The 2024 MFM Annual Conference is just around the corner, and as part of the event, the association will honor a number of recipients for their contributions to the association and the media and entertainment industry. From acknowledging three members for their lifetime achievements to recognizing two promising young professionals, MFM always takes great pleasure in presenting the awards ceremony during the conference. This year the ceremony will take place on Tuesday, May 21 at 6:15pm, following the Fireside Chat with Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Terry Sylvester, former member of the Hollies, who will lead us on a trip down memory lane courtesy of BMI.
MFM and its board will present these awards during the ceremony:
MFM Lifetime Achievement: This award is given to individuals who have demonstrated, via their contributions made to the industry, and specifically to MFM, their commitment to working with and bettering the association. This year the awards will be presented to Charlie Warner, a longtime media finance leader who worked for MFM as its CFO for many years; Bob Cole, who will retire as Morgan Murphy Media’s Regional Controller after a 34-year career there, and who headed MFM’s Radio Network for many years; and Dan McGuire, a former Partner at KPMG who retired earlier this year and currently serves on MFM’s Board of Directors.
Peter F. Szabo Career Achievement: Named for the founder of Szabo Associates, a credit and collections firm that has supported MFM for many years, this award is in recognition of a past or current BCCA member whose efforts have contributed to the growth of the Association and the industries it serves. This year Scott Jenkins, Sr., Director of Finance for Samsung Electronics America, will be honored. Jenkins served as a MFM Board of Directors representative on behalf of BCCA.
Rainmaker Award: Presented each year to three members in recognition of their efforts and contributions that help MFM grow, this year’s Rainmakers are individuals who have all supported MFM for long periods. First is Dave Bochenek, SVP/Chief Accounting Officer at Sinclair Broadcast Group, whose name undoubtedly sounds familiar, since was MFM Chairman for 2021-2022 and currently sits on the Board Advisory Committee. Joining him is Sean Hetzler, Sr. Director, Tax at TEGNA and a current MFM Board Director; and Tonya Sorrells, Director of Credit & Collections at Hearst Television and current BCCA Board Chair.
Jeana K. Stanley Memorial Award: Named in honor of Hearst Vice President of Finance Jeana Stanley who was beloved by MFM and its members, and who passed away in June 2020, this award recognizes a media company that has made a significant contribution to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. This year we’re proud to present the award to A+E Networks for its concerted efforts in raising the bar on DEI at the network.
Steven McIntosh Memorial Scholarship: This award was created to honor the memory of Steve McIntosh, Vice President and General Manager of Belo Advertising’s Customer Services unit until his unexpected death in April 2011. The Scholarship provides full registration for the Annual Conference and three nights’ lodging at the Jacksonville Hyatt. Two up-and-coming finance professionals from Sinclair will receive this scholarship: Kayla Bower, Senior Accounting Manager at Sinclair Broadcast Group in Birmingham, AL; and Jeanette St. Amant, Supervisor of Business Development at Sinclair Broadcast Group in Charlotte, NC.
William H. Shriftman Memorial Scholarship: This award pays respect Bill Shriftman, a 35-year veteran of the radio industry and CFO of Lotus Communications, and the impact he made on the broadcast industry and Lotus. The scholarship incudes full registration for Annual Conference, lodging at the Hyatt in Jacksonville, and $1,000 to cover related travel and expenses, courtesy of Lotus Communications Corp. This year’s recipient is Melanie Curtis, Accountant at Graham Media Group.
“The number and quality of MFM members and companies who will be receiving awards and scholarships recognizes the incredible impact that a single individual can have on an organization and an industry,” said Joseph Annotti, MFM president and CEO. “The awards ceremony is always a highlight of the Annual Conference and I look forward to the opportunity to honor this year’s winners.”
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