Chantilly, VA - Women in Cable Telecommunications (WICT) today announced that two-time Oscar, Emmy and Golden Globe nominee Mary McDonnell will deliver the keynote address on October 3 during the WICT Touchstones Luncheon. McDonnell is co-star of TNT’s hit series “The Closer” and stars in the network’s upcoming new series “Major Crimes.”
In addition, Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. Executive Vice President and WICT Board Member Kelly Regal has been named Honorary Chair of the Touchstones Luncheon. The lunch is part of the WICT Leadership Conference (October 3-4) and Diversity Week 2011 (October 3-7) in New York City. WICT recognizes Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. as the Premier Sponsor of the 2011 Touchstones Luncheon. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, creates and programs branded news; entertainment; animation and young adult; and sports media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.
“WICT is delighted to welcome Mary McDonnell and Kelly Regal to our Touchstones Luncheon,” said Maria E. Brennan, CAE, President & CEO of WICT. “Mary is a versatile and highly accomplished individual who has portrayed numerous strong, intelligent characters that exude a confident compassion. We are equally pleased to welcome WICT Board Member Kelly Regal as Honorary Chair of the luncheon. Kelly is a top media executive whose support for WICT—at both the national and local levels—has made a significant and positive impact.”
Mary McDonnell is a renowned actress who has been recognized for her extraordinary performances in television, film and theater. She recently earned an Emmy nomination for her performance as Captain Sharon Raydor on the hit TNT drama “The Closer.” She is set to continue in the role as the star of TNT’s upcoming series “Major Crimes,” premiering in summer 2012. McDonnell’s other television credits include her powerful performance in the Peabody Award-winning Syfy series “Battlestar Galactica“ and her Emmy-nominated guest performance on “ER.” McDonnell has earned two Oscar and Golden Globe nominations for her feature film work: a Best Supporting Actress nod for Kevin Costner’s “Dances with Wolves” and a Best Actress nomination for John Sayles’ “Passion Fish.” She has also starred in such films as “Independence Day,” “Donnie Darko,” “Grand Canyon,” “Mumford,” “Blue Chips” and most recently appeared opposite Kevin Spacey in “Margin Call.” McDonnell began her career in theater and has starred in a wide variety of both Broadway and Off-Broadway productions, earning an Obie Award for Emily Mann's “Still Life.”
The WICT Touchstones Luncheon will showcase the 2011 Woman of the Year, Nomi Bergman, Bright House Networks; and Women to Watch, Jennifer Dorian, Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., and Kathleen Finch, HGTV. The luncheon is part of the WICT Leadership Conference, the preeminent conference for educating women in the media and entertainment industry.
About WICTFor over thirty years, Women in Cable Telecommunications (WICT) has partnered with cable and telecommunications leaders to provide professional development programs, research and services that help advance women in cable media. With over 8,700 members, WICT is the oldest and largest professional association serving women in the cable telecommunications industry. WICT’s Strategic Touchstone Partners include Comcast, Time Warner Cable, Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., and AMC Networks/WE tv. Please visit www.wict.org or follow @WICT on Twitter for more information.
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