11 Mark Handwerger, LSM at Meredith Media, Portland, OR Nominated by a group of superfans including Lynn Clary, Account Executive; Eryn Burgess, Regional Account Executive; Malcolm Jamison, Account Executive; and Mike Tierney, Account Executive at Meredith Media because they admire the way, “Mark knows everyone” and he “knows this market better than any other LSM!” They went on to explain, “He has great relationships and recruits talent in a professional and respectful way. He recognizes strengths and is great at bringing out the best in his staff. He is clear about setting a path, being supportive, being a great resource -- but not doing the job for people -- letting them be successful in their own right. He's a great problem solver and a very strong, well balanced coach!” Expanding on Mark’s management superpowers, Lynn said, “Mark is awesome. I have been selling TV, Radio and or/ digital for the past 20 years and Mark is one of (if not THE) best coach I have had. He is respectful, personable, responsive, resourceful, knowledgeable and cares deeply about his job. He also enjoys seeing others succeed and is willing to forgo credit at any time. He is humble. I have had one of my most successful years selling, while working for Mark. I am a better AE as a result of working for such a talented coach.” Maryann Balbo, VP at Cox Media, Kansas/ Arkansas Nominated by Fran Mallace, Group VP with Cox Media, who told us, “Maryann is one of the most engaged leaders I have ever worked with as it relates to growing talent. She is intentional about finding resources and tools to create the best environment for success. The following are just a few examples: Utilizes CSS to evaluate and coach sales team, creates a talent rich offering on LinkedIn as to why Cox Media is the best media culture to work with, creates people focused culture internally to keep engagement at an all-time high and uses this as a platform to educate internal customers and grow talent. Maryann is relentless when it comes to on-boarding new talent at every level of the organization. She has individual one-on-ones with all employees, in several different states, to find and help advise on a successful career path. She constantly asks and gives feedback in a timely manner to assist with growth. Fran went on to share, “Maryann was hired in March and had literally changed the culture to a high thriving team that is focused on the internal and external customer. She has brought life back to the organization. She is heavily involved in the local community and supports her team to do the same. This has presented good opportunities for talent recruitment too. She is changing lives and making a big difference in people’s lives.”