10 and stay with. Ron’s super power is the ability to identify individual talent and to understand how each contributes to the overall health of the team.” Overcoming obstacles as strong as kryptonite, Rob recognized that “As the leader of our biggest market, Ron has transformed NJ 101.5 from a good performer to an exceptional one. Through the normal twists and turns (both expected and unexpected), Ron demonstrates how to build a high-performance team that champions the individual, allowing each to create a path to success individually and for the organization, all the while communicating a vision for what is possible to achieve in the future. He never shies away from challenges and remains positive in his approach day after day.” Russell Lawson, Station Director/DOS at CMG, Athens, GA Nominated by Jaleigh Long, Director of Sales Cox Media Group, who appreciates that, “Russell recognizes that his organization is only as good as the talent he keeps, recruits and develops as the media industry continues to evolve. He keeps his talent bank full and the best candidates are in close reach. He is selective, connects often and zeros in on his ‘must have’ list of strengths identified in the OSTI for every position he fills.” Pointing to exactly what separates Russell from those without superhuman management abilities, Jaleigh went on to explain, “In today’s world, the most talented people want a clear career path. Russell provides his team with direction for growth in Athens and across the Cox Media Group in impactful positions in competitive sales roles, and innovative digital content/ support positions through-out the company.” Scott Burton, VP Cox Media, Louisiana NominatedbyPhilHiggins,VPCoxMediaandRebeccaMcLaughlin, Local Sales Manager Gulf Coast, because they admire the way “Scott works with his management team and encourages each of us to be the best that we can be. He pushes his team to always be on the lookout for talent. No matter where we go or what activities we are involved in. He is constantly looking for talent and when he sees that talent he will set up meetings with them and keep them on his future recruiting list even if he does not have an immediate opening. He will keep in touch with those recruits throughout the year just to keep them in the loop with what is going on in the company.”