Presslaff Named ’26 Frances Preston Trailblazer
• Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc. (MIW) proudly names Ruth Presslaff as the 2026 MIW Frances Preston Trailblazer. Presslaff is the Founder of Presslaff Interactive Revenue, former MIW Board President, and current MIW Advisory Board member.
MIW’s Trailblazer Award, named in honor of music industry pioneer and longtime BMI President& CEO Frances Preston, is MIW’s highest accolade, presented annually to a woman who, through her leadership and accomplishments in the industry, champions and creates opportunities for other women in radio to further their careers.
Presslaff was honored on Monday, April 20 during the NAB Show in Las Vegas with a public award recognition and interview conducted by Erica Farber at TV and Radio HQ, followed by a formal presentation at the annual MIW Lipstick & Lobster Dinner at Maggiano’s.
MIW Board President Sheila Kirby commented, “Ruth Presslaff’s impact on both MIW and the broader radio industry cannot be overstated. She has been a driving force behind the evolution of this organization, expanding our reach, strengthening our mission, and consistently championing the advancement of women in radio. Ruth leads with vision, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to lifting others up, and the progress we’ve made over the past decade is a direct reflection of her leadership and dedication. She is the very definition of a Trailblazer.” Pictured, (l-r): Sheila Kirby, Ruth Presslaff, & Erica Farber.
Presslaff remarked, “What an honor to be recognized as an MIW Trailblazer! I love this organization and everything it represents. This only happened because of the leaders who came before me: Denyse Mesnik, Kay Olin, and Heidi Raphael, who set the course for all MIW has achieved. I’m also eternally grateful to all the radio stations and corporate broadcasters who supported my company and our vision for how technology could enhance listener relationships and advertising effectiveness. Thank you Sheila and the MIW Board!”
A true pioneer at the intersection of radio, revenue, and technology, Presslaff has built a career defined by innovation and impact. From her early days as the first female General Manager of WTUL/New Orleans, to on-air roles in commercial radio, to leadership positions spanning affiliate relations and network sales in New York, Washington D.C., and Chicago, her career has consistently pushed the industry forward.
As Founder of Presslaff Interactive Revenue, she was ahead of the curve in identifying how emerging technologies could transform local media revenue. From early adoption of Interactive Voice Response systems to advancements in digital marketing, first-party data strategy, and customer relationship management, Presslaff has helped broadcasters unlock new, sustainable revenue streams. She successfully built and sold her company twice and later led Enterprise Sales for Second Street Media, further solidifying her reputation as a forward-thinking industry leader.
Beyond her business accomplishments, Presslaff’s impact on MIW has been transformational. As Board President, she played a critical role in guiding the organization through its transition to a 501(c)(3), strengthening its foundation for long-term growth and expanded impact. Over the past decade, she has been instrumental in driving awareness, recruitment, and strategic development, helping to shape MIW into the influential organization it is today.
Ruth Presslaff joins an esteemed list of past honorees, including Deborah Parenti (2025), Corinne Baldassano (2024), the late Laurie Kahn (2023), Michelle Duke (2022), Christine Travaglini (2019), Julie Talbott (2018), Mary Quass (2017), Beth Neuhoff (2016), Kim Guthrie (2015), Diane Sutter (2014), Weezie Kramer (2013), Caroline Beasley (2012), Ginny Hubbard Morris (2011), Lynn Anderson (2010), and Erica Farber (2009). [Group Photo Credit: Gavin Delisser / Omni Worldwide]
