Gold & Silver Circle - Suncoast Emmys®

Gold Circle

The Gold Circle honors media professionals who began their careers in television at least 50 years ago, either in a performing, creative, technical or administrative role within the industry or in an area related to television such as TV journalism education, advertising, promotion, and public relations.

Over the course of their 50-year career, they must also have made a significant contribution to the Suncoast Chapter.

2026 Gold Circle Honorees

Past Gold Circle Honorees

2026 Gold Circle Honoree

Frank Gatto

Frank Gatto has been a visionary force in the television lighting industry for over five decades, building a career defined by technical mastery, artistic innovation, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. As President and Owner of Frank Gatto & Associates, he leads one of the industry’s most respected lighting design firms, specializing in network television, major sporting events, award ceremonies, and corporate productions.

Frank began his career in 1970 as a full-time Lighting Director at WTVJ in Miami. In 1980, he founded Frank Gatto & Associates as a part-time venture. By 1987, after years of increasing demand and creative success, he transitioned to the company full time, marking the beginning of its rise as a premier lighting design firm. Since then, his company has partnered with leading networks including HBO, ABC, ESPN, CBS, NBC, Fox, Showtime, Telemundo, and Univision.

Frank’s lighting design is distinguished by its ability to enhance visual storytelling, energize live performances, and create unforgettable atmospheres. His work has elevated some of television’s most iconic productions, including ESPN College GameDay, Showtime Championship Boxing, UFC specials, and Super Bowl events. Whether shaping the tension of a live sports broadcast or the spectacle of a national awards show, Frank brings both artistic vision and technical precision to every production.

A three-time Emmy^® Award winner, Frank has been recognized for his work on Showtime Championship Boxing and ESPN Special Events, including the Super Bowl, Final Four, College Bowl Games (Rose Bowl, Peach Bowl, Orange Bowl, and the College Football Championship). His portfolio also includes international soccer and boxing events, as well as Major League Baseball’s World Series, All-Star Game, and Red-Carpet Parade.

Under his leadership, Frank Gatto & Associates has become synonymous with excellence in television lighting. His passion for the craft, deep industry expertise, and collaborative approach continue to inspire both clients and colleagues.

Frank has also played a significant leadership role in the industry. In 1979, while serving as a lighting director at WTVJ, he was elected Vice President of the Miami chapter of NATAS. In 1980, he was appointed President of the Chapter, where he worked to strengthen relationships among local television stations, including Channels 6, 7, 10, and 23. He organized educational seminars covering lighting, talent, and audio, fostering greater collaboration and morale across the industry. During his presidency, Frank introduced craft categories to the Emmy^® Awards, an important advancement that recognized technical professionals. The Emmy^® ceremonies held during his tenure, in Key Biscayne and at the Fontainebleau on Miami Beach, were sold out for the first time.

With more than 50 years in the industry and a body of work spanning the full spectrum of live and televised entertainment, Frank Gatto has helped define how audiences experience televised events. His work remains a benchmark in the field, technically flawless, creatively bold, and always in service of the story.

2026 Gold Circle Honoree

Johanna Rosaly Guillermety

Johanna Rosaly is a trailblazing Puerto Rican actress, presenter, writer, producer, and director whose career spans more than six decades. Born with an early artistic vocation, she launched her stage career in 1957 at age nine with Mientras los niños juegan at Tapia Theatre, and that same year made her television debut on Los amigos de Pinocho for Telemundo. A disciplined, rigorous professional, Rosaly balanced her craft with academic study, earning a Bachelor’s in Humanities with a literature and French concentration from the University of Puerto Rico.

Her breakout on Puerto Rican television began in 1966 when she portrayed a mute girl in a telenovela, signaling the start of an enduring presence in local drama. She became a defining lead in productions such as Encadenados, Melodía otoñal, Perdóname este amor, Lucecita, Mujeres sin hombres, Tomiko, La herencia, and El hijo de Ángela María, with 1973’s El hijo de Ángela María cementing her stature. The peak of her soap-opera fame arrived in 1978 with Cristina Bazán, a Telemundo melodrama starring José Luis Rodríguez “El Puma” that broke audience records and expanded her reach beyond Puerto Rico.

In the late 70s and early 80s, Rosaly continued on Wapa Televisión with Ámame, Vida, and El amor nuestro de cada día, then shifted in the 1980s toward journalism and hosting, becoming Telemundo’s official voice on En vivo a las cinco and Super Sábados. The 1990s and 2000s saw her as a leading figure at Channel 6, with Dramatic Project productions, Cultura Viva, and interview programs, while remaining active in theater and voice work.

Johanna Rosaly’s legacy transcends telenovelas. She embodies the evolution of Puerto Rican television—from melodrama to culture, journalism, and performance—earning her a renowned place in the island’s audiovisual history and the respect of generations.

Silver Circle

The Silver Circle recognizes individuals who have worked with distinction in the television industry within the Suncoast Region of the State of Florida, the State of Louisiana, the Mobile, Alabama-Pensacola, Florida television market as well as Puerto Rico for a quarter of a century or more, a significant part of which was done in the Suncoast Region. Silver Circle members are honored for more than their longevity — they are honored for making an enduring contribution to the vitality of the television industry and for setting standards of achievement we can all hope to emulate. These honorees also give back to the community as mentors, educators, and volunteers.

2026 Silver Circle Honorees

Past Silver Circle Honorees

Silver Circle Honoree

Ted Ballard

Ted Ballard is a 34-year veteran executive in the Sports Television industry who got his start as an intern at HBO Sports in the early 1990’s.

An Echols Scholar graduate of the University of Virginia, he spent 6 years learning the trade at Turner Sports before joining the Miami HEAT in 1998 as a Television Director. In his 27-year career at the HEAT, Ballard pioneered countless production initiatives and innovations, setting a standard for excellence that earned decorated recognition at the league and regional levels.

A 38-time Suncoast Chapter Emmy^®Award winner, Ballard was recognized in 2023 with the prestigious Todd Harris Spirit award for his career work and collaborative spirit as part of the NBA broadcasting community. Beginning in 2005, he spent the first of 20 seasons helping to define and elevate the coverage of Dolphins preseason football games on CBS4.

Away from sports, Ted has devoted countless hours in a volunteer capacity serving in the HEAT’s school to work mentor program and as a 6-year president of the German International Parent Association. Ted has successfully completed 5 marathons, posting a personal best at the 2022 Boston Marathon. Married with two adult children, Ted and his wife of 32 years, Heather, live in Coral Gables.

Silver Circle Honoree

Brad Friedkin

Brad has worked as a Photographer/Editor in the Industry for 44 years. He's had an Emmy^®award-winning, diverse career working in General Assignment, Features, Investigative, and Entertainment.

In Sports he's traveled to World Series, College football championships, and NHL playoffs.

From European feature stories to Caribbean hurricanes, he's been busy.

He has traveled to the Vatican- even getting to meet Pope John Paul II-and to the United Kingdom to cover two royal weddings.

In one of multiple trips to Haiti, Brad found himself shooting the aftermath of violent skirmishes in the street, surrounded by horrific scenes of bodies on fire, and soldiers imposing martial law. At other times, shooting hopeful stories of volunteers in Haiti building orphanages.

Brad has shot his share of civil unrest in the US, getting blasted by tear gas in the Baltimore riots, amongst other places.

Brad also traveled to the Sandy Hook mass shooting, to the Guantanamo Bay, Cuba detention facilities, to California for the Michael Jackson trial, to Hyannis Port for the death of JFK Jr, and to Nicaragua after a mudslide killed 1200 people.

Known as a meticulous and creative editor, he has been the recipient of five Emmys^®.

Silver Circle Honoree

Luis Felipe Marrou, Jr.

Luis Felipe Marrou, Jr. is an award-winning television producer, director, cinematographer, and editor who founded VTM Productions in Miami, Florida, in the early 1990s. For more than 30 years, he has produced, filmed, and edited travel series, documentaries, commercials, and corporate programs for PBS, Telemundo, and other national and international networks. His early success included the travel series Dimelo Cantando, followed by numerous acclaimed productions for WLRN Public Media, including All In The Same Boat, Discover South Florida, Weird Florida and wildlife programs such as The Florida Panther, which earned him a Suncoast Emmy^® recognition.

Throughout his career, Felipe has received multiple Suncoast Regional Emmy^® Awards, Telly Awards, and a NETA Award, with honors for projects including Changing Seas, Troubled Waters: A Turtle’s Tale, and Plastic People. He has collaborated with renowned figures and produced nationally recognized programs such as Frecuencia and Simply Ming. His recent work includes global cruise travel series airing on Amazon Prime, environmental productions with the Guy Harvey Foundation, and documentaries addressing social injustice, opioid addiction, and coral reef conservation. While deeply rooted in local storytelling, he continues to create compelling, socially conscious stories that resonate with audiences both at home and around the world.

Silver Circle Honoree

Marybel Rodriguez

Marybel Rodriguez is an Emmy^® nominated reporter at CBS Miami.

She began her career as a "spokesmodel" on the popular Univision television show "Sabado Gigante," the longest-running entertainment show in history seen in every Spanish-speaking country in the world. After six years with the show, Marybel was lured away to become a feature and entertainment reporter for WPLG. Her desire to cover hard news stories persuaded her to make the switch to CBS4 a few months later.

Marybel is pleased to volunteer her time with the Hispanic community.

In 2008, Florida International University named her Outstanding Alumni of the Year. In 2010, she was inducted by the Miami Dade College Foundation into the Alumni Hall of Fame under the Journalism category. In 2016, she received the "Journalist of the Year" Award from the Latin American Business Association (LABA). In 2018 she was inducted into Florida International University's School of Communications Hall of Fame. Marybel is also a board member of the College of Communication, Architecture, and the Arts (CARTA) at Florida International University. In addition, Marybel has received numerous other awards that attest to her professionalism and dedication to news. These honors reflect the way Marybel's warm and engaging personality connects with South Florida viewers.

Born and raised in Miami to Cuban parents, Marybel has not forgotten her roots or the importance of her culture. A graduate of Florida International University, she holds a Bachelor's Degree in Broadcast Journalism. Nevertheless, Marybel's greatest accomplishment is being a mother and wife. She loves spending time with her husband and their three sons.

Silver Circle Honoree

Theresa Schmidt

For nearly half a century, Theresa Schmidt has been a familiar and trusted presence in Southwest Louisiana journalism.

Theresa arrived at KPLC-TV in 1978, fresh out of the University of Missouri School of Journalism and just 22 years old. What followed was a remarkable 47-year career dedicated to telling the stories that mattered most to the community.

From hard-hitting investigative reports to compassionate community service journalism, Theresa built a reputation for accuracy, integrity, fairness, and a fearless pursuit of the truth. When people needed help, many turned to her — trusting that she would listen and help shine a light on injustice.

During her decades in the newsroom, Theresa witnessed the transformation of television news — from manual typewriters and film to high-definition cameras and live backpack transmitters — adapting to each new era along the way.

Originally from St. Louis, Theresa made Lake Charles her home, where she met and married American Press reporter Hector San Miguel. Together they raised four children.

Theresa often says, “Always be a blessing, never be a curse.” It’s a philosophy she carried into every story.

She retired on July 7, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of service, compassion, and journalism that truly made a difference.

Silver Circle Honoree

Jonathan Garcia

Jonathan Garcia is a seasoned media executive and marketing leader with a track record of driving sales growth, strategic partnerships, and organizational transformation across television, radio, and publishing. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a minor in Communications from the University of Vermont and began his career in media sales at CBS Radio in Boston, where he quickly rose to the top salesperson in his first year.

In the mid-1980s, Jonathan shifted to magazine publishing, helping establish a successful Puerto Rico partnership before moving into television with WAPA-TV in San Juan in 1987. At WAPA-TV, he advanced through senior leadership roles, including Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Vice President of Sales, and ultimately Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. In these positions, he led sales, traffic, and marketing, guided strategic programming and production initiatives, and played a pivotal role in the station’s financial turnaround—from a $10 million loss to a profitable operation surpassing $42 million within two years.

In 1992, he was appointed Director of New Business Development, designing and launching innovative non-spot revenue initiatives such as promotional merchandising, entertainment collaborations, and integrated marketing solutions. His leadership consistently prioritized collaboration, operational excellence, and creative growth strategies.

Jonathan is a recipient of the NAB Management Development Seminar for Television Executives (2001 McCormick Fellowship Initiative), underscoring his commitment to executive development and industry leadership. Colleagues describe him as a visionary with sharp strategic insight, exceptional communication, and a talent for mentoring—qualities that have defined his career at the nexus of media, marketing, and business transformation.

Silver Circle Honoree

Dagmar Rivera

Dagmar Rivera stands as one of Puerto Rico’s most beloved and respected figures in art and television, with a career spanning over five decades. A versatile performer, she has dazzled as a singer, actress, host, and communicator, leaving an enduring imprint on Puerto Rico’s popular culture.

Her early steps began with the groups Norma and the Masterpiece and Allegro, which included notable talents like Lunna and Tito Lara. She created the character Dagmarita, which propelled her to national attention after presenting on Don Tommy Muñiz’s ESTO NO TIENE NOMBRE for four years. The Dagmarita persona led to wide commercial appeal—so much so that Mattel produced a Dagmarita doll distributed worldwide.

Dagmar’s talents soon expanded to Producción Paquito Cordero, where she shone on El Show de las 12, as a comedian on Los Kakucómicos, and as co-host of Estudio Alegre with Otilio Warrington and Juan Manuel Lebrón. She also became a pivotal figure in children’s programs Telecomicas and Teatrimundo, produced by Sandra Zaiter, keeping Dagmarita on air for more than a decade.

Her first major hosting role arrived on Súper Sábado, earning Best Host honors and showcasing her warmth and empathy. She later helped lead Dame Un Break with Tony Mojena, a program that dominated Puerto Rican television for 12 years and featured the memorable “El Break de la Esperanza” segment.

For 18 years, Dagmar has been a cornerstone of the family program Día a Día, alongside Raymond Arrieta and a cast of beloved compatriots. She has conducted landmark interviews with artists such as Mariah Carey, Andrea Bocelli, Marc Anthony, and Juanes, among others. A hall-of-fame honoree and a beacon of resilience, Dagmar's spirit remains vibrant in live performances, private events, and bohemian gatherings. Her journey—marked by joy, generosity, and an unwavering public connection—continues to inspire.

Silver Circle Honoree

José Vega Santana

José Vega Santana, known as ReMi, is a Puerto Rican television pioneer and philanthropist. Born in San Juan on February 28, 1956, he grew up backstage, inspired by his mother, comedian Googie Santana, and spent much of his youth in TV studios. His career launched in 1980 with Los Payasos del Pueblito, a children’s program he produced, wrote, and performed. Soon after, he joined El Pueblito News on WAPA TV as a writer.

In 1982, producer Tommy Muñiz gave him his own segment on Chiquimundo, where he continued to produce, write, and perform. By 1986, ReMi joined Brechita in Chicago for Telemundo CNN, earning an Emmy^® nomination. He expanded across channels 7, 13, and 40, focusing on children’s and educational programming.

ReMi’s El Planeta de ReMi (1988) became a ratings force in Puerto Rico, and his daily WIPR show reached 70 U.S. cities. His segment Los Súper Campeones opened doors for young talents, offering scholarships and support. Celebrating 45 years on the air, his flagship program remains the longest-running Puerto Rican children’s show, complemented by Somewhere in the World, which took him across Europe, the Americas, and beyond.

Through the ReMi Foundation, he has distributed over 150,000 meals and educational materials to soup kitchens and hospitals worldwide. His music videos for Special Education children are used in institutions assisting autistic individuals. ReMi has appeared on programs in Ecuador, Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, and Argentina.

In 2024, he was named Chairman of the Board of the Puerto Rico Public Broadcasting Corporation (WIPR & WIPM -TV). The Suncoast Emmys^® honored Planeta ReMi with multiple awards, and the University of Puerto Rico awarded him an honorary doctorate. A Puerto Rico Tourism Company designation named a children’s park in Old San Juan after him. ReMi remains devoted to using television to educate and uplift communities.

Silver Circle Honoree

Ivonne Solla Cabrera

Ivonne was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico on November 27, 1959. She earned a Bacherlor's Degree in Arts and then a Master's Degree in Communications from the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus.

In her youth she was an outstanding volleyball player for Corozal Team, Las Pinkin, achieving 7 championships in the Superior Women's Volleyball. Former member of the National Volleyball Team, representing Puerto Rico for 10 years in NORCECA, Central American Games, Pan American Games and world games. She was recently inducted into the Volleyball Hall of Fame in Puerto Rico for her achievements as an athlete.

With a long career as a journalist, first in sports and then in research, since 1993 she has stood out as Telenoticias Anchor. She has covered events of great relevance in the country. She has been awarded by multiple journalistic organizations for her investigative reporting, such as Overseas Press Club and ASPPRO. Recently, she was awarded an EMMY^® for her investigative series "Albizu and the Secret of the Vatican". Other highly relevant events that were covered by Solla Cabrera are: Hurricane Katrina (New Orleans, 2005), Hurricane Mitch (Honduras, 1998), Attack on the Twin Towers (New York, 2001) and has been moderator of several political debates. Ivonne Solla Cabrera enjoys great credibility in the Puerto Rican media due to her verticality and responsibility, among other attributes.