The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) announced today that Erik Hellum, chief operating officer for Townsquare Media and current NAB Radio Board member, has been named first vice chair of the executive committee for the Radio Board. Dave Santrella, chief executive officer for Salem Media Group, has been appointed to the NAB Radio Board of Directors. The appointments are effective immediately.
Hellum oversees Townsquare Media’s 336 radio stations and digital marketing services across 74 markets. He previously served as president of GapWest Broadcasting, which Townsquare Media acquired in 2010. Prior to this, Hellum worked for Bonneville International as vice president and market manager for WIL-FM and WRTH-AM in St. Louis, Mo., and later for KTAR-AM/FM and KPKX-FM in Phoenix, Ariz. He began his career at Katz Radio and held positions in Boston, Philadelphia, Chicago, Los Angeles and New York. He then led Clear Channel’s early cross-platform sales efforts after serving as vice president of sales for AMFM Inc.
Hellum brings extensive experience in station operations, sales and digital innovation across markets of all sizes to the NAB Radio Board. He recently completed his term as board chair of the Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB) and now serves as immediate past chair. Hellum currently represents the Southern Texas District on the NAB Radio Board and assumes the seat previously held by Allen Power on the executive committee.
Santrella became chief executive officer of Salem Media Group in 2022 after serving as president of broadcast media for 12 years. Under Santrella’s leadership, Salem launched Salem Surround, a digital platform which has become a significant source of revenue growth for the company. He also oversaw the launches of Salem Podcast Network, SalemNOW and the Salem News Channel. Prior to joining Salem in 2001, Santrella worked for WMAQ-TV and WBBM-AM in Chicago. He has received numerous recognitions for his leadership in the broadcast industry, including an NAB National Radio Award, and most recently, a 2026 Giants of Broadcasting and Electronic Arts honor.
Santrella brings nearly 40 years of radio broadcast industry experience and a deep commitment to innovation and local radio to the NAB Radio Board. He served as the chair of the NAB Board of Directors from 2021 to 2023. Santrella assumes the New England District Radio Board seat previously held by Allen Power.
