On February 16, I was elected to a three-year term as Chairman/CEO of NRB. To say that this has been an eventful four months would be an understatement.
     My election day saw a number of firsts. It was the first time we had so many Board members attend the Annual 96-member Board of Directors meeting. It was the first time we had so many members attend the Annual Membership Business meeting. It was the first time that an NRB President resigned in office. It was the first time the Association elected an African-American to be Chairman/CEO in its 59-year history. And it was a record convention attendance of more than 6000 people.
     Over this brief four-month period, I have been both privileged and honored to represent the interests of Christian communicators in a variety of gatherings and meetings around the country. Following are highlights of my first 120 days:

Meeting with Secular Industry Executives
     I had meetings in New York City with top executives of secular radio and television networks to discuss concerns of Christian broadcasters. The primary topic of discussion was access of Christian programming on their respective networks. In the coming months, I expect to report the substance of those discussions.

Meeting at the FCC
     I met with Chairman Michael Powell at the FCC to discuss a few items of interest of NRB Members. Chairman Powell was warm, gracious and receptive to our comments. As a result, I invited him to NRB 2003 and look forward to his attendance. I am thankful to NRB Counsel Dick Wiley and Larry Secrest for facilitating the meeting.

Meeting with President George W. Bush
     It was one of my highest honors to lead a delegation of NRB Board members to a briefing at the White House. Our original intent was to meet with senior officials at the White House, however, it was our great surprise to learn that the President would be meeting with us. Our meeting lasted about 90 minutes, including the 15-20 minutes spent with the President. I don’t imagine one ever gets used to meeting with the President. Our special thanks goes to Tim Goeglein, who works closely with the President and represented him at the last two annual and several regional conventions.

Rally for Israel
     From the steps of the U.S. Capitol, I joined the heads of more than 50 Jewish organizations, congressmen, and ministry and business leaders, along with 100,000-plus people at the largest rally in U.S. history in support of the state of Israel.

Historic NRB Conference Call
     It was my distinct honor to ask Dr. Bill Bright to address the NRB Board via conference call regarding the crisis we were facing from the fallout of NRB President Wayne Pederson’s resignation. Bill Bright and Billy Graham are probably the two primary “elders” alive today in the evangelical church. It was one of the most spiritual and fatherly talks I have ever heard. Sixty-five (65) Board Members participated in the call, which many referred to as historic … and it was. It began the healing process within our organization. NRB owes a debt of gratitude to Dr. Bright.

Nationally Broadcast Concert of Prayer
     On the National Day of Prayer, hundreds of Christian radio and TV stations aired the three-hour live prime-time broadcast from Constitution Hall in Washington, DC. I was asked to be a participant on the platform, representing Christian broadcasters around America. It was a tremendous time of prayer, praise and power.

Meetings at the New NRB Headquarters
     NRB has one of the best, most effective and efficient staff in the country. For a staff to be so small, yet do so much for so many is amazing. I have met with our Manassas staff on several occasions at staff meetings and one-on-one. Our new facilities are perfect for a headquarters building. I encourage everyone to visit when you are near Washington, DC. Members, consider using it for one- or two-day meetings or conferences.
     Of course, in addition to highlights, there were times of challenge, yet my first 120 days have been filled with the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. It’s been a tremendous experience so far. Please keep me in your prayers as I work in concert with the Executive Committee to provide leadership for NRB over the next two-and-a-half years.