Ray Cole

Ray Cole is a television broadcaster whose executive career spans five decades. In May of 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 to be so honored. Ray is also a member of the Iowa Broadcasters Hall of Fame, having been inducted in June of 2015.

As president and chief operating officer of Citadel Communications LLC, Ray has held leadership roles on the boards of the ABC-TV Affiliates Association, National Association of Broadcasters, Television Bureau of Advertising and Broadcasters Foundation of America. He has received national and local recognition for his active role in the broadcasting industry, and for his contributions to the community at large. In July of 2019, Ray was presented the 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 “winners” 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 entertained, informed and inspired.

Last Updated: June 26, 2023