Executive Action: Pollack & Ashenden
• The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has appointed Josh Pollack as VP of NAB Government Relations, effective July 10. Pollack will report to Curtis LeGeyt, NAB EVP of Government Relations. Pollack served as Special Assistant to the President for Legislative Affairs in the Obama White House from 2012-2017, where he advocated for the President’s legislative agenda in the Senate. Prior to that, he was Director of Confirmations under President Obama, overseeing and directing all aspects of the confirmation process for Executive Branch appointees.
Before joining the White House, Pollack was an associate in the Litigation and Antitrust Practice Group of the law firm King & Spalding in Washington, DC. He also served as a law clerk to the Honorable Raymond J. Dearie, Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York. Pollack began his Washington career as Legislative Assistant to Sen. Paul Sarbanes (D-MD) from 2000 to 2006. “Josh’s distinguished public service in all three branches of federal government make him an ideal advocate on behalf of America’s broadcasters,” said NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith. “NAB is pleased to add him to our talented advocacy team as we tackle the legislative issues critical to our members.”
• Bill Ashenden has returned to the familiar surroundings of Portland, OR as the newly named permanent VP/Market Manager for Entercom’s Portland cluster, effective July 10. He succeeds Tim McNamara, who left a few months ago. Since then, Jack Hutchison had been overseeing the cluster in an interim capacity. Already very well versed in the Portland radio market, Ashenden is a 30-year management pro who previously worked for Alpha Media, Rose City Radio, Great American Broadcasters, and, most recently, as Market Manager and GM for BiCoastal Media in Medford, OR. He’s a graduate of the University of Portland and served as President of the board of the Oregon Association of Broadcasters for three years.
In making the announcement, Michael Doyle, Regional President of Entercom said, “Bill impressed us not only with his deep knowledge of the Portland market and the radio business overall, but also with his experience in developing people and long term client relationships.” Ashenden remarked, “I look forward to working with the best team and the best brands in Portland to deliver outstanding results for our customers.”
Entercom Portland operates Classic Rock KGON, Alternative KNRK (94/7FM), Adult Hits KYCH (97.1 Charlie FM), Hot AC KRSK (105.1 The Buzz), Country KWJJ (99.5 The Wolf) and Sports-Talk duo KFXX-AM (1080 The Fan) and KMTT-AM (ESPN 910).
