FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 4, 2026
CONTACT:
Amanda Sawney
asawney@wict.org
The WICT Network Announces Betsy Magness Leadership Institute Classes 54 & 55
ARLINGTON, VA (September 4, 2026) – The WICT Network is pleased to announce the members of Classes 54 and 55 of the 2026–2027 Betsy Magness Leadership Institute (BMLI). Renowned as the premier leadership development program for senior professionals within media, entertainment, and technology, BMLI has been shaping industry leaders since 1994, with over 1,400 top executives among its alumni.
The 2026–2027 BMLI classes will experience a transformational leadership journey that includes four in-person sessions and two virtual sessions over eight months. Participants begin their year with a week of training in Greensboro, North Carolina, and will conclude the program there in April 2027.
The WICT Network gratefully acknowledges Spectrum as the premier sponsor of the upcoming classes.
Members of Class 54 of the Betsy Magness Leadership Institute are:
- Tawny Abaniel, SVP, Paramount Global Streaming Marketing Analytics, Paramount
- Avantika Ajit, Global Solutions Architecture Leader, Media & Entertainment, Games, Sports, Amazon Web Services (AWS)
- Grant Applegate, Group Vice President, Access Network Operations, Spectrum
- Dina Baraiolo, VP, Finance, The Walt Disney Company
- Celia K. Bouza, VP, Multi-Platform Video, ESPN
- Laura Brandano, VP, Sales, Retail and Government & Advocacy, Comcast Advertising
- Amber Callahan, SVP, Distribution and Business Development, AMC Global Media
- Shaunet Craig, VP, Business Planning, Spectrum
- Mona Dexter, VP, Military & Veteran Affairs, NBCUniversal
- Audrey Engelman, VP, Partner Marketing, NBCUniversal
- Rhea Erichsen, VP, Revenue Planning, Comcast
- Raquenel “Rocki” Garcia, VP, Video Insights, Spectrum
- Jonica Hartman, VP, Product, Technology & Data, Spectrum Reach
- Michelle Kadlacek, VP, Channel Partner Program, Spectrum Business
- Lesley Kallet Rose, VP, US Distribution, Paramount
- Jane Kim, VP, Content Distribution Strategy, The Walt Disney Company
- Maayan Lattin, VP & Senior Deputy General Counsel, Comcast Cable
- Megan Mason, VP 2, Finance & Business Operations, Comcast
- Mona Murray, Executive Director, Global Payroll, Comcast
- Nelly Pitocco, VP, Sales Engineering, Comcast Business
- Rebecca “Becky” Trask, Director, Customer Care & Sales, Cable One
- Shannon Travis, VP, Partner Management, Versant Media
Members of Class 55 of the Betsy Magness Leadership Institute are:
- Carrie Barth, Sr. Director, Enterprise PMO, Organizational Change Management & Customer Experience, Cable One
- Anne Becker, SVP, Trade Marketing & Communication and Client Relations & Events, Paramount Advertising
- Cristina Bell, VP, Head of Distribution Research & TVE Analytics, A+E Global Media
- Jeanne Brown, VP, Product Marketing, Strategy & Operations, FreeWheel
- Sonya Callahan, Regional VP, Sales & Marketing, Comcast Business
- Kirsten Cieslar, Executive Director, Business Operations & Strategy, FreeWheel
- Melanie Conley, Group VP, Business Integration – PMO, Spectrum
- Regina Day, VP, Offline Customer Support, Spectrum
- Meghan Dering, VP, Research & Insights, Spectrum
- Michelle Eacobacci, SVP, Pricing, Yield & Revenue Strategy, AMC Global Media
- Daphne Malone Elkes, VP, Financial Planning & Analysis, CBS Sports & Entertainment Digital, Paramount
- Kate Flood, Global Design Director, Entertainment & News, Comcast/Sky Group
- Jennifer “Jen” Harding, Executive Director, Software Development & Engineering, Comcast
- Rebecca “Becky” Heagerty, Senior Accounting Leader, GCI
- Gina Incollingo, VP, Marketing Communications & Brand Strategy, Comcast Business
- Camille Joseph-Goldman, Group VP, Government Affairs, Spectrum
- Hyunji Lee, VP, Global Retention Marketing, Paramount
- Ivette Lopez Freeman, Head of Engagement & Inclusion Strategy, Programs & Communications, TNT Sports
- Gerrie Martinez, Global Sales Leader, AWS
- Megan Miller, Executive Director, Reliability Operations & Execution, Comcast
- Janice Patel, Executive Director, Human Resources & Talent Management, NBCUniversal
- Debbie “Deb” Powers, VP, Enterprise Solutions, Comcast Business
- Lindsay Rovegno, VP & Executive Producer, ESPN Originals, ESPN
- Aisha Shaw, SVP, Direct Response & Advanced TV Advertising Sales & Marketing, TV One
- Diane Swire, SVP, Sports Ad Sales, Paramount
- Anna Taylor, VP, Global Streaming Research & Insights, Paramount
- Rachael Tilsner, VP, Digital Yield, Planning, Pricing, Inventory, Sponsorship & Social, Paramount
Bios and photos for each participant may be found here: Class 54 and Class 55.
The Institute’s Founding
Established by The WICT Network in 1994 with a generous grant from TCI’s Bob Magness and J.C. Sparkman, the Betsy Magness Leadership Institute (BMLI) honors the legacy of Betsy Magness. A cable pioneer known for her vision, business leadership, and commitment to developing talent, Betsy helped shape the industry during a period of significant transformation. Today, BMLI continues that legacy through a year-long leadership development experience featuring six tailored sessions delivered in partnership with leading learning institutions, equipping participants with the skills, perspective, and network to lead with greater impact.
About The WICT Network – Empowering Women across Media, Entertainment & Technology
For nearly 50 years, The WICT Network has developed women leaders across media, entertainment, and technology. Founded to advance women in cable television, the organization has evolved alongside a rapidly changing industry into a global leadership network.
Today, The WICT Network is where companies invest in talent and where leaders come to learn, grow, and connect. Through leadership development programs, original industry research, and a network that opens doors, we help individuals and organizations navigate change and prepare for the future of work.
The WICT Network reaches more than 30,000 professionals through 24 domestic and international chapters and partnerships with many of the industry’s leading companies.
The WICT Network’s Strategic Touchstone Partners are Comcast NBCUniversal, Spectrum, The Walt Disney Company, and Warner Bros. Discovery.
Learn more at wict.org and follow @WICTHQ on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
###
