The National Association for Multi-ethnicity in Communications (NAMIC) announced the selection of Eglon E. Simons as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective June 23, 2014.
Founded in 1980, NAMIC is a leading 501 (c)(6) trade association advocating for diversity and inclusion within the communications industry. Simon’s hiring completes the organization’s strategic realignment designed to build on NAMIC’s full slate of professional and leadership development programs and its new membership engagement initiatives.
“We are thrilled to welcome Eglon Simons, a proven industry veteran, as the new executive leader,” said Michael D. Armstrong, Chair, NAMIC Board and Senior Vice President and General Manager, BET International and Paramount Channel, Viacom International Media Networks. “As our nation’s demographic landscape becomes increasingly diverse, the business acumen and vast managerial experience required to further NAMIC’s mission within the communications industry is of the utmost importance. Under Eglon’s leadership, we look forward to achieving continued growth and expansion.”
A strong and progressive leader, Simons’ career in media and communications has spanned more than 30 years. Upon earning an MBA from Harvard Business School, Simons joined the staff at CBS New York. After holding several managerial positions, Simons concluded his 13-year run with the network as Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the CBS Television Stations Division. In 1990, Simons embarked on a 21-year run with Cablevision Systems Corporation as Director of New York Sales for its Cable Networks unit. Simons began serving as Vice President and General Manager of New York Interconnect in 1992 and subsequently, was promoted in 1995, to Senior Vice President and General Manager. Simons was named Executive Vice President of Cablevision’s Rainbow Advertising Sales Company in 2002, a senior management role he fulfilled until his retirement from Cablevision Systems Corporation in 2011.
Simons commented: “NAMIC continues to be a standard-bearer for diversity and inclusion within the communications industry. As we move toward 35 years of service, the opportunity to lead the association and champion its mission is an honor. I look forward to working closely with the Chapters and collaborating with NAMIC’s board, staff, chapter leadership and industry partners in building upon the association’s legacy of success.”
Simons’ hiring takes place at the conclusion of veteran executive Alicin Williamson’s successful tenure as the association’s interim executive leader. “It has been an honor to serve as NAMIC’s Interim President,” said Williamson, a Principal at the strategy firm, The Raben Group. “Today, I join the NAMIC board in welcoming Eglon Simons as the new NAMIC leader. Having been afforded the opportunity to lead NAMIC’s strategic realignment initiative, it is with great promise that I pass the baton onto such a distinguished diversity champion.”
Armstrong commented: “On behalf of the NAMIC board, we thank outgoing interim president, Alicin Williamson for her commitment to advancing NAMIC’s mission. Alicin’s steady guidance and strategic leadership were invaluable during the association’s transition. Additionally, we thank NAMIC’s staff for the dedication that they have demonstrated while maintaining a high level of excellence in facilitating day to day operations.”
Under Williamson’s direction, the association’s organizational infrastructure has been realigned to establish adjusted staff roles and responsibilities. James C. Jones, NAMIC’s Vice President of Education Programs and Diversity Solutions will take on the additional role of Executive Director for the NAMIC Foundation, a newly created senior management position. In his expanded leadership capacity, Jones will manage day-to-day NAMIC Foundation operations, while maintaining responsibility for oversight of the association’s education programs and professional development initiatives. A not-for-profit entity, the mission of the NAMIC Foundation is to advance diversity by providing education, research and information to support workforce recruitment goals, programming innovation, career growth and technology access. Additionally, the foundation raises funds to support the initiatives of NAMIC, Inc.
Sandra Girado now serves as Senior Director of Meetings and Events. Girado will continue to lead the production and management of NAMIC’s national events and oversees key marketing and creative services. The roles of Managers, Susan Waldman and Monique Wells have also been expanded. Waldman, the former Manager of Research now serves as Senior Manager of Research and Publications. Waldman’s responsibilities include the day-to-day facilitation of NAMIC’s membership operations. Formerly holding the position of Operations Manager, Wells is now serving in the expanded capacity of Senior Manager of Finance and Administration. As part of the association’s realigned internal structure, the operation of NAMIC’s 16 nationwide chapters now falls under the purview of Faride Precil, NAMIC’s Manager of Leadership and Development. Additionally, Jessica Thomas, the association’s Project Assistant, now serves as Project Coordinator.
