The WICT Network Announces 2026 Global Board of Directors

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 20, 2026

CONTACT:
Amanda Sawney
asawney@wict.org

The WICT Network Announces 2026 Global Board of Directors
Michelle Rice Enters Second Year as Chair; Rhonda Crichlow Appointed Vice Chair
Samira Bakhtiar, Loren Hudson and Asif Sadiq Join Executive Committee
New Directors-at-Large include Mike Bair, EVP, Spectrum Networks; Stephanie Gorski, Global Strategy Lead, Software & Platforms Practice, Accenture; Jeannie Thurston, SVP, Marketing, Midco; and Elizabeth Wright, EVP & Chief Financial Officer, Direct-to-Consumer Segment/Streaming, Paramount

WASHINGTON, DC, (January 20, 2026) — The WICT Network proudly announces its 2026 Global Board of Directors, a dynamic group of leaders dedicated to advancing professionals in media, entertainment and technology. 

Michelle L. Rice, President, TV One & CLEO TV, will continue her leadership as Board Chair, having been elected to the role in 2024. Rhonda Crichlow, Senior Vice President, Community Impact & Engagement, Charter Communications, will serve as Vice Chair.

New Directors-at-Large include Mike Bair, EVP, Spectrum Networks, Stephanie Gorski, Global Strategy Lead, Software & Platforms Practice, Accenture, Jeannie Thurston, SVP, Marketing, Midco and Elizabeth Wright, EVP & Chief Financial Officer, Direct-to-Consumer Segment/Streaming, Paramount.

The WICT Network Global Board is comprised of a select group of its thousands of members. Board leaders provide strategic guidance that strengthens the organization’s mission and supports its growing community worldwide. Full board member biographies are available here.

“It is my honor to serve as Chair of The WICT Network,” said Michelle L. Rice. “Our focus remains on delivering impactful programs, growing our chapter network and ensuring professionals across the industry have access to the tools and support they need to advance.”

Full 2026 Global Board of Directors for The WICT Network 

Executive Committee  

  • Michelle L. Rice, President, TV One & CLEO TV, Chair
  • Rhonda Crichlow, Senior Vice President, Community Impact & Engagement, Charter Communications
  • Lori LeBas, EVP, Platform Distribution Operations, The Walt Disney Company
  • Samira Bakhtiar, General Manager, Media & Entertainment, Games, and Sports, Amazon Web Services (AWS)
  • Catherine Bohigian, EVP, Government Affairs, Charter Communications, Development Committee Chair
  • Loren Hudson, SVP & Chief Talent Officer, Connectivity & Platforms, Comcast
  • Asif Sadiq, Chief Global Inclusion Officer, Warner Bros. Discovery
  • Alaka Williams, Head of HR Management & Planning, National Basketball Association (NBA)
  • Maria Brennan, President & CEO, The WICT Network

Directors-at-Large  

  • Mike Bair, Executive Vice President, Spectrum Networks
  • Val Boreland, President, Entertainment, Versant
  • Roy Cho, President, Distribution & Partnerships, Versant
  • Patty Donaldson, Regional Director, Americas Service Provider, Cisco
  • Kelley Drukker, SVP, Legal & Business Affairs, A+E Global Media
  • Stephanie Gorski, Global Strategy Lead, Software & Platforms Practice, Accenture
  • Barbara Kalosieh, SVP, Distribution, AMC Networks
  • Soraya Loerts, MD Global Talent & Chief DEI Officer, Liberty Global
  • Toni Murphy, EVP, Chief Operating Officer, Astound Broadband
  • Kia Painter, EVP & Chief People Officer, Cox Communications
  • Cindy Parsons, Executive Director, ESG & Sustainability, CSG International
  • Matt Schnaars, President, Platform Distribution & Partnerships, NBCUniversal
  • Jeannie Thurston, SVP, Marketing, Midco
  • Elizabeth Wright, EVP & Chief Financial Officer, Direct-to-Consumer Segment/Streaming, Paramount

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About The WICT Network – Empowering Women in Media, Entertainment and Technology

The WICT Network is a global organization dedicated to developing leaders who drive transformation across our industry. We achieve this through world-class professional development, original research and a dynamic B2B network that empowers our members. The WICT Network highlights the data that shows the strong business case for gender diversity, demonstrating how organizations with diverse workforces achieve higher profitability, greater employee engagement and faster rates of innovation and problem-solving. With nearly 10,000 members across 24 chapters worldwide, The WICT Network is the largest and longest-standing professional association dedicated to advancing and empowering the workforce. Charter Communications, Comcast NBCUniversal, The Walt Disney Company and Warner Bros. Discovery are The WICT Network’s Strategic Touchstone Partners. To learn more about the organization and our research, visit www.wict.org and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn (@WICTHQ).