After 12 years as President and Executive Director of the Kansas Association of Broadcasters (KAB), Kent Cornish will retire at the end of May.
Who’s succeeding him the role?
Allison Mazzei will lead the KAB, effective June 1. She’s a communications and fundraising strategist who has, interestingly, spent the last 12 years with Pennington & Company, most recently as a Senior VP. The business specializes in fraternity and sorority fundraising; consulting; and public relations and is based in Lawrence, home of the University of Kansas. Mazzei is a Jayhawk and is a Gamma Phi Beta acting alumni relations advisor.
“Allison comes from a family of broadcasters and is excited to champion this essential industry,” said KAB Chair Brad Moses. “Allison is a proven leader with a forward-looking vision that will enhance the Kansas Association of Broadcasters’ legislative agenda.”
With Cornish’s final days as the head of the KAB approaching, Rep. Sharice Davids placed a statement into the Congressional Record in recognition of his years of service.
Davids noted how Cornish has nearly 25 years of broadcasting experience in Kansas and is “a tireless advocate” for the local broadcasting community. Cornish started his career as news reporter, anchor and assistant news director at WIBW-13 in Topeka, Kan., until serving
as executive director of the Kansas Manufactured Housing Institute in 1980. He returned
to WIBW a few years later and was named OM/PD.
Cornish also spent 10 years at KTKA-TV in Topeka before becoming VP/GM at KSAS and KMTW in Wichita.
“Kent has left a lasting mark on Kansas,” Davids said before addressing Rep. Nancy Pelosi. “Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating Kent Cornish on his years of dedication and outstanding service to Kansas. On behalf of Kansas’ Third District, we are so
proud of Kent’s hard work and wish him the best in the next chapter of his life.”
RBR+TVBR Observation: Cornish took over the KAB in November 2007 after Harriet Lange stepped down from the role after a 25-year tenure at the helm of the state broadcasters’ association. We recall Cornish from his time at WIBW-13, and wish this Jayhawk well in his retirement. Radio remains vital across Kansas, and Cornish’s efforts deserve entry into the Congressional Record.
