NAB Unveils New Radio Appointments

The National Association of Broadcasters has named Erik Hellum first vice chair of the Radio Board executive committee and appointed Dave Santrella to the NAB Radio Board of Directors, effective immediately.

Eric Hellum

Hellum, chief operating officer of Townsquare Media and a current NAB Radio Board member, assumes the executive committee seat previously held by Allen Power. He represents the Southern Texas District and recently finished a term as chair of the Radio Advertising Bureau, where he now serves as immediate past chair.

Santrella, chief executive officer of Salem Media Group, takes the New England District seat formerly held by Power. He chaired the NAB Board of Directors from 2021 to 2023.

Hellum oversees Townsquare’s 336 radio stations and digital marketing services in 74 markets. He previously was president of GapWest Broadcasting, acquired by Townsquare in 2010, and earlier served as vice president and market manager for Bonneville International stations in St. Louis and Phoenix. 

Dave Santrella

He began at Katz Radio, worked in Boston, Philadelphia, Chicago, Los Angeles and New York, and later led early cross-platform sales efforts at Clear Channel after serving as vice president of sales for AMFM Inc.

Santrella became Salem’s CEO in 2022 after 12 years as president of broadcast media. Under his leadership the company launched Salem Surround, now a major revenue source, along with the Salem Podcast Network, SalemNOW and the Salem News Channel. 

He joined Salem in 2001 after working at WMAQ-TV and WBBM-AM in Chicago. His honors include an NAB National Radio Award and a 2026 Giants of Broadcasting and Electronic Arts recognition. He brings nearly 40 years of radio experience to the board.