12 Nicki Harkrider, VP Sales at TEGNA, Houston, TX Nominated by Lori Clark, Director of Sales with TEGNA, who told us, “Nicki is constantly looking for the next TEGNA talent both internally and externally, making sure she matches up individual strengths with right jobs/roles. She includes others, gets buy in, and is transparent in terms of strengths and weaknesses with both candidates and hiring managers. I have watched Nicki in her corporate role place many people, most of whom have been very successful in those roles. I have watched her coach some of those same people, she is clear about expectations and holds folks accountable in a positive but firm way. Nicki is coaching when she doesn't even realize she is coaching - setting the example to other leaders on how to truly lead, from her tone - to positioning/explaining the why.” Expanding on how Nicki has saved the day, Lori said, “Nicki saves the day - EVERY DAY. She is the voice for the stations - it is all about having good people and she makes people her #1 priority. Her responsibilities are tremendous - I honestly don't know how she does it all. I do know that she invests time in her people. When you are talking to her - you have her undivided attention - she is present - which allows her team to feel valued. She encourages collaboration and solicits feedback/input. When people feel heard and valued they will work even harder to perform.” Steve Dinardo, DOS at Bonneville, San Francisco, CA Nominated by Mary Lea Wagner, General Sales Manager; Barry Rose, General Sales Manager; and Joe Cariffe, National Sales Manager with Bonneville. This management trio described Steve’s superpowers by saying, “Steve is the most intelligent person I know. He brings this intelligence into every sales encounter and sees things most of us never even think of.” They went on to share, “When coaching, Steve is direct with you, but demonstrates finesse and offers a realistic path to improvement. He's got a great sense of humor and is polished, articulate and professional.” They explained that Steve often saves the day because he, “can iron out any situation into a manageable place and his vast experience as a leader in San Francisco radio is invaluable.”