Meet the Candidates

Voting for CBI Board members takes place starting Jan. 24 through February 14. President, Development Director, Student Representative, and Treasurer positions are available. Please access your electronic ballot in the email associated with your CBI membership. Each media outlet may cast one ballot.

President
Anabella Poland, Montclair State University.

My name is Anabella Poland, and I am the General Manager at WMSC-FM on the campus of Montclair State University. As I seek re-election as CBI President, I am both humbled by the trust you have placed in and energized by the remarkable progress we have achieved together. This past year has been transformative for CBI, marked by innovations that have strengthened our community and enhanced the value we provide to our members.

Our annual National Student Media Convention stands as a testament to CBI’s commitment to excellence and relevance. Each year, we bring together an exceptional mix of industry professionals, accomplished academics, and passionate students to explore the most pressing issues facing our industry today. This past year, the addition of our first-ever career fair opened new doors for our student members, creating direct pathways to professional opportunities in broadcasting and media.

As we navigate the complex and uncertain landscape of higher education economics, my vision for CBI remains focused on growth, adaptation, and sustainable development. The challenges facing college media are significant, but they also present opportunities for innovation and leadership.

Looking ahead, I pledge to:

• • Continue developing programming that addresses emerging industry trends

• • Expanding our network of industry partnerships

• • Foster deeper connections between students and media professionals

• • Enhance our support for member stations navigating institutional challenges

• • Explore philanthropic opportunities and external funding sources

As CBI President, I remain committed to being a responsible steward of our organization’s resources and opportunities. Every decision, partnership, and initiative will continue to be guided by what best serves our members and advances our mission.

Development Director
John Devecka, Loyola University Maryland

I’m John Devecka, current Development Director for CBI, having stepped in to help fill a mid-stream vacancy. I’m running officially for the position now. After ruining my prospects for life by spending all my time at my college radio station (WVBU-FM), I spent a dozen years designing and building college radio stations and projects around the world before taking the position to launch and run WLOY Loyola Radio (which I had built for them) at Loyola University Maryland. I met some of you when we hosted the CBI conference in Baltimore for 2022. I’ve been here for the last 21 years during which time I’ve been a regular at NAB, CMA/ACP/CBI and CBI. I’ve been on all four sides of the conference process: student, advisor, speaker, exhibitor. I think I can be of help to grow support funding for CBI both with event exhibitors and grants. In my first outing this year for Seattle, I brought in a 50% increase in revenue, and I can see where a lot more can be found… I don’t even remember how the joke started but I am Groot, so, vote for Groot!

Student Representative Candidate
Chris Cirone, Montclair State University

Hello all! My name is Chris and I am currently a sophomore Film and Television Student at Montclair State University. I am also the Assistant Production Director for WMSC Upper Montclair.

The future of CBI is a bright one and each of its members is their own individual. I’d like to highlight each person’s experiences and ensure a positive, creative environment where no idea is too big or task too small. Our generation has a unique worldview and is determined to work. We have to put an emphasis on student voices, teach the future generation of workers what it takes to make it in their respective fields, and how to create a culture based on both drive and compassion.

Student Representative Candidate
Riley Yonchiuk, Indiana University of Pennsylvania

While serving as a DJ and our Program Director for WIUP-FM since 2023, connection and inclusion have been core values in my shaping my leadership style. If elected, I would make it my mission to provide a sense of belonging and collaboration, regardless of size or location of universities, so everyone feels involved and empowered. A primary goal of mine would be to organize a welcome event that builds more interaction and connections stations from the start. I also strongly believe that having more interactive workshops would help to build comradery while offering more educational opportunities. Finally, having the opportunity to network and meet professionals is extremely important. I believe that adapting the event to more of a “speed networking” event will give everyone more of an organized opportunity to meet more professionals, but also connect with other DJ’s and network amongst one another. College radio thrives on community!

Treasurer
Sean McDonald, Neumann University

My name is Sean McDonald, and I am the Executive Director of Neumann Media at Neumann University, overseeing radio and television/video production. Since July of 2021, I have served as Treasurer for CBI, initially filling a vacancy and then serving a full term. During my time on the board, I’ve helped to streamline processes within the organization to make it remain financially stable, including bookkeeping and payroll. Working with the board, I’ve helped identify and implement areas that strengthen CBI from a business standpoint and ensure that the mission of helping student media organizations continues for many years to come. If re-elected as treasurer, I will build upon this foundation to create even more opportunities for both our student members and our advisors. I am a firm believer that we must share our knowledge and network with the next generation of broadcasters, and I will continue to uphold this commitment as CBI’s treasurer.