Former Radio Advertising Board President and CEO Gary Fries has passed away.
“It is with great sadness that we mourn the passing of our friend and colleague,” current RAB President and CEO Erica Farber said in a statement.
Fries led the RAB for 14 years, and until his death, he retained the title of president emeritus and held a seat on the RAB board of directors, Farber said.
During his tenure, “the RAB increased its membership and introduced and advanced numerous sales training programs. He spearheaded radio to the forefront in media accountability, playing a dominant role in the development of RAEL working with advertisers, agencies and broadcasters to further the industry’s understanding of how radio advertising works. He also encouraged radio to embrace electronic data interchange, urging the industry to adopt electronic invoicing,” Farber said.
She added, “On a personal note, Gary and I partnered together on many initiatives and I always found a welcoming partner and friend. Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this time.”
