SILVER AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

Announcing our 42nd Silver Award of Excellence Winner
Nicki Harkrider-Probey

Nicki Harkrider-Probey is a distinguished executive leader with over 30 years of experience in media sales and leadership. She currently provides strategic consultation to executives and organizations seeking growth, known for her passion and inspirational leadership that helps unlock extraordinary growth for individuals and companies.

As the former Revenue Officer of Local Media at TEGNA, Nicki led the company’s vision and revenue growth strategy across 64 properties in 51 markets. She was responsible for driving revenue growth, sales enablement, people development, and marketing initiatives aimed at transforming the sales organization to achieve ambitious goals. Under her leadership, TEGNA saw significant growth in digital revenue, solidifying its position as a leader in the media industry. She also played a key role in transforming TEGNA’s leadership profile by recruiting and promoting talented female leaders. Between 2016 and 2024, 31 station sales leaders were promoted to Director of Sales or General Manager, a testament to her ability to identify and develop talent.

Nicki is dedicated to inspiring people, achieving excellence, and fostering growth. Before her role at TEGNA, she served as Director of Sales and Director of Local Sales at WFAA, where she was instrumental in developing revenue strategies that led to significant growth in both television and digital platforms. Her innovative approach to sales and marketing resulted in record-breaking revenue, earning her recognition as a top performer in the industry.

Nicki’s career at WFAA began in 2002 as a Local Account Executive. By 2005, she had advanced to Local Sales Manager, and in 2011 she returned to the station as Director of Local Sales. During her tenure, she led successful sales campaigns that not only increased revenue but also enhanced the station’s reputation and viewer engagement. Before returning to WFAA, Nicki served as Local Sales Manager at CBS’ KTVT/KTXA from 2009 to 2011, driving sales growth and expanding the station’s market reach.

Nicki’s extensive experience in national television sales includes roles at Katz Media, United Television Sales, Seltel, Millennium Television Sales, and CBS Spot Television. This national experience provided her with a deep understanding of the media landscape and the skills necessary to excel in a competitive industry.

Nicki holds a BA in Advertising with a minor in Spanish from Texas Tech University. Her passion for television sales began during an internship at KAMC-TV in Lubbock, where she observed how sellers helped clients achieve their goals.

Throughout her career, Nicki has earned numerous accolades, including the Alliance for Women in Media’s Television Station Management Award for Dallas/Fort Worth in 2006 and 2012. In 2012, she was honored as WFAA Employee of the Year. In 2022, Nicki was recognized by Cynopsis’ Women in Media as the 2022 Corporate Visionary, acknowledging her leadership and vision in the post-pandemic media landscape.

Nicki is committed to mentoring the next generation of media professionals. She serves on the Board of Visitors at the Gaylord School of Journalism at the University of Oklahoma and has previously chaired the Rockwall Amica Gala, supporting local nonprofits in the Rockwall community. Her philanthropic efforts reflect her dedication to giving back and helping others succeed.

Nicki resides in Heath, Texas, with her husband, Matt Probey, and their five children. She attributes her work ethic and character to her parents, who modeled dedication, loyalty, and unconditional love in both their work and family lives. Nicki’s ability to balance a successful career while raising a family is a testament to her resilience and commitment to others. She serves as a role model for aspiring leaders who seek to make a meaningful impact both professionally and personally.

Nicki’s leadership has been widely praised. A former colleague at TEGNA remarked, “Nicki’s ability to inspire and lead a team is unparalleled. Her strategic vision and talent for nurturing potential have been instrumental in driving success.” A team member at WFAA noted, “Working with Nicki has been transformative. Her passion for excellence and commitment to developing her team has made a lasting impact on my career.”

In summary, Nicki Harkrider-Probey’s career is marked by exceptional leadership, strategic vision, and a commitment to excellence. Her contributions to the media industry and dedication to mentoring others continue to drive positive change, leaving a lasting impact on those around her.

Past Silver Award of Excellence Recipients 1983-2023

1983 John Criswell

1984 Ron Chapman

1985 Norm Campbell

1986 Frank O’Neil

1987 Marty Haag

1988 Patty Parker

1989 Dave Lane

1990 Susan Ziller

1991 Gary Hill

1992 Paula McStay

1993 Elizabeth Criswell

1994 Doug Adams

1995 Greg Regian

1996 Shirley Ward

1997 Rick Mills

1998 Tom Kalahar

1999 John Hare

2000 Jean Ann Cooper

2001 Dan Bennett

2002 Susie August

2003 Kathy Clements

2004 Mike Irvine

2005 Larry Spiegel

2006 Sandy Cooke

2007 Karen Coffey

2008 Brenda Wurst

2009 Judy Miller

2010 Angela Betasso

2011 Kathy Saunders

2012 Jon Heidtke

2013 Gloria Campos

2014 Liz Barber

2015 John Poroyea

2016 Stan Richards

2017 Tom Moroch

2018 Sandra Connell

2019 Kalyn Asher

2020 Vivian Unger

2021 Jim Gaither

2022 Brian Purdy

2023 Sherree Pence

Alliance for Women in Media DFW Skip to content