Heidi Raphael is leaving Beasley Media Group for a major new role. The New York State Broadcasters Association has named her its next President and Chief Executive Officer.
What We Know: Raphael succeeds David Donovan, who has led NYSBA for 15 years. Donovan isn’t going far, however. He’ll stay on to direct government relations and advocacy efforts in Albany and Washington. Raphael brings more than 30 years of broadcasting and communications experience. She most recently served as Chief Communications Officer at Beasley Media Group, and before that, spent over two decades rising to SVP of Corporate Communications at Greater Media.
What They Said: Caroline Beasley offered a warm send-off for her departing executive. “I’ve had the pleasure of working closely with Heidi for nearly a decade, and she has become not only a trusted colleague, but also a valued friend,” said Beasley. “While we will miss her tremendously, I couldn’t be happier for her as she begins this exciting new chapter, and I know she will lead the New York State Broadcasters Association with the same passion, integrity, compassion, and unwavering commitment that have made her such a treasured member of the Beasley family.”
What Remains Unclear: An exact start date for Raphael has not been announced. Additionally, it’s unclear who will succeed her as Chief Communications Officer at Beasley Media Group. Meanwhile, the full scope of Donovan’s restructured role still hasn’t been detailed publicly.
What It Means: This is a significant leadership shift for one of the nation’s prominent state broadcast associations. NYSBA represents more than 700 television and radio stations across New York. Raphael’s deep advocacy background and industry relationships position her well. Furthermore, her Western New York roots add a personal dimension to what is already a notable homecoming.
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David Hill serves as a Music Radio Editor, Columnist and Features writer for Barrett Media. A radio lifer with more than 30 years behind the mic, in the control room, and in the program director’s chair, David’s career spans influential stops at brands such as WIYY 98 Rock, WBAL-AM, and 99X. He has worked across multiple formats and ownership groups, including iHeartMedia and Cumulus Media, developing talent, breaking music, and navigating every major industry shift from diary to PPM and terrestrial dominance to streaming disruption. When he’s not writing or analyzing the industry, Dave runs The Tune Farm, a marketing firm built to help artists and brands grow audience the same way great radio always has—by creating connection, not just impressions. He can be reached at David@BarrettMedia.com.