Alliance for Women in Media Welcomes Debra Hurston as Executive Director

WASHINGTON - Oct. 20, 2014 - PRLog -- Washington D.C. , October 16, 2014 – The Alliance for Women in Media (AWM) is proud to welcome Debra Hurston, MBA, CAE as its new Executive Director.

“This is an exciting new chapter for the Alliance for Women in Media,” said Kay Olin, AWM Chair. “Debra is a great fit for AWM on all fronts and all parties involved in hiring were unanimous around the decision. Our interim CEO Valerie Blackburn has done an extraordinary job of shepherding our organization through a management transition and will continue to work with staff and Debra to continue to ensure successful movement and orientation.”

Hurston is a former radio and television reporter/talk show host who also has several years of nonprofit management experience focusing on membership strategy, marketing, fundraising, financial management, advocacy, and strategic planning/implementation. She has a history of involvement with numerous volunteer professional and community organizations.

Hurston’s management background includes six years as Executive Director and CEO of the Minnesota Chiropractic Association, six years as Director of Marketing and Communications of the Minnesota Bankers Association and two years as President of DLS Communications, Inc., a public relations firm that specialized in consultant work for state government, not-for-profit and political organizations and individuals, among other positions.

“I am honored to be chosen to serve as the Executive Director for the Alliance for Women in Media,” Hurston said. “AWM has a rich history of facilitating open dialogue around promoting and encouraging women in the media as well as empowering new generations of women to become tomorrow’s leaders.”

Hurston will begin her new role on October 27, 2014. Members and friends of AWM can meet Hurston in person on October 28, 2014 at the Women with Solutions: STEM Leadership in Media event at the Yale Club in New York. This event will shine a light on women whose leadership on-camera or in the executive suite has increased awareness and access to science, technology, engineering, and math, especially to girls and young women. Thirteen women working a diverse range of media-related areas – including programming, technology, engineering, finance, digital, and content creation – will be honored for their accomplishments, influence, and innovation as STEM leaders. AWM will also explore and discuss career opportunities in STEM as well as how to advance more women to the leading edge of media. For information about attending, please visit http://allwomeninmedia.org/events/2014-women-solutions.

For more information, visit http://www.allwomeninmedia.org.

About the Alliance for Women in Media (AWM): The Alliance for Women in Media advances the influence and impact of women in all forms of media. AWM is a diverse community – whether type of media, job or global location – that facilitates industry‐wide collaboration, education, and innovation. Established in 1961 as American Women in Radio & Television (AWRT), AWM is the longest‐established professional association dedicated to advancing women in media and entertainment. AWM harnesses the promise, passion and power of women in all forms of media to empower career development, engage in thought leadership, and drive positive change for our industry and societal progress.

About the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation: The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (formerly known as The Foundation of American Women in Radio & Television) supports and promotes educational programs, charitable activities, public service campaigns and scholarships to benefit the public, the electronic media and allied fields. The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation has created partnerships and joint‐initiatives with the National Middle School Association, the Emma Bowen Foundation, the American Red Cross and other organizations that are philosophically aligned with the mission of the Foundation. The Foundation also supports Empowering America®, an initiative which pays tribute to many of America’s most pioneering and inspiring women. Through this program, the Foundation provides Empowering America® educational collateral to needy urban middle schools around the country. The Foundation also produces nationally acclaimed recognition programs, including the Gracie Awards®, a live gala that honors exemplary programming created for, by, and about women.