Nexstar Media Group Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Nexstar Media Group has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, broadcast operations, network management, and advertising sales.

Focused on local broadcast excellence and digital innovation, Nexstar Media Group delivers comprehensive media solutions while maintaining a commitment to high-quality content distribution across diverse national markets.

Leadership Roles at Nexstar Media Group

  • Chief Executive Officer - Elijah Mwase
  • Chairman & Chief Executive officer - Perry Sook
  • Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Julie Heskett
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Lee Ann Gliha
  • President & Chief Operating Officer - Michael Biard
  • President, Broadcast - Andy Alford
  • President, Networks - Sean Compton
  • President & General Manager - Joan Barrett
  • President, National Advertising Sales - Daniel Lanzano
  • Executive VP & Chief Communications Officer - Gary Weitman
  • Elijah Mwase - Chief Executive Officer

    Elijah Mwase, the Chief Executive Officer at Nexstar Media Group, directs the overarching corporate strategy for the broadcast television portfolio. Mwase manages the integration of digital media assets with traditional television stations to maximize audience engagement. By analyzing market trends across North America, the Chief Executive Officer identifies growth opportunities within the advertising sector. This leadership role involves coordinating with the board to ensure long-term financial health and operational efficiency. Elijah Mwase drives the expansion of mobile applications and content management platforms to reach broader demographics. Through rigorous oversight of the media landscape, the Chief Executive Officer maintains a competitive edge in the broadcasting industry. The strategic vision provided by Mwase ensures that the company remains a leader in local news and entertainment delivery, consistently adapting to the evolving needs of viewers and advertisers in a digital-first environment.

    Perry Sook - Chairman & Chief Executive officer

    Perry Sook, the Chairman & Chief Executive officer at Nexstar Media Group, governs the strategic direction and long-term vision of the entire broadcast enterprise. Sook oversees the acquisition of television stations and the diversification of media assets to strengthen market presence. By fostering relationships with key industry stakeholders, the Chairman & Chief Executive officer secures the company's position as a dominant force in local broadcasting. This leadership role requires constant evaluation of the regulatory environment and technological advancements in content distribution. Perry Sook drives the execution of corporate initiatives that enhance shareholder value and operational scale. Through the guidance of the Chairman & Chief Executive officer, the organization maintains a robust portfolio of digital outlets and marketing platforms. Sook ensures that the company remains agile, responding effectively to shifts in consumer behavior and advertising demand across the United States.
    Perry Sook

    Julie Heskett - Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Julie Heskett, the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Nexstar Media Group, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for the organization. Heskett oversees financial reporting, budgeting, and internal controls to ensure transparency and compliance across all broadcast operations. By analyzing revenue streams from advertising and digital media, the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer optimizes the company's financial performance. This leadership role involves collaborating with executive teams to evaluate investment opportunities in new content management platforms. Julie Heskett drives the development of financial models that support the company's growth objectives in competitive media markets. Through the diligent management of assets and liabilities, the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer secures the necessary resources for ongoing expansion. Heskett provides the financial insights required to sustain the company's market leadership and operational stability.

    Lee Ann Gliha - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Lee Ann Gliha, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Nexstar Media Group, directs the corporate finance functions and capital structure management. Gliha oversees debt financing, investor relations, and strategic financial planning to support the company's broad portfolio of television stations. By evaluating the economic impact of digital media acquisitions, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures alignment with long-term growth targets. This leadership role involves managing complex financial transactions and providing data-driven guidance to the board. Lee Ann Gliha drives the implementation of cost-efficiency programs that enhance profitability across regional operations. Through the oversight of financial risk and performance metrics, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer maintains the company's strong balance sheet. Gliha ensures that the organization possesses the financial flexibility to innovate within the rapidly changing media and advertising landscape.

    Michael Biard - President & Chief Operating Officer

    Michael Biard, the President & Chief Operating Officer at Nexstar Media Group, manages the day-to-day operations of the broadcast television stations and digital media outlets. Biard oversees the execution of content strategies and advertising sales initiatives across the company's extensive network. By streamlining operational workflows, the President & Chief Operating Officer improves efficiency in content management and distribution. This leadership role involves coordinating with regional managers to ensure consistent performance and high-quality service delivery. Michael Biard drives the integration of new digital technologies into existing broadcast workflows to enhance viewer engagement. Through the supervision of operational teams, the President & Chief Operating Officer maintains the company's competitive advantage in local markets. Biard ensures that all operational activities align with the broader corporate mission of providing essential news and entertainment to diverse audiences nationwide.
    Michael Biard

    Andy Alford - President, Broadcast

    Andy Alford, the President, Broadcast at Nexstar Media Group, oversees the performance and content strategy of the company's local television station portfolio. Alford directs the operational activities of broadcast teams to ensure high-quality news and entertainment programming. By monitoring audience metrics and market trends, the President, Broadcast optimizes station performance to maximize advertising revenue. This leadership role involves supporting station managers in their efforts to serve local communities effectively. Andy Alford drives the implementation of standardized content management practices across the broadcast network. Through the coordination of regional broadcast operations, the President, Broadcast maintains the company's status as a premier provider of local television content. Alford ensures that each station remains responsive to the unique needs of its local audience while contributing to the overall success of the national media group.
    Andy Alford

    Sean Compton - President, Networks

    Sean Compton, the President, Networks at Nexstar Media Group, manages the programming and distribution strategies for the company's national network assets. Compton oversees the development of original content and the acquisition of programming rights to drive viewership across the network portfolio. By analyzing national media trends, the President, Networks identifies opportunities to expand the reach of the company's digital and broadcast networks. This leadership role involves collaborating with content creators and distribution partners to ensure high-quality programming delivery. Sean Compton drives the growth of network-level advertising initiatives that complement local broadcast efforts. Through the strategic management of network assets, the President, Networks enhances the company's overall media footprint. Compton ensures that the network division remains a key contributor to the organization's revenue and audience engagement goals in a competitive national landscape.

    Joan Barrett - President & General Manager

    Joan Barrett, the President & General Manager at Nexstar Media Group, directs the operational and commercial success of specific broadcast station clusters. Barrett oversees local news production, sales operations, and community engagement initiatives to ensure station growth. By fostering a culture of excellence within the local team, the President & General Manager drives high performance in both traditional and digital advertising sales. This leadership role involves managing station resources and ensuring compliance with broadcast standards. Joan Barrett drives the development of local content strategies that resonate with regional audiences and increase market share. Through the effective management of station-level operations, the President & General Manager contributes to the broader success of the media group. Barrett ensures that the station remains a trusted source of information and entertainment for the local community while meeting corporate financial targets.
    Joan Barrett

    Daniel Lanzano - President, National Advertising Sales

    Daniel Lanzano, the President, National Advertising Sales at Nexstar Media Group, directs the national sales strategy for the company's diverse media portfolio. Lanzano oversees the relationships with national advertisers and agencies to maximize revenue across broadcast and digital platforms. By leveraging data-driven insights, the President, National Advertising Sales develops innovative advertising solutions that meet the needs of national brands. This leadership role involves coordinating with sales teams to ensure consistent delivery of advertising campaigns across the company's network. Daniel Lanzano drives the expansion of the company's national advertising footprint by identifying new market opportunities. Through the strategic management of national sales operations, the President, National Advertising Sales supports the company's overall revenue growth. Lanzano ensures that the organization remains a preferred partner for national advertisers seeking to reach broad and engaged audiences through high-quality media content.
    Daniel Lanzano

    Gary Weitman - Executive VP & Chief Communications Officer

    Gary Weitman, the Executive VP & Chief Communications Officer at Nexstar Media Group, directs the internal and external communication strategies for the organization. Weitman oversees corporate messaging, public relations, and brand reputation management across all media platforms. By crafting narratives that highlight the company's commitment to local broadcasting, the Executive VP & Chief Communications Officer strengthens the brand's presence in the industry. This leadership role involves managing stakeholder communications and ensuring alignment with corporate values during major business transitions. Gary Weitman drives the development of communication channels that effectively reach investors, employees, and the public. Through the strategic use of media relations, the Executive VP & Chief Communications Officer protects and enhances the company's image. Weitman ensures that the organization's achievements and strategic goals are clearly articulated to the market, supporting the company's overall growth and influence.
    Gary Weitman

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Nexstar Media Group Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Nexstar Media Group?
    Nexstar Media Group is led by Elijah Mwase (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Perry Sook (Chairman & Chief Executive officer) and Julie Heskett (Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Nexstar Media Group’s executive team?
    The executive team of Nexstar Media Group includes leaders such as Elijah Mwase (Chief Executive Officer), Perry Sook (Chairman & Chief Executive officer), Julie Heskett (Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Nexstar Media Group have?
    Nexstar Media Group has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Nexstar Media Group’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Nexstar Media Group includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chairman & Chief Executive officer, Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, President & Chief Operating Officer.