NYSBA Presents ’26 Rising Leaders
• The New York State Broadcasters Association (NYSBA) is pleased to announce the graduation of its Rising Leaders Fellowship Class of 2026.
The NYSBA Rising Leaders Fellowship is an MBA-style program designed to prepare emerging broadcast leaders for the evolving 360-degree responsibilities of today’s station, C-suite, and community leadership. Each year the fellowship curriculum connects personal leadership development with the operational disciplines essential for station success, including revenue development, news and content leadership, broadcast accounting, and strategic planning.
The Class of 2026 graduates are: Danielle Ashworth, Sales Manager, Regional Radio Group, LLC • Candace Curby, Promotions Director/On-Air Personality, Albany Broadcasting • Josh Koumjian, News Director, WNYT & WNYA • Kathleen O’Hare-Stewart, Controller, WHEC-TV • Rob Taylor, News Director, WSYR (NewsChannel 9) • Brielle Travis, Account Executive, Pamal Broadcasting • Veronica Volk, Executive Producer / Director of Podcast Strategy, WXXI • Natasha Yurek, Sr. Executive Producer, Nexstar’s WIVB-TV.
“The future of local broadcasting depends on leaders who understand both our evolving business and the responsibilities of serving our local communities,” said Heidi Raphael, President and Executive Director of NYSBA. “This year’s graduates represent the talent, dedication and potential that will move our industry forward. By investing in our fellow’s development, we are investing in the future of New York’s radio and television stations and the commitment we make to our local communities.”
Pictured, (l-r): NYSBA President Heidi Raphael with Rising Leaders 2026 Fellowship Graduates: Kathleen O’Hare-Stewart, Danielle Ashworth, Natasha Yurek, Josh Koumjian, Candace Curby, Rob Taylor, and Brielle Travis.
