Draper Holdings Business Trust announced on Thursday that Chairman of the Board Molly Draper Russell will take over as CEO.

The parent company of WBOC-TV and Loblolly, LLC has operated without a CEO since Russell's father and founder of the company, Thomas H. Draper, died in a bicycle accident in September 2017.

"Broadcasting and land stewardship have always been important to our family," Russell said. "I'm honored to lead the company along with the support of my sister and brothers. We are fully committed to fulfilling my dad's legacy of serving the people of Delmarva through local media."

A University of Delaware graduate, Russell worked at TV stations in Texas, Florida and Milwaukee before joining the family business.

"Under her leadership, we have grown our media holdings," said Craig Jahelka, president, Draper Media. "It was Molly's direction and passion that lead us to launch Telemundo Delmarva serving the area's Spanish-speaking population as well as our recent acquisition of four radio stations in Cambridge, MD."

"My dad taught me many great things, but most importantly, to surround myself with great people," Russell said. "And that's what makes our company so successful. Together we will make my father proud."