Ray Cole

Ray Cole is a television broadcaster whose executive career spanned five decades. In 2023, he was inducted into the prestigious Broadcasting+Cable Hall of Fame with a class that included Jim Nantz, Al Roker, Deborah Roberts, Rachael Ray and Soledad O’Brien. The legendary Johnny Carson is the only other Iowa-born broadcaster whose name appears on the honor roll of honorees. In 2024, Ray became the first local broadcaster to ever be inducted into the Iowa Business Hall of Fame.

Prior to his retirement in October 2023, Ray served as president and chief operating officer of Citadel Communications LLC. He held leadership positions on the boards of the ABC-TV Affiliates Association, National Association of Broadcasters, Television Bureau of Advertising and Broadcasters Foundation of America. Ray has received national and local recognition for his active role in the broadcasting industry, and for his contributions to the community at large. In 2019, Ray was presented the Governor Robert D. Ray Pillar of Character Award.

Audiences enjoy learning about Ray’s experiences with successful figures from the worlds of television, sports, entertainment and politics. He shares his insights into the “winning” traits, qualities and attributes identified by the many successful individuals profiled in and/or interviewed for his book, Hangin’ with Winners, that was published in 2021. Ray is an engaging storyteller who uses personal anecdotes to punctuate his themes of character, integrity, leadership and teamwork. He strives to do so in a manner that leaves his audience inspired, ready to tackle any challenge and better prepared to chart their own path to becoming a “winner.”

Last Updated: October 16, 2024