The New Mexico Broadcasters Association is proud to announce Carolyn Rush, KRQE’s Community Relations Director and Production Project Manager, as the 2025 recipient of the Bill Anderson North Star Award—a recognition reserved for broadcasters whose passion, leadership, and integrity shine brightest across New Mexico.
Submitted by KRQE Evening Anchor Jessica Garate and Promotions Assistant Jasmine Billings, Carolyn’s nomination tells the story of a woman whose work is as impactful as it is heartfelt—someone whose legacy in local broadcasting and community service echoes the very values Bill Anderson lived by.
“Anyone who’s had the pleasure of working with Carolyn knows the outcome will not only hit the mark—it’ll do so with grace, talent, and a touch of joy,” said Monica Armenta, NMBA Executive Director. “Carolyn understands the power of local news and possesses the rare ability to bring people together to use that power for good.”
Carolyn was recruited to KRQE more than a decade ago by Bill Anderson himself, who saw in her the rare combination of drive, creativity, and community spirit that would elevate both the station and its public service mission. She made an immediate and lasting impact by launching KRQE Cares, a now Emmy Award-winning initiative that provides brand-new shoes to students at Title I schools—often kids who wouldn’t otherwise have access to something so essential. What began as a simple idea has blossomed into a far-reaching, deeply personal program that has provided shoes, backpacks, books, socks, snacks, and smiles to more than 30,000 students across New Mexico.
Under Carolyn’s leadership, KRQE Cares has expanded to include Story Time in the Park, a summertime reading and lunch program, and Food for Kids, which teams up with Smith’s Grocery Stores every June to collect and distribute food and diapers to thousands of families experiencing housing and financial insecurity. She partners with the Title I McKinney-Vento Program, ensuring that the most vulnerable children in our state receive dignity and support.
And that’s not all. Carolyn is the quiet force behind KRQE’s record-breaking phone banks, often raising $7,000 to $10,000 in just a few hours. She ensures every community event KRQE supports is executed flawlessly—frequently working nights and weekends to make sure everything goes off without a hitch.
Jessica Garate puts it simply:
“She is the most deserving person because of the shared values and love that she and Bill Anderson both have for this community. Like Bill, Carolyn gives herself fully to making a real difference. She connects with people through love, compassion, and empathy, and treats everyone with the utmost respect and dignity.”
Beyond the projects and partnerships, what truly sets Carolyn apart is her heart. She is not just a behind-the-scenes powerhouse—she is a leader, a mentor, a friend, and a radiant example of what it means to serve with purpose.
“We are lucky to have her on our team,” Garate said. “And I know Bill would be proud to see how she has carried on his legacy of excellence, compassion, and service.”
Carolyn Rush will be honored during the NMBA Afternoon of Broadcast Celebration and Recognition on Friday, July 18, 2025, where we will celebrate not only her incredible contributions—but the love, dignity, and connection she brings to every corner of our state.
