2018 ACM Award Winners Announced

June 5, 2018

The Alliance for Community Media (ACM) and the Foundation of the Alliance for Community Media (F/ACM) announce four recipients of ACM Award winners. The awards and scholarships will be presented to the winners during the ACM’s 2018 Annual Conference, July 11 – 13 in Baltimore.

Emerging Leader Award
Melinda Garfield, Westwood Media Center and MassAccess


Melinda Garfield is the Executive Director of Westwood Media Center, as well as the President of MassAccess, a non-profit organization that serves and supports community media centers across Massachusetts. Before coming to WMC, she was the Director of Production Services for NewTV in Newton, MA where she won numerous awards including a New England Emmy® as the Associate Producer of “The Folklorist” in 2014.  Melinda has previously worked for Powderhouse Productions, Straight Ahead Pictures, Cutter Productions, NBC30, and mtvU, and was the Office Manager for iDeal Partners Film Fund, where she coordinated film premieres at Sundance Film Festival. In addition, Melinda taught digital media at Rumney Marsh Academy Middle School in Revere, MA.

The Dirk Koning – George Stoney Award for Humanistic Communication
Curtis Henderson, Jr.

Curtis Henderson Jr. headshot
Curtis Henderson, Jr. was the General Manager for Boston Neighborhood Network (BNN) for 20 years, and spent a total of 31 years with the organization.

Since his tenure as General Manager beginning in 1997, he has worked to bring BNN into the digital age, creating a multimedia center and updating equipment to a digital format. Henderson has worked to sustain the organization by purchasing and refurbishing BNN’s permanent home in Egleston Square and by expanding the depth, variety, and quality of locally produced programs by and for Boston residents.

Over the years, Henderson reinforced his commitment to Boston residents by serving on local and national boards including Timothy Smith Network, Egleston Square Main Streets, Community Music Center of Boston, WGBH Community Advisory Board, Alliance for Communications Democracy, and the Ward 11 Democratic Committee.

Buske Leadership Award
Shelley Wolfe, PSTV


Shelley is a highly recognized collaborative practioner who is all about shifting the media landscape with her extensive background in the nonprofit sector, entertainment industry, and being an educator. She spends her time working to bridge industries through partnerships, technology, multimedia and digital literacy.

Shelley is known in the community for her outreach, mentoring, leadership connecting individuals and businesses with media opportunities and fostering of student voices. She has received numerous awards for Mentorship, Volunteerism, Leadership and Video Production. Shelley has spent the last three decades also working in the music industry on global campaigns featuring national and international talent, ranging from artist management event & conference planning, fund development, sales & marketing. She has also built a production studio in Ireland.

Shelley owns her own company Toolbox Entertainment & Strategic Consulting. Over the years Shelley has served on numerous arts, media, education and civic boards. Today she continues to mentor young students and foster their dreams in the entertainment industry.

The Jewell Ryan-White Award for Cultural Diversity:
Tia Price

Tia Price is a passionate, seasoned community organizer with 6 years of arts-based education experience. Currently she is the Workforce Development and High School Manager of Wide Angle Youth Media where she mentors youth ages 14-24 as they navigate their college and career plans.