DALLAS, TX (April 21, 2026) - Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc. (MIW), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of female leadership in radio broadcasting, proudly names Ruth Presslaff, the 2026 MIW Frances Preston Trailblazer. Ruth is Founder of Presslaff Interactive Revenue, former MIW Board President, and current MIW Advisory Board member.
MIW’s Trailblazer Award, named for music industry pioneer and longtime Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) President and CEO Frances Preston, is MIW’s highest accolade. It is presented annually to a woman who, through her leadership and accomplishments in the industry, champions and creates opportunities for other women in radio to further their careers.
Presslaff was honored on Monday, April 20 during the 2026 NAB Show with a public award recognition and interview conducted by Erica Farber at TV and Radio HQ, followed by a formal presentation at the annual MIW Lipstick & Lobster Dinner at Maggiano’s.
A true pioneer at the intersection of radio, revenue, and technology, Presslaff has built a career defined by innovation and impact. From her early days as the first female General Manager of WTUL in New Orleans, to on-air roles in commercial radio, to leadership positions spanning affiliate relations and network sales in New York, Washington D.C., and Chicago, her career has consistently pushed the industry forward.
As Founder of Presslaff Interactive Revenue, she was ahead of the curve in identifying how emerging technologies could transform local media revenue. From early adoption of Interactive Voice Response systems to advancements in digital marketing, first-party data strategy, and customer relationship management, Presslaff has helped broadcasters unlock new, sustainable revenue streams. She successfully built and sold her company twice and later led Enterprise Sales for Second Street Media, further solidifying her reputation as a forward-thinking industry leader.
Beyond her business accomplishments, Presslaff’s impact on MIW has been transformational. As Board President, she played a critical role in guiding the organization through its transition to a 501(c)(3), strengthening its foundation for long-term growth and expanded impact. Over the past decade, she has been instrumental in driving awareness, recruitment, and strategic development, helping to shape MIW into the influential organization it is today.
MIW Board President Sheila Kirby states, “Ruth Presslaff’s impact on both MIW and the broader radio industry cannot be overstated. She has been a driving force behind the evolution of this organization, expanding our reach, strengthening our mission, and consistently championing the advancement of women in radio. Ruth leads with vision, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to lifting others up, and the progress we’ve made over the past decade is a direct reflection of her leadership and dedication. She is the very definition of a Trailblazer.”
Ruth adds, “What an honor to be recognized as an MIW Trailblazer! I love this organization and everything it represents. This only happened because of the leaders who came before me: Denyse Mesnik, Kay Olin, and Heidi Raphael who set the course for all MIW has achieved. I’m also eternally grateful to all the radio stations and corporate broadcasters who supported my company and our vision for how technology could enhance listener relationships and advertising effectiveness. Thank you Sheila and the MIW Board!”
A respected industry voice, Presslaff has spoken at leading conferences including the National Association of Broadcasters, Commercial Radio Australia, Local Media Association events, the Radio Advertising Bureau Managing Conference, and Rising Through the Ranks. Based in Southern California, she continues to mentor, advise, and advocate for the next generation of leaders, leaving a lasting imprint on the industry she has helped shape for decades.
Ruth joins an esteemed list of past honorees, including Deborah Parenti (2025), Corinne Baldassano (2024), the late Laurie Kahn (2023), Michelle Duke (2022), Christine Travaglini (2019), Julie Talbott (2018), Mary Quass (2017), Beth Neuhoff (2016), Kim Guthrie (2015), Diane Sutter (2014), Weezie Kramer (2013), Caroline Beasley (2012), Ginny Hubbard Morris (2011), Lynn Anderson (2010), and Erica Farber (2009).
To learn more about the organization, please visit RadioMIW.com.
About MIW:
Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc. (MIW) is a volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit organization of top-level female radio professionals, from across the country, who are dedicated to using their influence and resources to help other women in radio broadcasting develop management and leadership skills. The MIW organization is equally committed to advocating for the advancement of women to senior positions within the radio industry. For more information, please visit www.RadioMIW.com.
# # #