NAB Executive Vice President, Government Relations Kelly Cole has decided to exit the association in order to hang up her own shingle. But she’ll kick off her advocacy’s operations with the NAB as a core client.
Her last day at NAB will be 8/14/15.
President/CEO Gordon Smith said, “Kelly Cole has been a remarkably effective advocate for local broadcasters for the last nine years. As she embarks on this new chapter of her career, she has NAB’s deep affection and gratitude for a job well done. We wish Kelly every success, and we are thrilled she will count NAB as an anchor client in her new firm. Fortunately, Kelly has developed and nurtured a talented group of Government Relations professionals who work every day to ensure that local broadcasting will have a bright future. We expect to name Kelly’s successor very soon, and we are confident that our GR team will continue to deliver results that will make our TV and radio membership proud.”
Here is Cole’s email to the NAB Board:
Good morning, everyone. It is with excitement and a heavy heart that I’m letting you all know that I’ve decided to leave NAB after nearly nine years. I’m very excited to tell you that I’m planning to start my own lobbying practice, be my own boss, and represent clients before the House and Senate. My last day at NAB will be August 14th.
But I can also tell you that I’m incredibly torn because working at NAB, and with each of you, has been an absolute honor. Over nine years, I’ve seen NAB make amazing strides. Gordon Smith is a tremendous leader. Our relationships with state associations is at an all-time high, and we have EVPs in every department who work cohesively and collaboratively. NAB is viewed with respect on both sides of the aisle on Capitol Hill, and our government relations team is the strongest it has ever been during my time at NAB. It has been an absolute privilege to be a member of this amazing team, to be a part of NAB history, and to work with all of you.
Thank you for all you do, all you’ve done to serve the local communities where your stations operate, and everything you’ve done for me. All of you have made this job so rewarding and so much fun! Thank you!
Kelly Cole
Executive Vice President, Government Relations
