Graham Media Makes Two Executive Appointments

Graham Media Group, the local media division of Graham Holdings Company, today announced the appointments of Michelle R. Zackay as its new vice president of human resources, effective Sept. 2, and Sathab Abbo as deputy general counsel, effective Aug. 26.

Michelle Zackay will succeed Julie Dreixler, who is set to retire at the end of the year after a distinguished career with the company.

In her new role, Zackay will lead Graham Media Group’s human resources initiatives, focusing on talent acquisition, employee development, and fostering a positive workplace culture across the organization.

“We are thrilled to welcome Michelle Zackay to our leadership team,” said Catherine Badalamente, Graham Media Group president-CEO. “Her extensive experience in media and her innovative approach to human resources will be invaluable as we continue to grow and nurture our talented workforce.”

Zackay brings more than 20 years of HR experience to Graham Media, most recently serving as senior director, functional HRBP – local media operations & local news at E.W. Scripps.

Throughout her career, Graham said: “Zackay has demonstrated a strong track record in developing and motivating teams, reducing turnover, improving employee engagement and leading organizations through cultural and operational transformations.”

Zackay holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in management and human resources from Grand Valley State University’s Seidman School of Business. She is certified as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and holds a SHRM-CP certification from the Society for Human Resource Management.

Graham said it “extends its gratitude to Julie Dreixler for her years of dedicated service and wishes her well in her upcoming retirement. Dreixler will work closely with Zackay to ensure a smooth transition in the coming months.”

Reporting to Jane Marshall, vice president and general counsel, Sathab Abbo has a background in handling complex legal matters, negotiations, commercial transactions, legal compliance, data privacy and more.

Marshall said: “We are thrilled to welcome Sathab to our legal team. Her extensive legal expertise and deep understanding of commercial and compliance issues will be invaluable as we continue to navigate the evolving media landscape.”

Before joining Graham Media Group, Abbo was head of legal/general counsel for VIIZR. Prior to her role at VIIZR, she was a commercial transactions attorney within the office of general counsel at Ford Motor Co.

Abbo holds a Bachelor of Science in management information systems from Wayne State University’s School of Business Administration and a Juris Doctor from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law.