NAMIC Announces Comcast, FOX Deportes, NBCUniversal and TLC Executives as Recipients of the 2011 NAMIC Next Generation Leader Awards

NEW YORK, May 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- NAMIC (National Association for Multi-ethnicity in Communications), today announced winners of the 2011 Next Generation Leader Awards.  Honoring emerging executives for their professional achievements, as well as their efforts in fostering multi-ethnic diversity and inclusion, the Next Generation Leader Awards will be presented during the NAMIC Annual Awards Breakfast.  This year's recipients of the distinguished award are Vincent C. Cordero, executive vice president and general manager, FOX Deportes; Devin C. Johnson, general manager, Digital Works@NBCU, NBCUniversal; Howard Lee, senior vice president, Production and Development, TLC, Discovery Communications; and Stephen Thomas, area vice president, City of Chicago, Comcast Cable.  Held as part of Cable Connection – Spring, the NAMIC Annual Awards Breakfast is scheduled for Thursday, June 16, 2011, from 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. (CT) at McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago.

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Since 2006, NAMIC has honored 20 Next Generation Leaders and 39 Luminaries - executives of color demonstrating exceptional business acumen, while exemplifying NAMIC's mission to educate, advocate and empower for multi-ethnic diversity and inclusion in the communications industry.  Awards are presented in four categories: Cable MSO, Cable Programmer, Technology Company or Discipline and the newly added award for achievements in the Creative Discipline.  Executives of color age 45 and under were eligible for nomination.  This year's award recipients, Cordero (Programmer), Johnson (Technology), Lee (Creative) and Thomas (MSO) were selected from a distinguished group of nominees.    

"As shifting demographics alter the industry and consumer landscape, NAMIC maintains a resolute commitment to developing the pipeline of executives of color," said Kathy Johnson, president, NAMIC.  "We are thrilled to honor and showcase the accomplishments of these emerging business leaders who embody our mission."

Additionally, an auxiliary group of executives, designated as Luminaries, will be recognized for their business acumen, managerial expertise and demonstrating leadership that exemplifies NAMIC's mission. The 2011  "Luminaries" are: Paul E. Biava, vice president, Operations, Comcast Freedom Region, Comcast Cable; Tamara Franklin, senior vice president, Affiliate Strategy and Business Development, Scripps Networks Interactive; Sam Gupta, vice president, IT OSS & Infrastructure Support, Time Warner Cable of New York and New Jersey; Kia Painter, vice president, Human Resources, Cox Communications; Jaime J. Rodriguez, vice president, Business Affairs, Distribution Sales and Marketing, Univision Communications, Inc.; Wendell Scott, vice president, Multimedia Sales, ESPN Customer Marketing & Sales; Bilai Joa Silar, vice president and channel director, Discovery Networks Latin America/US Hispanic; Melody Tan, senior vice president, Strategy & Business Operations, Content Distribution & Marketing, MTV Networks, BET Networks and EPIX; Janet Uthman, vice president, Marketing and Sales, Western New England Region, Comcast Cable; Danny Villa, vice president, Programming & Development, OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network; Jacqueline M. Welch, senior vice president, Talent Management, Diversity & Development, Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.; and Nanette Zabala Bischoff, vice president, Financial Planning & Analysis, BET Networks.

David L. Cohen, executive vice president, Comcast Corporation is the Honorary Chair for the 2011 NAMIC Annual Awards Breakfast.  The Next Generation Leader Awards are presented in partnership with Multichannel News.  Audience Strategy, Fox Group is the presenting sponsor.  Additional event sponsors confirmed to date include the NCTA, Univision, Comcast, Suddenlink, A&E Television Networks, Motorola, Ensequence and Scripps Networks Interactive.  Mediacom and NBCUniversal are also supporters of the event.

For more information regarding the Next Generation Leader Awards, visit www.namic.com or contact Sandra Girado, director of Meetings and Events, NAMIC at 212-594-5985.  Inquiries pertaining to sponsorship and ticket/table purchases for the NAMIC Annual Awards Breakfast should be directed to Daniel J. McGlone, vice president of Membership and Fund Development, NAMIC, 212-594-5985.  

ABOUT NAMIC

NAMIC (National Association for Multi-ethnicity in Communications) is the premier organization focusing on multi-ethnic diversity in the communications industry. Founded in 1980 as a non-profit trade association, today NAMIC comprises over 2,200 professionals belonging to a network of 16 chapters nationwide. Through initiatives that focus on education, advocacy and empowerment, NAMIC champions equity and inclusion in the workforce, with special attention given to ensuring that the leadership cadres of our nation's communications industry giants reflect the multi-ethnic richness of the populations they serve. For more information, please visit www.namic.com and stay connected to NAMIC on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and DiversityLive: The Business > Social NAMIC Network.

SOURCE NAMIC