Ernest A. Liebre To be Honored with Philip J. Lombardo Spirit Award from BFOA
New York, NY — February 2, 2026 — The Broadcasters Foundation of America (BFOA) is proud to announce that Ernest A. Liebre, Senior Vice President and Institutional Financial Advisor at CAPTRUST, has been named the recipient of the prestigious Philip J. Lombardo Spirit Award, named in honor of the BFOA’s former long-time Chairman. Liebre is a longtime supporter of the BFOA and for over 20 years has advised the charitable organization on its investments.
Liebre has spent the past 14 years at CAPTRUST, where he serves as a trusted advisor to institutions and nonprofit organizations. His clients included National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), Beasley Media Group, New York State Broadcasters Association, Television Bureau of Advertising (TVB), International Radio & Television Society Foundation (IRTS), and more. For over 20 years, he has advised Broadcasters Foundation with their investments.
“Ernest exemplifies the values at the heart of the Broadcasters Foundation — generosity, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to helping others,” noted Scott Herman, Chair of the BFOA. “His dedication to our mission and his longstanding support of the broadcasting community make him an exceptionally deserving recipient of the Philip J. Lombardo Spirit Award.”
“I am deeply honored to receive the Philip J. Lombardo Spirit Award from the Broadcasters Foundation of America,” said Liebre. “The work this charity does to support members of the broadcasting community during times of need is truly inspiring. I am grateful to be associated with a mission that reflects compassion, service, and meaningful impact to our broadcast colleagues when they need it the most.”
“Ernest’s character, generosity, and commitment to service meant a great deal to Phil,” said Ray Cole, a member of the Board of Directors of the BFOA, and former COO of Citadel Communications where he worked closely with Lombardo for many years. “Phil believed deeply in recognizing people who quietly but consistently show up for others, and Ernest embodies that same spirit in every way.
Prior to joining CAPTRUST, Liebre founded Cambridge Financial Services, demonstrating an entrepreneurial spirit and a commitment to client-focused financial solutions. Earlier in his career, he worked in risk management at Revlon and FMC Corporation. His accolades include Cadaret Grant Top Adviser six years in a row, and the NAPA Top DC Advisor Teams Award in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2024.
The Philip J. Lombardo Spirit Award honors an individual or company that embodies generosity, integrity, and commitment to the mission of the Broadcasters Foundation, which provides critical financial aid to broadcasters in need due to debilitating illness or disaster.
As previously announced, this year’s BFOA Gala will also honor VERSANT CEO and Former Chair of NBCUniversal Media Group Mark Lazarus with the Golden Mic Award, Judge Judy Sheindlin with the Edward F. McLaughlin Lifetime Achievement Award, and Stephen A. Smith with the inaugural Broadcast Personality of the Year Award.
To purchase tickets to the Broadcasters Foundation Gala, please click here. For more information about the Broadcasters Foundation, including how to apply for aid or make a donation, visit www.broadcastersfoundation.org, or contact 212-373-8250 or info@thebfoa.org.
About the Broadcasters Foundation of America: www.broadcastersfoundation.org
The mission of the Broadcasters Foundation of America is to improve the quality of life for men and women in the radio and television broadcast profession who find themselves in acute need. The Foundation reaches out across the country to identify and provide an anonymous safety net in cases of critical illness, accident, and other serious misfortune. The Broadcasters Foundation of America is a 501(c)3 Public Charity and has received 4 stars from Charity Navigator, its highest rating, and a Gold Seal of Transparency from Candid/Guidestar.
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