting station to offer podcasts and vodcasts, and the first to rise to the No. 1 spot on iTunes, WGBH leads the way in embracing new-media opportunities and creating multiplatform distribution models.

Rapo came to WGBH from the Disney-ABC Television Group, where she was Vice President, ABC Digital Media, and led multiplatform strategy, product and online video and content development for ABC.com, home to Disney-ABC Television’s daytime, prime-time, and late-night programming. She won an Emmy Award for Interactive Television and Programming in 2006.

Kent Rees

EVP, Marketing & Creative Services, Bedrocket Media Ventures

Kent Rees is EVP of marketing and creative services at Bedrocket Media Ventures. Previously, he was EVP of marketing for Current Media, the Peabody and Emmy Award-winning cable and online network. His creative credentials include overseeing marketing at recently rebranded IFC TV and serving as a writer and producer at ABC, NBC and VH1.

As SVP of marketing at IFC, Rees spearheaded the rebranding campaign, “Always On. Slightly Off.” He drove successful show launch campaigns for IFC’s Original Programming, including The Onion News Network and Portlandia as well as strategic partnerships with brands including Foursquare, SXSW, Urban Outfitters, Jones Soda, Delta Airlines and Zipcar. Prior to this, Rees was VP of marketing from 2006 to 2009, during which he helped launch IFC’s first original programming block, as well as "The Whitest Kids U’Know," "The Henry Rollins Show" and "The Independent Spirit Awards," and also led the relaunch of IFC.com. He joined the network in 2004, as VP, creative director.

Before joining IFC, Rees was involved with creating and producing promotional launches for such highly-rated shows as ABC Network’s “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette” as well as “VHI Behind the Music,” “Pop Up Video,” VH1 Divas” and “VH1 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame,” among others.

Kendrick Reid

SVP & Executive Creative Director, Brand Strategy, BET Networks

Kendrick Reid is the SVP and executive creative director of brand strategy for BET Networks. Based in New York, Reid is responsible for developing breakthrough, brand-building creative marketing strategies and executions for all BET branded businesses, both on-air and off-channel. Over the last three years, he’s lead the creative team through the implementation of a new brand strategy, which resulted in an eye-popping redesign, award winning promo and marketing campaigns that have yielded record-breaking results.

Prior to joining BET Networks, Reid was the VP and creative director of on-air brand for Comedy Central. During his tenure he lead the network through two successful redesigns and oversaw the branding for the networks multi-platform initiatives garnishing numerous international PromaxBDA awards.

Between stints with Viacom, Reid was the founder and creative director of Branded for Life, Inc. In that role, he was the creative brand consultant on projects for several television networks, including FUSE, Disney XD, Bravo, Syfy, VH1 and the launch of Comedy Central International in Poland, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands. Before that, Reid served as the founder and creative director of graphic design agency, Reidesign, from 1999 to 2002.

Before his time at Comedy Central and Branded for Life, Reid worked on the launch of ABC/Disney’s 24-hour soap opera channel, Soapnet, as a brand consultant and, before that, was the creative director for Lifetime Television. He also served as an associate director for CNN Headline News. In addition, Reid has conducted several PromaxBDA international lectures on network branding in countries including India, China, South Africa, Dubai and Australia and has won numerous PromaxBDA and TELLY Awards.

Dawn Rodney

SVP, Brand Marketing, National Geographic Society
Creative Educators Forum Event Co-Chair & Education & Industry Development Committee Co-Chair

Dawn Rodney is SVP of brand marketing with the National Geographic Society’s Marketing and Community Engagement team. Rodney is responsible for developing and implementing awareness of National Geographic's global brand vision as well as building value for the brand across the organization, creating a relevant, cohesive identity that strengthens customer relationships and drives the next generation of membership for the Society.

Before joining National Geographic’s Marketing and Community Engagement team in March 2012, Rodney was SVP of strategic marketing and creative for the National Geographic Channel and Nat Geo WILD. She managed the overall brand strategy and creative execution for both National Geographic Channels, including off-air advertising, on-air promotion and program graphic packages, as well as the design and production of all consumer and trade advertising. She led the marketing strategy and execution of major Nat Geo initiatives, including the cross-divisional Preserve Our Planet conservation initiative and annual Expedition Week event. Rodney also headed the channel’s branding efforts and was a key leader in the 2009 “Live Curious” brand positioning, 2007 Nat Geo rebrand and the 1994 “Dare to Explore” brand. Previously, as VP of National Geographic Channel brand strategy and creative, Rodney was responsible for the development and implementation of the Channel’s off-air advertising, on-air creative direction and consumer and trade advertising efforts.

Rodney helped launch Nat Geo WILD in April 2010 and was part of the original award-winning creative team that launched the National Geographic Channel in January 2001.

Before joining National Geographic Channel, Rodney was the supervising producer at Discovery Health Channel where she oversaw on-air and cross-channel promotion. She developed the signature look and feel for the daytime programming block and executive-produced graphic packages for the network’s key anthologies. From 1997 to 1999, Rodney was the senior manager of on-air promotion at Animal Planet, where she managed, wrote and produced on-air promotion, including award-winning promotions for major initiatives such as World Animal Day, Animal Planet Rescue and the National Dog Championship Finals.

Rodney started her career in 1987 as a producer at WPXT-TV in Portland, Maine, followed by a position as senior producer at WAVY-TV in Norfolk, Va., in 1988. In 1990, she took on the senior producer position at WUSA-TV in Washington, D.C., and in 1992, became the station’s promotion manager.

She is currently on the Board of Directors for PromaxBDA. Rodney is also co-chair of PromaxBDA’s Education Committee and Creative Educators Forum. She has won numerous honors, including multiple Gold and Silver PromaxBDA Awards, CTAM Gold and Silver Awards as well as regional Emmy Awards, Telly Awards, Cindy Awards and Omni Intermedia Awards.

Niels Schuurmans

EVP, Marketing & Creative, SPIKE
Membership Committee Chair

Niels is a graduate of Boston University and has been in promotion and marketing for over 19 years.

He spent 13 years at Nickelodeon as a promotions writer/producer, world wide creative director, and SVP Creative of Nickelodeon/Nick At Nite in the US.

He worked at Cartoon Network as the first Head Of On-Air Promotion before moving to overseas to launch Nickelodeon in Australia, throughout Asia and Europe. He headed up Creative and Marketing for Nickelodeon in the UK before returning to the United States to helm creative at Nickelodeon domestically.

Most recently he built the SPIKE brand as the EVP Marketing and Executive Creative Director.

Niels has won numerous promotions and marketing awards (including being named to Electronic Media’s Top Ten Marketers in the Entertainment Industry).

Steph Sebbag

President & Chief Creative Officer, bpg

Steph Sebbag is the founder, president and chief creative officer of bpg, a leading, fully integrated advertising agency for the entertainment business. Through its three main divisions, print, broadcast and interactive, Sebbag has led his agency to double-digit growth year over year. Today, with a staff of more than 40 dedicated and talented executives and designers, bpg has won hundreds of industry awards including PromaxBDA Awards, Graphis Awards, Mobius Awards, Golden Trailer Awards and Key Art Awards.

Sebbag founded bpg in 2005 with a handful of clients and employees. Today, bpg is a thriving agency that boasts top entertainment brands as clients, including History, Lifetime, Bravo, Oxygen, Food Network, Warner Bros., Fox, Disney, Sony, HGTV, GSN, Showtime, HBO, NBC, USA, Syfy, TVLand, E!, Univision, NFL Network and Tennis Channel.

Susan Solano Vila

EVP, Marketing, Telemundo

Susan Solano Vila was promoted to executive vice president of Marketing for Telemundo Communications Group in July 2010. In this role, she is responsible for the full scope of marketing activities across the company, overseeing strategy that will drive consumer awareness, audience engagement and ratings. Solano Vila also works as a key liaison to all marketing divisions of NBC Universal in order to increase Telemundo's exposure within the larger company, as well as the marketplace opportunity for Hispanics across NBCU. She reports directly to Jacqueline Hernández, chief operating officer, Telemundo Communications Group, LLC.

A 19-year veteran of Telemundo, Solano Vila has been a key player in the growth and evolution of the Telemundo and mun2 brands. Most recently, she successfully spearheaded the "one brand, one voice" marketing approach across the organization, while championing the brand positions for both Telemundo and mun2. Solano Vila has developed and strengthened Telemundo’s brand identity by building viewer awareness and interest in its original content. Her efforts have garnered the network recognition as a trendsetter with innovative marketing, promotion and branding concepts and campaigns. Additionally, she has paved the way for Telemundo’s extensive implementation of emerging media vehicles and experiential marketing to strengthen and leverage assets for consumers, clients and partners.

During Solano Vila’s tenure, she has driven marketing efforts that consist of multi-layered 360 branding campaigns that include mass marketing, grassroots outreach, promotional partnerships to compliment the on-air image and branding.

Under Solano Vila’s leadership, Telemundo has leveraged its licensing and merchandising initiatives as a way to broaden the reach of the Telemundo brand. She led the marketing efforts for the Network’s on-line shopping store and has built strong partnerships with ancillary businesses and licensees for merchandise, gift and phone cards.

Solano Vila joined Telemundo in 1991 as media manager, with the responsibility for establishing an in-house advertising department. She began her career as a media planner for Campbell Ewald and later served as account supervisor for Nestle and Eastern Airlines in the Caribbean and Latin American markets and Coca-Cola Foods and GM/Chevrolet in the US Hispanic markets.

Dario Spina

EVP, Integrated Marketing, MTVN Music and Entertainment Group

Dario Spina is executive vice president, integrated marketing, for MTV Networks' Music and Entertainment Groups which are comprised of a multi-platform portfolio of brands featuring the COMEDY CENTRAL, Spike TV, TV Land, Logo, Vh1, MTV and MTV2 cable channels as well as internet sites Atom.com and GameTrailers.com. He reports to Jeff Lucas, Head of Sales, MTV Networks Music & Entertainment Group. He also works closely with the respective marketing heads at each of the Group's individual brands. Spina is based in the Group's New York City corporate headquarters.

In this role, Spina is responsible for oversight, implementation and execution of multi-platform integrated marketing for all components of the Music and Entertainment Groups including the linear channels' web sites and sales arms, maximizing revenue and innovation. He is charged with creating and implementing marketing initiatives, convergent partner sponsorships and enhancing the strategic competitive potential of the Group's reach with men and adults across its television and digital platforms.

Spina had been senior vice president of integrated marketing for the Entertainment Group. Prior to that he was senior vice president of marketing at Spike TV, playing a significant role in the network's transformation to becoming the primary network for men. He joined the network in 2001 as director, marketing and promotions, from MTV Interactive (MTVi) where he was director of promotions since 1999. Before that, Spina held various positions in advertising (DDB Needham) and, earlier, in the music industry as marketing manager at Mercury Records. He holds an MA from Seton Hall University and earned his undergraduate degree from Pace University.

Adam Stewart

Industry Director, Media & Entertainment, Google

As industry director of media and entertainment for Google, Adam Stewart leads the company's national advertising business in the film, television, gaming and publishing categories. In this role, Stewart oversees all advertising partnerships and integrated solutions across the company's platforms, including Google.com, YouTube and mobile. Since joining Google in 2006, Stewart has played an integral role in bringing major entertainment marketers to YouTube as well as increasing the industry's use of search marketing.

Prior to joining Google, Stewart was SVP at Discovery Communications, where he oversaw a team of national sales managers and developed and executed sales strategies for Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Travel Channel, Discovery Health and BBC America. Stewart also previously served as VP of national sales for Screenvision, where he led in-theater advertising and content deals across multiple industries.

Aaron Taylor

VP, Marketing, ESPN

Aaron Taylor is VP, marketing for ESPN. In this role, Taylor leads the marketing of ESPN’s live event and news and information programming and related content emanating from rights agreements with league partners. Taylor manages the development of marketing strategies and marketing communications to support ESPN “Monday Night Football” and ESPN’s other NFL-related programming as well as ESPN’s coverage of the NBA, MLB, NASCAR, all college sports, soccer, golf and tennis, among others. Taylor also oversees the “This is SportsCenter” campaign. In October, 2009 he assumed additional responsibility for the marketing of ESPN’s digital products, which include ESPN.com, ESPN Fantasy, ESPN3.com and ESPN Mobile.

Taylor joined ESPN in June 1999 as director of advertising and program marketing, leading the development of marketing strategies and promotional campaigns in support of several of ESPN's professional sports league partners including the NFL and NHL. Taylor also oversaw the marketing for ESPN original entertainment programming from its inception in 2001 to 2006. He was promoted to VP, marketing in October 2001 and has served in various leadership capacities within the department including VP, brand management and VP, sports marketing. He played an instrumental role in the development and execution of the “Without Sports” campaign that ran from December 2002 to December 2005 and earned a Gold Lion at Cannes for the “Shelfball” spots. He also oversaw the development of ESPN’s “Season of the Fan” campaign to support ESPN’s twenty-fifth anniversary in 2004. Recently, he has played a leading role in the development of ESPN’s current brand campaign, “It’s Not Crazy, It’s Sports.”

Prior to joining ESPN, Taylor was VP, account director at the advertising agency Young & Rubicam, where he oversaw the national advertising co-op side of the KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken) business. During nearly seven years with Young & Rubicam, Taylor also worked in account management on the Molson Breweries USA, AT&T and Johnson & Johnson accounts and was involved in new business acquisitions for the agency including DuPont, Fisher-Price and Kellogg’s.

Jakob Trollbäck

President & Executive Creative Director, Trollbäck + Company

A self-taught designer from Sweden, Jakob Trollbäck began his artistic career as a DJ in his native Stockholm. Having found a commonality in music and design, Trollbäck creates pieces that transport his audience to planes of sensorial experience. He is an acknowledged industry leader in both branding and motion graphic design and has worked with HBO, ESPN, CBS, A&E, AMC, TNT and most recently, Cooking Channel. Trollbäck + Company has received dozens of creative industry awards including those from the Primetime Emmy Awards, AICP, Art Directors Club, PromaxBDA, British D&AD, Communication Arts Design Annual, The One Show and Type Directors Club. Trollbäck is also on the Board of Directors at the Art Director’s Club and a trustee at the Brooklyn Academy of Music.

Dounia Turrill

SVP, Client Insights, The Nielsen Company

Dounia Turrill is SVP of client insights for The Nielsen Company. In this role, Turrill helps drive thought leadership for Nielsen, serving as a lead voice from the television perspective as Nielsen grows and evolves its initiatives related to cross-platform audience measurement. 

Turrill leads Nielsen’s global cross-platform audience measurement practice defining and managing the collective knowledge of the Watch team across Nielsen, leading thought leadership efforts designed to encourage and facilitate client discussions in this area. The practice allows media clients to optimize programming and increase advertising yields, while ensuring marketers take advantage of deep insights into the cross media behavior of the hardest to reach and most valuable audiences. The practice draws upon Nielsen’s leading media measurement assets across TV, online and mobile platforms in 35 countries.

Turrill serves on the board of PromaxBDA.

Prior to re-joining Nielsen, Turrill was VP of research, at the CW Television Network, and formerly was VP of research, at the WB Television Network. In those capacities, she was an active member of the TV Committee of the Media Research Council. She began her career at Nielsen, where she worked extensively with both Local and National clients. 

Garen van de Beek

EVP & Creative Director, CBS Marketing Group

Garen van de Beek was named EVP and creative director, CBS Marketing Group in June 2010. He reports directly to George Schweitzer, president, CBS Marketing Group.

In this position, van de Beek leads CBS's entertainment advertising and promotion group, which is responsible for all creative and production elements of the network's marketing for CBS Entertainment, including on-air promotion, print, cable, online, digital, outdoor and radio.

Van de Beek joined the CBS Marketing department in 1999 as executive director, on-air advertising and promotion. He was promoted to VP, on-air advertising and promotion in 2003, and was elevated to SVP, on-air advertising and promotion in 2007. In this position, he was responsible for all day-to-day aspects of CBS Marketing's promotional organization, including numerous campaigns for show launches, special events and music and graphics design.

He served as director of creative services for CBS's owned and operated Los Angeles station, KCBS-TV, from 1996-1999, and was director of creative services at KHOU-TV, CBS's Houston affiliate, from 1990-1996. Prior to that, he was promotion manager at WZZM-TV in Grand Rapids, Mich. He started his career as a senior writer/producer at KOAT-TV in Albuquerque, N.M.