Business Advisory Council

Mary CrebassaChair

LTN

Mary Crebassa brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in business development and strategic planning across the media and entertainment, broadcast, and telecommunications industries. At LTN, she plays a key role in driving strategic growth initiatives and expanding partnerships that support broadcasters and content owners as they transition from legacy satellite infrastructure to scalable, IP-based distribution.

Mary works closely with customers and industry partners to align LTN’s fully managed IP video network with evolving operational, monetization, and reliability requirements—helping media organizations modernize workflows while maintaining the performance standards demanded by mission-critical live sports and event distribution.

She holds a Bachelor of Science from California Polytechnic State University and has been recognized twice as an Honored Alumna (2003 and 2021) for outstanding professional achievement, leadership, and service to the university community.

David Britto

Mirakulo Software

David Britto is a Brazilian technology executive and entrepreneur with over 28 years of experience in Digital TV and Connected Media. As Founder & CEO of Mirakulo Software, he builds middleware and hybrid broadcast-broadband platforms for next-generation television, leading scalable innovations that bridge linear TV and IP services. A multi-patent inventor in interactive TV and synchronized media, he is recognized for aligning technology, standards, and strategy to drive growth in the global TV ecosystem.

Vinnie Curren

Public Media Venture Group

Vinnie Curren is the principal of Breakthrough Public Media Consulting. Breakthrough helps public media companies navigate today’s dynamic and competitive media world. Breakthrough’s primary client for the past few years has been the Public Media Venture Group. In that role, Curren works with PMVG members to plan their transition to NextGen TV and develop business and service models that leverage the expanded capabilities of the new technology. Prior to forming Breakthrough Public Media Consulting, Curren served as Chief Operating Officer of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a position that he held for nearly a decade. Curren had overall responsibility for managing CPB’s policy, grant-making and station support activities, with the objective of ensuring that all Americans receive robust public media services for free and commercial-free. Prior to being named COO, Curren was CPB’s Senior Vice President for Radio. Curren has been a major market station general manager (WXPN, Philadelphia). He is a member of the Advisory Board of the James H. and Mary B. Quello Center at Michigan State University and has served on the boards of the Development Exchange (now Greater Public) and the Station Resource Group, which he chaired for several years. Curren has received several awards including Public Radio International’s award for innovation and leadership. He holds a BA from SUNY Buffalo (Psychology) and an MS from the University of Pennsylvania (Organizational Dynamics). In his spare time, Curren is an avid motorcycle rider and shade-tree mechanic, and has toured parts of Spain, Mexico, and the U.S. on two wheels.

Rick Ducey

BIA Advisory Services

Rick Ducey is a seasoned media strategist with deep expertise across broadcast, digital, advertising, and emerging technologies. With decades of leadership experience and a reputation as a forward-thinking industry analyst, he helps media firms navigate disruption, capitalize on new revenues, and build sustainable competitive advantage. Rick specializes in areas including NextGen TV, streaming and FAST channels, advanced advertising, and artificial intelligence applications for media workflows and monetization. Known for his clear insights, data-driven recommendations, and strong industry relationships, he brings a unique blend of strategic vision and practical execution guidance. Rick is widely recognized for helping media companies transform challenges into growth opportunities.

Matthew Durgin

LG Electronics

Matthew Durgin is Vice President of Content & Services for LG Electronics. Based in LG’s North American headquarters in the New York City Metro Area, he oversees LG’s Smart TV Business team covering the North American market. Matt and his team’s primary responsibilities include partner negotiations, partner engagement, LG Channels, webOS licensing, and TV innovation partnerships. During the past 18 years at LG, he has led hundreds of new content partnerships including Netflix, Amazon, Max, Disney+, Hulu and ESPN. LG Channels, is a FAST service with more than 300 channels including the exclusive NCAA Championships channel. Matt helped to support multiple initiatives in 2025, including webOS Pay, LG Movies and TV Store, LG Radio+, Gallery+, and more. Matt also serves as Chairman of the Board of Alphonso Inc. operating LG Ad Solutions, as a Board Director of the Digital Entertainment Group (DEG) and chair of their Connected Devices Committee. Additionally, he is a board member of the Consumer Technology Association’s (CTA) Content and Entertainment Council and was awarded Top Leaders in Technology by Parks Associates in 2023.

Greg Frey

HCLTech

Greg Frey is a seasoned Canadian telecommunications executive and serves as the Global Presales Associate Vice President at HCLTech. With over 25 years of experience in the telecommunications industry, Greg earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science from the University of Waterloo and was originally hired by Hewlett Packard as a solution architect.

Today Greg is responsible for the solutioning of HCLTech Communication’s Technology Group (CTG) software and services portfolio globally. CTG’s extensive software portfolio includes AI-powered solutions in 5G, Digital Identity, Revenue Intelligence, Broadcasting and Network Automation. Greg lives in a suburb of Toronto, Canada and in his spare time enjoys golfing and playing baseball.

Claire Grant

Phare MCL

Dr. Claire Cordelia Grant, OD — a visionary media executive, media strategic consultant, and academic, is one of the Caribbean’s most respected voices in the communications, media, and broadcast industry.

With a career span of more than 30 years, Dr. Grant has left an indelible mark on journalism, digital broadcasting, television, and radio operations across the region. She is currently the Managing Director of PHARE Media Consultancy Limited, where she advises governments, corporate boards, and international stakeholders on media transformation, regulatory strategy, and sustainable development. She previously served as Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the RJRGLEANER Communications Group, Jamaica’s largest broadcast network, where she led the nation’s historic transition to the ATSC 3.0 digital standard during the COVID pandemic — making Jamaica the third country in the world to adopt this groundbreaking technology and the first to move from analog to this new broadcast standard.

Dr. Grant holds a Doctorate in Business Administration, an MBA in Marketing, and an MA in International Journalism. She is a recipient of Jamaica’s Order of Distinction for her three decades of service to journalism, communications, and media management in her country. She has held prestigious leadership roles including President of the Caribbean Broadcasting Union, Vice Chair and Chair of the Media Association of Jamaica and is currently a Commissioner on the Jamaica Debates Commission.
In addition to her executive achievements, Dr. Grant is an Adjunct Lecturer at CARIMAC – the Caribbean Institute of Media and Communication, a published researcher, and an enthusiastic mentor. Her voice continues to shape media discourse, both regionally and internationally.

She is a bold leader, an analytical thinker, and an advocate for harnessing exponential development for developing countries by unlocking the power of informed societies, which operate with the efficiency possible from technologically integrated digitally enhanced media industries.

Kangok Jay Jeon

RAPA

Kangok Jay Jeon is the Director of Industrial Development in the Industry Promotion, Planning, and Strategy Division at Radio Promotion Association of Korea (RAPA). In this role, he leads strategic initiatives that advance Korea’s broadcasting and media technology industries, with a focus on innovation, market growth, and global competitiveness.

Jeon works in close coordination with Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT, particularly the Radio Policy Bureau, supporting policy alignment and industry development efforts. As a NextGen TV and international project specialist, Jeon plays a key role in fostering cross-border collaboration, driving technology adoption, and promoting Korea’s leadership in next-generation broadcasting standards and digital media transformation.

Ray Miklius

GatesAir

Ray Miklius has been actively involved in developing ATSC3.0 transmission products since 2012 as VP of Television Product Line management. He has recently assumed the position of Chief Technology Officer at GatesAir.

Lee Miller

Advanced Television Broadcasting Alliance

Lee Miller is a consultant, media strategist, and business leader working at the intersection of energy, broadcast, media, and emerging technology. He serves as Executive Director of the Advanced Television Broadcasting Alliance, where he advocates for innovation in broadcasting and helps guide the industry through the transition to ATSC 3.0 and next-generation television.

Miller is the founder of multiple ventures spanning public relations, media production, energy markets, and business consulting. Through MSGPR, he helps organizations amplify their message through strategic communications, video production, digital marketing, and content development. In the energy sector, he works closely with commercial clients and brokers, providing market insight and strategic guidance.

With decades of experience supporting major broadcast events, national media initiatives, and business growth strategies, Miller is known for combining practical leadership with forward-thinking innovation, including the integration of AI and emerging technologies into media and business operations. He is also a bestselling author, coach, and speaker focused on leadership, entrepreneurship, and purpose-driven success.

Derek Powell

Informd

Derek Powell, a lead Supply Chain Advisor at Informd, is a transformational leader with over 25 years of experience in modernizing global broadcast operations and digital supply chains. He specializes in designing and developing high-throughput, zero-failure content pipelines and recently led the virtualization of the PitchBlue platform, supporting 2.76 million terrestrial deliveries across 1,500 stations. Derek’s extensive background includes serving as SVP and General Manager at Warner Bros. (GDMX), where he managed a 100,000-square-foot broadcast and post-production facility and launched joint ventures serving more than 1,400 stations. A former consultant at Deloitte Consulting and Altman Solon, he has a strategic portfolio that includes PMO leadership for a client’s $100 million NextGen broadcast facility, digital transformation roadmaps for major broadcasters and networks, and the development of a news channel’s internet-only video strategy. Grounded in an early career as a launch vehicle engineer for the U.S. Air Force, Derek continues to shape the future of media technology through his leadership in SMPTE and HPA.

Lucy Rutishauser

formally Sinclair, Inc

After more than three decades in corporate America, including her most recent tenure as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and de facto Chief Risk Officer of Sinclair, Inc., Lucy ‘retired’ in 2025 after a distinguished career which included having been a Chief Financial Officer for a Fortune 500 company. During her 27 years at Sinclair, nine as Chief Financial Officer, Lucy served on multiple steering committees including technology, innovation, business development, corporate communications, sales and risk management among others. Her oversight of investor relations and corporate communications helped shape narratives, align stakeholders, and reinforce market confidence. She has served on the ATSC BAC since its founding. Lucy currently serves as a Senior Advisor to Sinclair.

Stephan Sloan

All 6G

Stephan C. Sloan leads Jericho Receivers in pioneering mobile ATSC 3.0 receiver technology, with a flagship achievement being the company’s state-of-the-art Software Defined Atomic Clock — a breakthrough in resilient, precise timing incorporating Broadcast Positioning System (BPS) integration over ATSC 3.0 signals. This software-defined solution delivers robust, GPS-independent time synchronization for wired and wireless applications, enhancing national infrastructure resilience and enabling advanced positioning/navigation services.

Jericho’s innovative receiver platforms feature software-defined radio (SDR) elements for superior mobile performance, including an optimized internal antenna system, lossless front-end filters, efficient ATSC 3.0 data flow control, and intelligent data discrimination for localized distribution. These advancements provide exceptional reception quality in challenging environments and lay the groundwork for BPS-enabled applications.

An internationally recognized expert in spectrum valuation and communications strategy, Stephan brings decades of experience in acquisitions, valuations, and financing. He has advised on over $1 billion in spectrum transactions, delivered valuations exceeding $3 billion, developed predictive auction models, and secured more than $500 million in auction proceeds plus significant option revenues for clients.

Stephan is passionate about demonstrating the full value of broadcast television spectrum in the NextGen TV era.

Shashi Vempeti

Freestream Technologies

A dynamic technocrat and an influential strategic advisor, Shashi has been shaping India’s technology, media, and public policy landscapes. Known for his transformative leadership, Shashi advises global organizations, innovative startups, and prominent government institutions.

As co-founder of the DeepTech for Bharat Foundation, Shashi champions India’s AI ecosystem through the impactful ‘AI4India’ initiative. He also serves as a Member of the Board of Directors of BharatGen Technology Foundation incubated at IIT Bombay to build India’s Sovereign AI. He also holds several pivotal roles, including as the Chairperson of the Apex Advisory Committee for Science & Technology Communication at the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, and Chairperson of the UGC’s Experts Committee on Educational Media. Shashi also provides global insights as an advisor to the International Broadcast Standards Organization (ATSC) and contributes governance expertise to boards including the Indian Institute of Mass Communications (IIMC), the Consortium for Educational Communication, Jamia’s AJK Mass Communication & Media Research Center, and Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC). He is also an Independent Director on the Board of Saarathi Finance, a greenfield technology-first NBFC.

As CEO of Prasar Bharati (2017-2022), Shashi drove sweeping reforms at India’s largest public broadcaster, steering modernization of Doordarshan and All India Radio and concurrently led Rajya Sabha TV (2017-2019). His visionary reforms have significantly influenced national policy on media governance, television ratings guidelines, and educational media infrastructure.

With a proven track record in digital innovation, Shashi led Niti Digital’s influential digital media platform as its Chief Digital Officer, playing a critical role in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s groundbreaking Mission272+ digital campaign during India’s 2014 elections and as CEO of Niti Digital between 2014-2016. Previously, at Infosys Technologies (1997-2012), he managed multiple cutting edge technology programs globally in the areas of wireless communication, RFID, wireless sensors and enterprise mobility.

An IIT Bombay alumnus, Shashi is widely published, contributing thought leadership to leading media platforms in India, strategic think-tanks such as IDSA, ICWA and also to global media publications. He is also the author of ‘Collective Spirit Concrete Action – Mann ki Baat and its Influence on India,’ capturing the transformative impact of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popular radio series. He has recently been nominated to receive the Padma Shri, the fouth highest civilian honor, by the President of India.

Yao Wang

National Engineering Research Center - DTV

Yao Wang serves as the Secretary-General and Acting Chair of the Technical Committee of the Future of Broadcast Television Initiative (FOBTV), a global consortium uniting broadcast media expert from over 70 leading companies across North America, South America, Europe, and Asia. In addition, he is Vice President of NERC-DTV, a joint venture of leading university and TV manufacturers, where he focuses on digital television technologies. He has long been dedicated to the development and engineering of broadcast media and digital television systems and has played a key role in the commercialization of emerging ultra-high-definition and immersive standards, technologies, and solutions. Yao Wang holds a Master’s degree in Electronic Engineering and dual Bachelor’s degrees in Electronic Engineering and Technical Economics from Shanghai Jiao Tong University.