Deborah McBride obit

Deborah McBride Dies: A+E Networks Corporate Communications Exec Was 45

 

She was not on the list.

Deborah McBride, a veteran A+E Networks corporate communications executive who previously worked at Turner Broadcasting System, has died after a short battle with brain cancer.

A+E confirmed the news to employees in recent days.

McBride was 45. She is survived by her husband, Brendan, and their children, Elyse, Sean and Margot.

After joining A+E in 2019, McBride rose to the post of VP, Corporate Communications, working closely with the ad sales group and heading up publicity efforts around the upfront marketplace and related activities. During a 7-year run at Turner, she helped lead communications for the ad sales division, with a particular focus on CNN and the company’s digital properties. Earlier career chapters saw her take on roles at G4 Media, GSN and data and analytics firm Dun & Bradstreet. “Deb was an earth angel who generated warmth, kindness, love, smarts and humor,” A+E Networks said in a statement. “Her laughter was contagious. She was quite literally a beacon of light to all who knew her. Her positivity and tremendous joy for life made the whole word brighter for everyone she met.”

The company suggested that anyone interested in supporting McBride’s family or her children’s education to visit deborahmcbride.com, where they can make a donation.

“Deb was cherished by all who had the blessing of knowing her,” the company’s statement continued. “We have lost a colleague and a dear friend, and we are heartbroken for her family. Deb was passionate in all of her endeavors, whether as a mom, wife, family member, friend or colleague.  In her professional life, Deb was a deeply respected communications professional, incredibly adept at amplifying critical areas of our business, internally and externally. We miss our beloved friend. We will honor her memory for the rest of our lives.”