Gray Media Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Gray Media has 8 executives leading key functions including operations, marketing, technology, and information systems.

Driven by a commitment to community connection, Gray Media operates as the United States' largest owner of top-rated local television stations and digital assets, shaping the national media landscape through strategic growth and diversified investments.

Leadership Roles at Gray Media

  • Chief Operating Officer - Sandra Breland
  • Station Member, Chief Operating Officer - Wayne Daugherty
  • Vice President(Executive) and Chief Operating Officer - Robert Smith
  • President - Robert Prather
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Kash Alavi
  • Senior Vice President, Chief Technology Officer - Bob Kroeger
  • Vice President, Chief Information Officer - Stephen Kirkland
  • Senior Operating Officer - Dana Neves
  • Sandra Breland - Chief Operating Officer

    Sandra Breland, the Chief Operating Officer at Gray Media, directs the operational execution across the company's extensive portfolio of television stations and digital platforms. Breland oversees the day-to-day management of broadcast operations, ensuring the delivery of high-quality local news and programming to communities nationwide. This leadership involves optimizing workflows and resource allocation to maintain the company's position as the largest owner of top-rated local television stations in the United States. Sandra Breland's strategic oversight extends to integrating new technologies and business models, aligning operational strategies with Gray Media's evolving market presence. The Chief Operating Officer's role is critical in driving efficiency and effectiveness across all market segments, from major metropolitan areas to smaller communities, reinforcing the company's commitment to serving its audiences.

    Wayne Daugherty - Station Member, Chief Operating Officer

    Wayne Daugherty, the Station Member, Chief Operating Officer at Gray Media, focuses on the operational excellence and strategic management of individual television stations within the Gray Media group. Daugherty's responsibilities include optimizing station performance, ensuring adherence to broadcast standards, and driving local market success. This role emphasizes the effective management of resources and personnel at the station level to maintain Gray Media's position as the largest owner of top-rated local television stations. The Chief Operating Officer's deep understanding of local market dynamics is crucial for implementing strategies that resonate with community audiences. Wayne Daugherty's leadership ensures that each station contributes effectively to the company's overall mission and market impact.

    Robert Smith - Vice President(Executive) and Chief Operating Officer

    Robert Smith, the Vice President(Executive) and Chief Operating Officer at Gray Media, contributes to the strategic direction and operational management of the company's extensive media assets. Smith's role involves overseeing key operational functions that support Gray Media's mission of delivering high-quality local content and digital services. This leadership position focuses on enhancing operational efficiencies and driving growth across the company's portfolio of television stations and digital platforms. The Chief Operating Officer's involvement is crucial in aligning operational strategies with the company's broader business objectives. Robert Smith's contributions are vital to maintaining Gray Media's market leadership and its commitment to serving communities nationwide.

    Robert Prather - President

    Robert Prather, the President at Gray Media, directs the overall strategic vision and executive leadership of the company. Prather guides Gray Media's expansion and operational strategies, reinforcing its position as the largest owner of top-rated local television stations and digital assets in the United States. This leadership role involves overseeing all major business functions and ensuring alignment with the company's mission to serve communities and deliver impactful media content. The President's focus is on driving innovation, fostering strategic partnerships, and maintaining the company's financial health and market competitiveness. Robert Prather's presidency is instrumental in shaping Gray Media's future growth and its continued influence in the evolving media landscape.

    Kash Alavi - Chief Marketing Officer

    Kash Alavi, the Chief Marketing Officer at Gray Media, architects and executes comprehensive marketing strategies to enhance brand visibility and audience engagement across all Gray Media properties. Alavi leads the marketing division, focusing on leveraging the company's vast network of local television stations and digital assets to connect with diverse consumer bases. This role involves developing innovative campaigns that highlight Gray Media's market leadership and its role in serving communities. The Chief Marketing Officer drives initiatives to expand the reach of Gray Digital Media's services, ensuring national and local clients benefit from advanced digital marketing strategies. Kash Alavi's expertise is pivotal in translating the company's extensive media reach into measurable market impact and sustained growth.

    Bob Kroeger - Senior Vice President, Chief Technology Officer

    Bob Kroeger, the Senior Vice President, Chief Technology Officer at Gray Media, spearheads the company's technological infrastructure and innovation initiatives. Kroeger directs the development and implementation of advanced broadcast technologies, digital platforms, and IT systems that support Gray Media's extensive network of television stations and digital assets. This leadership position involves ensuring the seamless operation of all technical services, from content delivery to data management, across the United States. The Chief Technology Officer's focus is on future-proofing the company's technological capabilities, enabling Gray Media to adapt to the rapidly evolving media landscape. Bob Kroeger's strategic vision drives technological advancements that enhance operational efficiency and expand the company's service offerings.
    Bob Kroeger

    Stephen Kirkland - Vice President, Chief Information Officer

    Stephen Kirkland, the Vice President, Chief Information Officer at Gray Media, oversees the company's information technology strategy and infrastructure. Kirkland directs the management of all IT systems, ensuring data security, network integrity, and efficient information flow across Gray Media's diverse operations. This role is critical in supporting the company's extensive network of television stations and digital media properties. The Chief Information Officer's responsibilities include implementing robust cybersecurity measures and driving digital transformation initiatives that enhance operational capabilities. Stephen Kirkland's leadership ensures that Gray Media leverages technology effectively to maintain its competitive edge and serve its audiences across the United States.
    Stephen Kirkland

    Dana Neves - Senior Operating Officer

    Dana Neves, the Senior Operating Officer at Gray Media, plays a key part in managing and optimizing the operational performance of the company's diverse media properties. Neves focuses on implementing efficient operational frameworks that support Gray Media's extensive network of television stations and digital media services across the United States. This role involves driving operational improvements and ensuring the effective deployment of resources to meet market demands and company objectives. The Senior Operating Officer's expertise is critical in maintaining high standards of broadcast quality and service delivery. Dana Neves's leadership contributes significantly to the seamless execution of Gray Media's strategic initiatives and its ongoing commitment to serving local communities.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Gray Media Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Gray Media?
    Gray Media is led by Sandra Breland (Chief Operating Officer), along with executives such as Wayne Daugherty (Station Member, Chief Operating Officer) and Robert Smith (Vice President(Executive) and Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Gray Media’s executive team?
    The executive team of Gray Media includes leaders such as Sandra Breland (Chief Operating Officer), Wayne Daugherty (Station Member, Chief Operating Officer), Robert Smith (Vice President(Executive) and Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Gray Media have?
    Gray Media has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Gray Media’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Gray Media includes roles such as Chief Operating Officer, Station Member, Chief Operating Officer, Vice President(Executive) and Chief Operating Officer, President, Chief Marketing Officer.