NAMIC Touts 2017 Next Generation Leaders

NAMIC has tapped four cable executives for its annual Next Generation Leaders Awards, the diversity organization announced Tuesday.

The awards, which recognize emerging business leaders of color in the media and entertainment industry for their career successes and commitment to fostering diversity in the workplace, will be presented to Ebonne Ruffins, vice president of local media development for Comcast Cable in the Cable MSO category; Daniel Eilemberg, president and chief content officer for Fusion TV (Cable Programmer); Linda Pan, senior vice president of new digital business for AMC Networks (Tech Company/Discipline) and Romina Rosado, senior vice president and editor-in-chief, E! News & Online, NBC Universal (Creative Discipline).

The executives will be honored at the 31st NAMIC Annual Conference Awards Luncheon on Sept. 27 at the New York Marriott Marquis.

In addition to honoring the four Next Generation Leaders, NAMIC will also honor during the luncheon 10 emerging executives of color in its 2017 Luminaries Class. The honorees include Charlotte Castillo, SVP, International Brand Management & Creative, Viacom International Media Networks; Twyla Huang-DiSimone, VP, News Content Partnerships, Turner Ignite, Turner; P. Sean Gupta, VP, Strategy and Operations, BET Networks; Navin Kamath, VP, Account Management, Global Distribution, HBO; Stephanie Jackson, VP, Ad Sales, Western Region, Food Network & Cooking Channel, Scripps Networks Interactive; Sameel Osuri, SVP, Global Content Operations, Discovery Communications; Miguel Santos, General Manager, Myx TV; Tony Song, VP, Ad Sales, AMC Networks; Holly Tang, Chief Financial Officer, Bravo and Oxygen Media, NBCUniversal; and Janet Han Vissering, SVP, Development & Production, Nat Geo WILD.

“Cultural diversity is an imperative in the communications industry and this year’s class of Next Generation Leaders are steadfast advocates for inclusion in the workplace,” said NAMIC President and CEO Eglon E. Simons in a statement. “They personify excellence, empower and educate others, and most important, serve as beacons for those who will follow in their footsteps. We are grateful for the industry’s ongoing support and look forward to celebrating the honorees at this year’s awards luncheon.”

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.