2024 Honorees
We welcome you to join us and industry colleagues at CTAM Think on Nov. 7 to honor this year’s winners, as well as to post a comment below congratulating our 2024 honorees for their impactful industry changing contributions.
The CTAM Grand Tam Award, CTAM’s highest honor, is not given every year; it is awarded only to individuals who have demonstrated significant industry leadership.
2024 Honoree
Julian Brodsky
ComcastJulian Brodsky
Director Emeritus and Co-Founder
Comcast
Industry Contribution
Julian was chosen to receive this award in recognition of his time, talent, and commitment to ensuring the CTAM Executive Management at Harvard Business School program keeps pace with industry change and continues to develop next generation leaders who are prepared to address those challenges. This honor is a reflection of his exceptional leadership and an acknowledgement of the industry’s collective appreciation for your many contributions that ensure CEM@HBS remains a gold standard program.
Julian is a model for industry leadership, and a very well-deserving recipient of this award.
Julian is a founder of Comcast Corp., and has also served as a director and vice chairman of the company, the nation’s leading cable operators. Brodsky also founded and served as chairman of Comcast Interactive Capital, the venture capital fund arm of Comcast, which seeks and manages technology investments complementary to core Comcast activities and is now known as Comcast Ventures.
Prior to his election as Vice Chairman, Brodsky served as Executive Vice President and CFO of Comcast. As one of the company’s three founding principals, he has been the chief architect of the conservative fiscal policies and creative uses of capital formation techniques for which Comcast has built a solid reputation. As CFO, he oversaw the company’s merger and acquisition efforts, international development, and expansion as well as capital formation, investor relations and accounting activities.
Brodsky was elected to the Pennsylvania Cable Hall of Fame as well as The National Cable Hall of Fame and has received the National Cable Television Association’s Distinguished Vanguard Award for Lifetime Achievement.
Congratulatory Videos
Martha Soehren
Chair, Educational Foundation Board
Comcast (Retired Chief Development Officer)
Zell Murphy
SVP, Finance & Administration
CTAM
Today, I have the distinct honor of recognizing someone who has made an extraordinary impact on our industry and, more importantly, on the lives and careers of countless industry executives. Julian Brodsky, a financial wizard and a brilliant senior executive, has contributed immensely to the CTAM Executive Management Program in partnership with Harvard Business School.
Julian, your insights and expertise have been pivotal in shaping the program’s curriculum, ensuring it stays ahead of the curve in addressing the ever-changing needs of our senior leaders. Your ability to bring complex financial and business concepts to life, while making them practical and actionable, has left an indelible mark on everyone lucky enough to learn from you.
It is my immense pleasure to congratulate you, Julian, on earning CTAM’s Grand TAM Award. This recognition is so well deserved, and I couldn’t be more thrilled for you. Thank you for all you do to inspire and develop others.
I’m proud to call you my friend.
Congratulations, Julian.
Congratulations Julian on receiving CTAM’s Grand TAM Award. It couldn’t be going to a more deserving individual. For the 18 years that I’ve been at CTAM, I’ve watched you be the biggest and most vocal champion of the CTAM Executive Management Program at HBS. You have brought your expertise, experience, insights, and your influence in the industry to bear in service of the program. In doing so, you have helped to make it the world class executive education program that it is.
I would certainly be remiss if I didn’t recognize and thank you for your work on the Foundation’s Audit Committee. You have always placed a premium on your financial stewardship responsibilities, and we have all benefited from your financial acumen and input. And personally, you have helped me to be to be a better CFO for the Foundation.
Thank you, Julian and, once again, congratulations on receiving the Grand TAM, CTAM’s highest honor.
The CTAM Beacon Award is given in recognition of a communications leader who exemplifies success in the discipline, demonstrates innovative thinking, supports corporate positioning and growth, and inspires excellence in others.
A Legacy in the Cultural Conversation
Chris Albert
National GeographicChris Albert
Executive Vice President, Marketing and Communications
National Geographic
Industry Contribution
Chris Albert recently announced his departure from National Geographic after more than 20 years, shaping the 135-year-old brand’s public narrative and keeping it in the cultural conversation. A brand with an ambitious agenda and revered legacy requires smart, creative, strategic (and scrappy) communications campaigns; and the team at National Geographic under the leadership and passion of Chris Albert, has developed a reputation for driving innovation and delivering results time and time again.
From helping to launch series like the 20-time Emmy-nominated GENIUS franchise to the most-watched Nat Geo series on Disney+, LIMITLESS WITH CHRIS HEMSWORTH to masterminding extraordinary events like the Abbey Road Studios film premiere and National Geographic’s debut at New York Fashion Week, Albert’s work has solidified National Geographic as a cultural juggernaut. Chris’ small but mighty team has been awarded PR Team of the Year on three separate occasions. He also played a crucial role in guiding the original Beacon Award through ACC as part of their award committee.
Chris Albert is founder and chief executive officer of ALBERT MEDIA GROUP, INC. (AMG) a Washington, D.C. based marketing, communications, awards, events and production firm.
Get to know the winner
Favorite TV series of 2024?
I realize this is not a unique answer, but I think I have to say “Baby Reindeer”. I watched it very early on, and it was that rare show where I had no idea what exactly it was about or what to expect – and it just blew me away. In an era where truly original IP is so rare, it was refreshing to see it can still work! I applaud the risk it probably was, and hope it inspires more opportunity for truly original ideas.
In the next few years, what role do you think AI will play within the industry?
I think it’s simply the fact that it IS going to play a role. It’s not something we can run from, so we need to learn how to embrace it with the right guardrails and safeguards, and use it for good – which I believe like all new technology can be accomplished if we approach it from the perspective of “how do we use this to make our industry better,” and not approach from a fear-based perspective.
What’s your go-to item for staying organized during a busy day?
It’s a phrase we used at Nat Geo a lot – and that is “sort for impact”. So, when I look at my to-do list (which I generally draft each night for the next day), I always start with what is going to be the most impactful use of my time. And that’s where I try to begin my day. Of course, there are also always tasks that are just mundane that also need to be accomplished – and you have to make sure you don’t let those stack up. So, it’s really a balance. And now that I have transitioned into running my own business, I am really learning how to think about this in a new way every day! And I love it.
Congratulatory Videos
E. Chai Vasarheyli and Jimmy Chin
Oscar and BAFTA Award winning filmmakers
Tom McDonald
EVP, Global Factual & Unscripted
National Geographic
Courteney Monroe
President
National Geographic
Christian Drobnyk
EVP Programming
Disney Entertainment Networks
Mariana van Zeller
Host + Exec Producer of Emmy Award-winning “Trafficked”
Alex Honnold
Professional Climber and star of Free Solo
Huge congratulations, Chris! Your incredible leadership and creativity have inspired everyone around you to aim higher. This award is a fitting recognition of the passion and commitment you bring daily. I’m lucky to have worked alongside you at TCA and witnessed your impact firsthand. Cheers to this achievement and to all that’s still to come!
Congratulations on winning the CTAM Beacon Award! This is a tremendous achievement and a testament to your dedication and hard work over the years. Having been with Nat Geo for over two decades, you’ve made an undeniable impact, and so great to see your contributions recognized at this level. Warmest congratulations again on this well-deserved honor.
The best in the biz! Congrats Chris – it’s an honor and privilege to know you and learn from you. Plus, no one throws a party like you do! Cheers to your new adventure and for the incredible portfolio of work and memories you’ve built and will continue to create for years to come. XOXOXOX
Big congratulations Chris on this award! I am a huge fan of giving people their flowers while they are still here to appreciate them so let me join the chorus of praise to you and your achievements in helping elevate the Nat Geo brand. You have been an amazing supporter and advocate and pushed our brand to be a leader in the cultural space. To do this it takes courage, effort, intentionality and perseverance and you have led the way for our award-winning PR and Communications team for many years. And you have done it with impeccable style- I really appreciate that part! Congrats again my friend!
Congratulations, Chris on your much deserved CTAM Beacon Award for Communications Excellence! All of us who have worked in the trenches with you, especially us filmmakers, know the dedication, the hard work, the brilliance, and the heart that you bring to everything you do. There’s no one I’d rather have in my corner than you, Chris. Not only are you the sharpest dressed, not only do you throw the best parties in the land, but you have a true talent that you’ve decided to apply to the noblest causes. Seeing the way you connected and amplified the work of the Dr. McCallas, the Dr. Amanis, the Bobis and Barbies of the world, has been an inspiration to me. We all look up to you! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. And congratulations!
With love,
The CTAM TAMI Award honors individuals for their leadership in addressing business challenges and creating opportunities for members to achieve greater impact by working together.
Business Services
Lauren Richardson
Comcast BusinessLauren Richardson
Senior Director, Solutions Strategy & Analyst Relations
Comcast Business
Industry Contribution
Lauren has been an instrumental contributor to the CTAM MSO-wide Business Services project group. Her willingness to share valuable Comcast custom research on AI in the B2B space collectively benefited the group. Her extraordinary volunteer efforts in developing the first-ever sales data reporting for CTAM’s Business Services Connect, the industry’s SMB lead generation portal, were pivotal to the portal’s success Lauren’s lean in attitude, willingness to share insights to further collective results not only aided optimization for this year and beyond. Lauren’s time spearheading these projects provided a collective benefit to SMB efforts industrywide.
Lauren leads the development and execution of customer-centric, data-driven strategies across Comcast Business Solutions. Her role encompasses both new and existing solutions, informed by in-depth market and trend analysis, as well as analyst and customer insights. Lauren collaborates closely with a range of internal partners, including finance, corporate strategy, product management, corporate communications, and sales, to craft innovative commercial strategies that drive growth and product differentiation. Having joined Comcast Business in 2015, Lauren brings 9 years of experience across various marketing roles, leveraging her expertise to shape product roadmaps, identify market opportunities, and maintain Comcast Business’ competitive edge.
Get to know the winner
What’s your go-to item for staying organized during a busy day?
My notebook is my anchor. It keeps me on track with notes and actions from past meetings and my daily/weekly priorities.
What Summer Olympics event would you have enjoyed seeing in person?
Either Women’s Gymnastics or Track and Field – specifically the 100-meter dash.
What’s a lesson you learned from a mentor that helped shape your leadership style?
Always prioritize time with your team. Those are the meetings and moments that you make time for before committing to anything else.
Congratulatory Videos
The Comcast Business Comms Team
Shawn Samuel
Director, Solutions Marketing, Advocacy and Go-To-Market
Comcast Business
Christian Nascimento
Vice President, Product Management & Strategy
Comcast Business
Jon Friedman
Senior Vice President, Product Strategy and Operations
Comcast Business
Allegra Rich
Executive Marketing Director
Comcast Business
Regan Yeldell
Executive Director, Program Management
Comcast Business
Congrats on the hard-earned and well-deserved recognition! I remember when Alex Sewell received her recognition, my first time hearing of CTAM many (many) years ago, and believe you are well on your way to following in her (and others) footsteps as one of CB’s key influential leaders. I think it is a fitting point of reference to help reflect upon that moment in time for Comcast Business, and for yourself, to appreciate just how much has changed and how you’ve been key in that transformation journey. Looking forward to continuing to see your growth and wishing you continued success in all that’s to come.
Lauren, you are incredibly deserving of the CTAM TAMI Award and we are so fortunate to have such a talented, knowledgeable and brilliant teammate. Congratulations and keep shining!
Congratulations Lauren! Thank you for all you do for Comcast Business, for our Marketing Team, for our Community, and for me. It is a true pleasure to know you and I look forward to seeing where your career takes you.
Lauren has been instrumental to the success of Comcast Business, always excelling at whatever function or team that she is leading and always treating others with care and kindness. It is a privilege to work with Lauren and she is incredibly worthy of this recognition. Congrats, Lauren!
Lauren, huge congrats on the 2024 CTAM TAMI Award! This recognition is so well-deserved, and I’m excited to see all the great things you’ll keep doing. Enjoy the moment—you’ve earned it!
Congratulations to Lauren Richardson from Comcast on receiving the CTAM TAMI Award! She is being recognized for her outstanding leadership and dedication to advancing industry-wide initiatives. Lauren’s unwavering commitment to the MSO automatic sales data reporting project for Business Services Connect has been instrumental in the success of Phase 1 of this critical program. Her countless volunteer hours and exceptional guidance have laid a strong foundation that will benefit the entire industry for years to come. Lauren’s work exemplifies the spirit of collaboration and innovation that the CTAM TAMI Awards celebrate. Lauren – your hard work and vision are truly inspiring!
Past TAMI Award Honorees
Past Beacon Award Winners
Annie Howell personifies what the Beacon Award stands for through her proven ability to drive results impacting the industry. She leads with confidence, intellectual curiosity, empathy and a keen sense of humor. Annie’s dedication reaches far beyond her organization, she enthusiastically offers her time and communications prowess to collaborative efforts fostering industry-wide success.
A seasoned communications executive with over 30 years of experience, Annie Howell currently oversees Hallmark Media’s communication functions, including corporate communications, media relations, publicity, and government relations, as well as talent relations and events.
Rob Stoddard is an extraordinary communications executive, a mentor and trusted ally to many in our business; his insights and guidance helped cultivate opportunities during challenging times and foster collaboration within our industry to ultimately achieve greater success.
Rob oversees the NCTA’s member relations efforts and industry-wide public affairs programs, and he helps manage NCTA’s relationships with other cable industry associations and societies. Before joining NCTA, he served as chief communications officer for a variety of major cable companies, including AT&T Broadband, MediaOne, and Continental Cablevision.
Leigh Woisard SVP, Public Affairs, Cox Communications received the 2020 CTAM Beacon Award for communications excellence. The award spotlights communications executives for extraordinary accomplishments, innovative thinking and inspiring excellence in others. This year’s Beacon showcases a leader who distinguished themselves by successfully navigating communications efforts during COVID-19.
“At a time when the community was struggling to adapt to life at home, Leigh quickly established new, innovative ways for Cox to effectively communicate through the crisis,” said Vicki Lins, president & CEO, CTAM. “It’s a pleasure and honor to acknowledge her extraordinary communications efforts during a time of uncertainty.”
CTAM is pleased to announce that the recipient for the 2019 CTAM Beacon Award for Communications Excellence is Quentin Schaffer, former Executive Vice President, Corporate Communications at HBO with an extraordinary 39-year tenure at the company. The award, established by the CTAM Communications Steering Council, spotlights communications executives for extraordinary accomplishments, while exemplifying the pillars of communications and public relations excellence. The Council selected Schaffer as a bow to his impressive career, stellar expertise, professionalism and reciprocal relationship with the press that paved the way for HBO’s tremendous success.
“Quentin played a vital role establishing cable’s reputation for excellence in original programming,” said Vicki Lins, CEO, CTAM “It’s an honor to acknowledge his remarkable accomplishments in the field of communications.”
Schaffer joined HBO as a senior publicist in 1980 and rose to executive leadership where he pioneered the first premiere of a TV show in a theater with Sex and the City in 1999. As one of the originators of HBO’s Emmy campaigns, he led publicity for landmark series Game of Thrones, The Sopranos, The Wire and many more. Most recently, he helped facilitate the launch of HBO Now with Apple.
CTAM is pleased to announce that the recipient of the 2018 CTAM Beacon Award for Communications Excellence is Chris LaPlaca, senior vice president, corporate communications, ESPN. The award, established by the CTAM Communications Steering Council, spotlights communications executives for extraordinary accomplishments, while exemplifying the pillars of communications and public relations excellence. The Council selected LaPlaca as a bow to his impressive career, spanning 38 years.
“Chris LaPlaca is just as good as it gets for our function, our industry and – most importantly – as a person, all of which make him the perfect choice for the first CTAM Beacon Award,” said Jim Maiella, SVP and co-head of corporate communications for AMC Networks. “His leadership of a dynamic team of highly achieving communicators at ESPN, across a broad array of activities and business opportunities over many years, has been remarkable. Yet, he still finds the time to be a trusted friend and ally for so many of us focused on driving results at our own companies through our shared function and expertise. We couldn’t be more pleased to present him with this well-deserved recognition.”
Congratulations for this well-deserved award. We respect and admire your many important contributions.
The best in the biz! Congrats Chris – it’s an honor and privilege to know you and learn from you. Plus, no one throws a party like you do! Cheers to your new adventure and for the incredible portfolio of work and memories you’ve built and will continue to create for years to come. XOXOXOX
Big congratulations Chris on this award! I am a huge fan of giving people their flowers while they are still here to appreciate them so let me join the chorus of praise to you and your achievements in helping elevate the Nat Geo brand. You have been an amazing supporter and advocate and pushed our brand to be a leader in the cultural space. To do this it takes courage, effort, intentionality and perseverance and you have led the way for our award-winning PR and Communications team for many years. And you have done it with impeccable style- I really appreciate that part! Congrats again my friend!
Congratulations Lauren!
I am thrilled to extend a heartfelt congratulations on your TAMI AWARD!! Phenomenal to see your contributions to the CTAM MSO-wide Business Services project group and your exceptional work at Comcast Business Solutions.
Congrats to the hardest working man in showbiz — such a well deserved honor!! Loved working with you at Nat Geo & can’t wait to see what you do next!
Huge congratulations, Chris, on this well-deserved honor! Your work on behalf of the Nat Geo brand and organization has always gone above and beyond. It’s wonderful to see you recognized. Congrats!
Congratulations to one of the most brilliant PR minds I know! Thank you SO MUCH for letting me be a part of your 20 year journey at Nat Geo, it has been such an honor to work alongside you all of these years. Thank you thank you thank you for that opportunity! Besides having one of the most brilliant PR minds, I so admire your loyalty, kindness, and positive attitude. The industry is better because of you! This next chapter will be incredible xoxo
There is simply NO ONE better than Chris Albert! What a honor and SO deserving! Proud to have worked by your side!
Congratulations, Lauren! This is such a well-deserved recognition of your outstanding contributions and dedication to our industry. It’s inspiring to see your innovative approach and hard work celebrated in such a meaningful way. Congratulations again on this remarkable accomplishment!
Chris — This recognition is a testament to your remarkable legacy at National Geographic. Your vision and leadership elevated the brand, consistently driving relevance and innovation across the industry. As a former team member, I witnessed your ability to orchestrate successful campaign after campaign, each time raising the bar exponentially… like magic! Your decisiveness and talent for inspiring excellence fostered tremendous growth in those around you. Working under your direction was truly transformative, challenging me to expand my creativity beyond what I thought possible. I’m certain you’ll continue to shape the entertainment landscape with your unwavering passion and commitment. Thank you for being an extraordinary mentor, and congratulations on this outstanding achievement!