Fran Mallace, Vice President and General Manager for Cox Media
2009 J. Terry Groener Ad Person of the Year
Fran Mallace is Vice President and General Manager for Cox Media. Fran has been instrumental in some great achievements in Arizona advertising history. She has launched the Arizona News Channel, launched "Mas! Arizona", launched Cox Media's interactive product, On Demand, Cox.net, Kudzu, Go AZ, Go Scout Homes, and the interactive television product during her tenure.
Fran Mallace is an example of what most leaders aspire to be. She's generous, innovative, nurturing, determined and approachable. Fran acts from a set of guiding principles that everyone has value, that we can all make a difference and that fun is an essential part of being. Fran has been instrumental in nurturing several hundred people that are part of our greater advertising community. Her impact is undeniably visible. Fran is personally vested in every one of her clients' and associates' success. Fran keeps her people, both her clients and employees, as her #1 priority. Even in challenging times she keeps a positive, yet realistic attitude, which is contagious. Fran brings out the best in people.
Without room to list them all, here are a few highlights of Fran's career:
- President of the Phoenix Advertising Club two terms
- President of Ad2 Phoenix one term
- Cox Charities Board Member since 1999
- Ad Fed Governor for District 12
- National Chair for Ad Fed's Student Competition in Phoenix
- On Hands On Day Committee for Temple Beth Israel
- Active member of Women In Cable and Telecommunications
- Board Member for the Foundation for Blind Children
- Featured in Arizona Women's Magazine as one of the top 25 women in Arizona
Having grown up in New Jersey, as Francie Kahn, she frequently assisted joined her father, Sam Kahn, in working in the family printing and office supply running his business which served the garment district in New York City. Her father was a sincere, caring man, and at the same time, was also a smart businessman and innovative marketer who showed Fran that developing relationships were instrumental to maintaining and growing your business. Fran excelled in sports during her high school years and was an All State Softball player and earned a scholarship in softball, bringing her to Arizona.
Fran and Michael recently celebrated 25 years of marriage. Fran interned at channel 12 locally and upon graduation took a position at National Brands. She then moved on to the Boyd and Farmer Advertising Agency, Softsell Pollick and Associates and KUTP TV 45. Then in 1992, she started her career at Cox Communications' predecessor in Arizona, Times Mirror Cable as one of the cable industry's first national sales managers. In 2009, Fran celebrates 17 years with Cox Communications - a rare achievement in today's media world.
Then and now, Fran is a visionary media professional who sees and develops the potential in technology, in programs, and most of all, in people. She has given back to Phoenix in her community and professional service.
Previous Recipients
2008 — Chris McMurry
2007 — Roger Hurni
2006 — Jos Anshell
2005 — Tim Riester
2004 — Karen Kallet
2002 — David Anderson
2001 — Barbara Lehman
2000 — Brian Landauer
1999 — Marty Laurel
1998 — Dee Courtwright
1997 — Louis Moses
1996 — Carl Eller
1995 — Ed Lane
1994 — Ray Artigue
1993 — Liz Topete-Stonefield
1992 — Ron Bergamo
1991 — Jim Taszarek, Sr.
1990 — Walt Selover
1989 — Bill Lavidge
1988 — Rolf Normann
1987 — Dan Pollick
1986 — Jim Hutelmyer
1985 — Win Holden
1984 — Mary Morrison
1983 — Karen Dewall
1982 — Bill Owens
1980 — Don Hildebrandt
1979 — Bob Reade
1978 — Ardelle Whitehead
1977 — Kenneth Patton
1976 — Marlene Klotz
1975 — Daphne Dicino
1974 — Pat Poulson
1973 — Maurie Helle
1972 — Bob Bulla
1971 — Sherwin Block
1970 — Lou Reynolds
1967 — Duncan Jennings
1966 — Charles Pine
1965 — Hal Metcalf
1964 — Bob Zacher
1963 — Mary Simunich
1962 — John Redfield
1961 — Mildred May
1960 — Avis Garland
1959 — Andy Chuka, Sr.