WABC which has been winning the ratings without a GM or a News Director has finally gotten around to filling one of those jobs. 

The ABC O&O announced that Debra O’Connell will be the new GM, taking over for today was  Dave Davis, who w̶a̶s̶ ̶p̶u̶s̶h̶e̶d̶ ̶o̶u̶t̶ retired.

O'Connell was the executive vice president, sales and marketing at Disney and now moves over to the powerhouse station. 

“Debra is a well-respected, highly strategic and driven leader that brings an impressive range of experience to this position,” said Wendy McMahon, president, ABC Owned Television Stations Group. “Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a results-oriented and entrepreneurial approach to the business of broadcasting, and we are confident that her valuable management expertise, strong relationships and deep dedication to the local community make her ideally suited for the top job at our flagship station.”