We’re thrilled to announce that Meredith McDermott from our Long Island team has been selected as a scholarship recipient for the prestigious Rising Through the Ranks program, presented by RAB and Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc. (MIW).

This recognition highlights not only Meredith’s exceptional talent and dedication but also Connoisseur Media’s commitment to fostering professional growth within our organization. The Rising Through the Ranks program represents one of the radio industry’s most valuable opportunities for emerging leaders to advance their careers and expand their networks.

About the Rising Through the Ranks Program

The 2025 program features a hybrid format, beginning with a virtual session on August 12, followed by an in-person event from August 19-21 in Nashville, Tennessee. This innovative approach allows participants to maximize their learning experience while connecting with industry leaders from across the nation.

Meredith will have the opportunity to learn from an impressive lineup of speakers, including:

• Rob Babin, President, Cox Media Group (CMG) Radio
• Kristin Cantrell, Owner and Operator, Seven Mountains Media
• Joe D’Angelo, Senior Vice President of Broadcast Radio and Digital Audio, Xperi
• Erica Farber, Immediate Past President and CEO, RAB
• Kelli Turner, President and CEO, Audacy
• Trisha Yearwood, Award-winning Artist
• Susan Larkin, Former Chief Operating Officer, Audacy

The program also features other notable industry leaders including Kelli Frieler, Amanda Fontaine, Geniece Granville, Kim Johnson, Sheila Kirby, Jeff Schmidt, Erika Sylvia, Brooke Williams, and Linnae Young.

Investing in Our People

At Connoisseur Media, we believe that our greatest asset is our talented team. Meredith’s selection for this scholarship program reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting professional development and recognizing the potential of our employees. Her participation in Rising Through the Ranks will not only benefit her personal career growth but will also bring valuable insights and connections back to our Long Island operations.

This achievement underscores the caliber of talent we have across all our markets and reinforces our dedication to creating pathways for advancement within our organization. We’re proud to have team members who are recognized by industry leaders and look forward to seeing how Meredith applies her new knowledge and connections to further strengthen our Long Island presence.

Looking Forward

As Meredith prepares for this exciting opportunity, we’re reminded of the importance of investing in our people and supporting their professional journeys. The Rising Through the Ranks program represents exactly the kind of industry leadership and mentorship that helps shape the future of radio broadcasting.

We congratulate Meredith on this well-deserved recognition and look forward to celebrating her continued success as she represents Connoisseur Media at this prestigious event.