Gordon's Wish Sticks Former two-term Oregon Sen. Gordon Smith (1996-2008) has been recruited as the new President/CEO of the NAB. He will be introduced to broadcasters and make brief remarks at next week's NAB Radio Show in Philadelphia, and commences his new post Nov. 1. A onetime executive in his family's frozen-food business, he most recently has worked as an attorney with Covington & Burling, LLP. Smith, 57, succeeds David Rehr, who resigned May 6. NAB Joint Board Chairman Steve Newberry said of Smith, "His background as a lawyer, a statesman, and as an entrepreneur — coupled with his extensive knowledge of broadcast issues from having served many years on the Commerce Committee — make Gordon eminently qualified to represent the interests of free and local broadcasters in Washington."