Maria E. Brennan is the President & CEO of The WICT Network: Empowering Women in Media, Entertainment and Technology, a 10,000 member global nonprofit celebrating 40 years of serving women in the cable industry. During her time at The WICT Network, Brennan has worked collaboratively with its leaders and stakeholders to steer the organization’s strategic vision, resulting in record levels of membership, sponsor support, and program participation.
Before joining The WICT Network, Brennan served as the President of American Women in Radio and Television (AWRT) for nine years and has worked with numerous diversity-based nonprofits, including the National Association of Women Business Owners and The International Alliance of Women. She has more than 25 years of executive management experience with associations ranging in size from 2,000-33,000 members, with particular expertise in the areas of strategic planning, public relations, operations and advocacy.
As the public voice of The WICT Network, Brennan is an experienced public speaker and advocate for both the media industry and diversity issues. She is a frequently quoted expert on pay equity and work/life integration and has been published or featured in such magazines as Broadcasting & Cable, Working Mother, Association Trends, Selecta and Cablefax.
Brennan is an award-winning writer, having received an EXCEL Award for her byline, “Hear Me Roar.” She was elected to serve on the Women’s Leadership Board at Harvard University and is a member of its strategic planning and communications board subcommittees. She is a charter member of the FCC’s Diversity Advisory Board where she recently finished her seventh term. Maria is a coalition member of WIPP—Women Impacting Public Policy and a Commissioner for the Girl Scouts Healthy Media Council. Brennan was recognized with a Vanguard Award by NCTA—the Internet and Television Association in recognition of her contributions to the industry’s innovation, growth, and progress. In addition, she has been named among Cablefax’s list of Most Powerful Women in Cable annually since 2010.
