SCTE Awards & Recognition

Wilt J. Hildenbrand Jr. Rising Leader Award

Identifies a rising star in the broadband industry, 40 years old or younger, who has made the most significant contributions to the innovations of the industry. This award is managed by the SCTE Foundation in Wilt J. Hildenbrand Jr.’s memory. Wilt Hildenbrand was a technology pioneer and industry legend who unexpectedly passed away in 2018 at the age of 70 after a lengthy career that included four decades in the Cablevision organization. In addition to the award, the SCTE Foundation also oversees a scholarship in his memory. For more information about the scholarship see the SCTE Foundation website.

Congratulations to the 2025 Recipient!

We are honored to recognize this exceptional individual for their outstanding contributions and dedication to the industry.

Dr. Vaibhav Garg

Executive Director, Cybersecurity & Privacy Research and Public Policy, Comcast

Nominations

Nominations for the 2025 award are now closed. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].

Past Recipients

Year

Recipient

Year

2024

Recipient

Cole Newman

Year

2023

Recipient

Serge Kasongo, Comcast Cable Communications

Year

2022

Recipient

Andrii Vladyka, Harmonic

Year

2021

Recipient

Rama Assaf-Smith, Comcast Cable Communications

Year

2020

Recipient

Kerry Zinger, Charter Communications

Year

2019

Recipient

Chris Zydel, Altice USA

Year

2018

Recipient

Mariela Anabel Fiorenzo, Telecom Argentina SA*

Year

2017

Recipient

Lisa Leaunvankham, Comcast Cable Communications*

* In 2019, the award was renamed to honor the legacy of Wilt J. Hildenbrand Jr., with the nomination process to be managed by the SCTE Foundation.Â