Vote Nov. 5-16 for the CCX Media Board of Directors Seat

There are three candidates running for the 2025 CCX Media Board of Directors seat.

If you are a CCX Create member and would like to vote, check your email or vote in-person at the station. 

Maxwell Gable

I am so proud to be part of the CCX family and am ecstatic to witness, firsthand, our little neighborhood TV station continuing to thrive.

CCX welcomed my spazzy friends and me at the ripe age of 13 and gave us a chance to get creative and showcase our comedic talents (we thought we were pretty funny, but that’s debatable).

How cool was that?!  It may not have been as important as other shows on the network. We probably weren’t inspiring or informing anyone, but this little TV station empowered us. It acted as an incubator to prepare me for decades of work and passion projects in the world of video.

After moving back to my old neighborhood recently, I was welcomed with open arms, once again. These were new faces, but just as warm as the people before.

I have seen Javie and Trudy go full steam to get podcasts going, an amazing way to adapt to the times and keep this place relevant. I have also had the privilege of being part of a recent wave of award winners that the CCX Create team have really rallied for.

Although these amazing milestones have been placed in the recent history of CCX, I feel very strongly it is essential for us to keep this steam going.

I believe one of our first priorities should be getting young people in these doors. Connect with schools that could take field trips here and find ways to feature our facilities for the youth as a creative outlet. They might not even know what Community Access is but it could just be a matter of them seeing the green screen studio, the lights, cameras, and control room, for that light bulb of creative empowerment to light up for them.

Ilona Parunakova

 As a producer with CCX Media since 2022, I’ve witnessed firsthand the power of community-driven storytelling. My journey with CCX Media isn’t just personal—it’s a family affair.

Both my daughter and son have joined me in this venture, sharing a commitment to amplify voices and make a meaningful impact on the lives of others. Together, we’ve seen how the stories we tell can inspire positive change, cultivate understanding, and bring people together in ways that transcend the screen.

With a multicultural background and experience as a licensed school teacher, I bring a unique perspective that informs my work. My commitment to education and inclusivity has shaped my understanding of the diverse challenges and triumphs within our community.

This year, I’m proud to serve as an election judge, further deepening my connection to civic engagement and the importance of representation. I am passionate about showcasing stories that highlight resilience and the diverse experiences that shape our neighborhoods.

I believe my contributions can help CCX Media continue to succeed by fostering a platform where authenticity and connection are at the forefront. My goal is to bring a fresh, empathetic perspective that resonates with our diverse audience.

I am dedicated to upholding the values that make CCX Media a trusted source of local news and stories. Ultimately, I am motivated by a vision of a thriving, informed community. Through CCX Media, I hope to continue building bridges and fostering a culture of inclusivity, transparency, and empowerment. My goal is simple yet profound: to contribute meaningfully to the legacy of CCX Media, ensuring that it remains a pillar of positivity and progress within our community.

Kevin Vandenberg

I hope many of you already know me because we’ve run into one another at CCX over the last few years! In 2022, you entrusted me to represent CCX Create on the CCX Media Board of Directors. I had to learn quite a few details about the Northwest Suburbs Cable Communications Commission, the CCX Media Board of Directors and their respective executive committees.

During the last two years, the board and commission have engaged in some challenging topics including how the Cable Franchise Agreements, which provide the funding for CCX Media (including Create), aren’t in step with current products offered by the cable companies.  As a result, less funding is reaching CCX as more of the residents cut the cord and stop buying Cable Programming Packages, which are covered in the agreement, and instead pay for Broadband Internet and Streaming services, which are not covered. It is complex. But it is very real.

I believe, and hope you do as well, that CCX Create is a vital and valuable resource in our communities. Because it’s so very important to demonstrate a thing’s value when budgets get tight, I have been part of the Create Action Committee. The committee is looking for ways to activate and energize Create Members to take advantage of the great resources available to us…including each other!

I hope I’ve earned your trust and confidence, and that you will allow me to continue the momentum, leverage my skills, knowledge and leadership to contribute to the ongoing success of CCX Media and Create.

Most sincerely,
Kevin Vandenberg