TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 28, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Big Brothers Big
Sisters of America (BBBSA), the country's preeminent leader in
one-to-one youth mentoring, has announced Tony Coles, iHeartMedia's division president of
Metro Markets, and president of Black Information Network (BIN), as
its newest board member.
"I'm excited to join a powerful board focused on making sure the
next generation is prepared for life."
Coles brings expertise in media and a passion for mentorship,
especially in reaching communities of color, to BBBSA to increase
equity and make a lasting impact on the lives of young
people. He most recently worked with BBBSA in securing music
artists Blanco Brown and Parmalee as
special guests for the organization's virtual national conference,
to bring awareness about the need for more mentors.
"We are thrilled to have Tony join the board as we work to
advance greater equity and access to mentorship experiences for all
young people across the nation," said Ken
Burdick, BBBSA National Board Chair. "He has already been a
wonderful ambassador for the organization and his continued
commitment will inspire, educate and empower more support for our
mission."
Coles' media career started more than 35 years ago as an on-air
personality in Zanesville, Ohio. In 2020, he was instrumental
in the launch of BIN, the first and only audio network that
provides 24/7 news and objective information with a full focus on
the Black community and as president, leads all operations for the
Network. In his role as Division President of Metro Markets for
iHeartMedia, he oversees the complete profitability for 21
iHeartMedia markets across the U.S.
"When I think about the impact mentors have played in my life, I
am grateful for those who poured into me and encouraged me to
achieve the goals I set for myself—personally and professionally,"
said Tony Coles. "I am excited to
join a powerful board of committed individuals who are focused on
making sure the next generation is equipped and prepared for
life."
Coles will join current BBBSA Board members including executives
from Fortune 500 companies such as Comcast NBCUniversal, Centene
Corporation, and the most recent appointments of Makola M. Abdullah, Ph.D., president of
Virginia State University; Michael Carrel, president, CEO, and director of
AtriCure; Michael E. Kassan,
founder, chairman and CEO of MediaLink; and Rhonda Mims, senior vice president, Chief Legal
and External Affairs Officer of MissionSquare Retirement.
"I am honored to welcome Tony as a board member and appreciate
his dedication in elevating the voices of young people," said
Artis Stevens, President and CEO, of
Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. "His talent, expertise and
energy will be invaluable as we look to advance Big Brothers Big
Sisters' growth and reach."
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of America
Founded in 1904, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is the
largest and most experienced youth mentoring organization
in the United States. The
mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is to create and
support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power
and promise of youth. Big Brothers Big Sisters' evidence-based
approach is designed to create positive youth outcomes, including
educational success, avoidance of risky behaviors, higher
aspirations, greater confidence, and improved relationships. Big
Brothers Big Sisters has over 230 local agencies serving more than
5,000 communities across all 50 states. For more information,
visit: www.bigbrothersbigsisters.org.
About iHeartMedia
iHeartMedia, Inc. [Nasdaq: IHRT] is the leading audio media
company in America, reaching over 250 million people each month. It
is number one in both broadcast and digital streaming radio as well
as podcasting and audio ad tech and includes three business
segments: The iHeartMedia Multiplatform Group; the iHeartMedia
Digital Audio Group; and the Audio and Media Services Group.
Visit iHeartMedia.com for more company information.
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SOURCE Big Brothers Big Sisters of America