Amid critical debates over AM radio, ownership rules, and digital competition, the NAB Radio Board has finalized its 2025 elections with the addition of three new members, including two executives from Audacy. These appointments and elections come as the board prepares for pressing policy challenges in the evolving radio landscape.
Kelli Turner, President and CEO of Audacy, has been appointed to represent District 16, which includes Colorado and Nebraska. Her appointment is effective immediately and follows the departure of former General Counsel Andrew Sutor. Turner brings high-level leadership experience at a pivotal time for the industry and the board’s strategic advocacy efforts.
Audacy’s Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel Michael Dash was also elected to the board, representing District 3, which covers Pennsylvania. He is joined by Dale Thornhill, Vice President and COO of Commonwealth Broadcasting, who will represent District 5, covering Kentucky and West Virginia. Both join the board as newly elected members and will begin their terms in June.
The 2025 elections, held in accordance with the NAB’s alternating cycle, filled seats in odd-numbered districts across the country. Several board members were re-elected and will continue serving their respective districts. These include Allen Power of Salem Media Group (District 1, New England), Dave Hoxeng of WNRP-AM/WEBY-AM/WYCT (District 7, Florida and nearby territories), and Nick Martin of Big River Broadcasting (District 9, Georgia and Alabama).
Also returning are Matthew Mnich of North American Broadcasting Company (District 11, Ohio), Julie Koehn of Lenawee Broadcasting Company (District 13, Michigan), Kenneth Forte of R&F Communications (District 15, Tennessee and Arkansas), and Dana Withers of Withers Broadcasting (District 17, Illinois). William Payne of Payne Media Group retains his seat in District 19, which includes Oklahoma and North Texas.
Additional returning members include Nic Anderson of Salem Media Group (District 21, Minnesota and the Dakotas), Felipe Chavez of Bustos Media Holdings (District 23, Northern California and Alaska), and Tery Garras of Morgan Murphy Media (District 25, Oregon and Washington).
As the board enters its next term, the NAB’s radio leadership will continue to play a central role in addressing legislative and regulatory priorities. The inclusion of seasoned executives like Turner and Dash signals a strengthened focus on legal, operational, and advocacy strategies amid a shifting broadcast media environment.