Sesame Workshop Appoints H. Melvin Ming As President/CEO

files/pictures/picture-35.jpgPress Release from Sesame Workshop

(New York, NY, October 3, 2011) Vincent A. Mai, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Sesame Workshop, today announced the appointment of H. Melvin Ming as President and Chief Executive Officer of Sesame Workshop. Ming, currently serving as Sesame Workshop’s Chief Operating Officer, will succeed Gary Knell, and assume the role effective October 10, 2011. Ming will lead the nonprofit educational organization in its mission to create innovative, engaging content that maximizes the educational power of media to help children reach their highest potential.

Ming joined the Workshop in 1999 as Chief Financial Officer and was named Chief Operating Officer in 2002. As COO, Ming oversees the content, product licensing, distribution, research, communications and business strategies of all of the Workshop’s properties including Sesame Street and its international co-productions.

“Mel is a tireless champion of our work here and around the world and he will continue to bring his passion and leadership to his new role,” said Vincent Mai. “Over the past twelve years, Mel has been a great partner to Gary Knell and we are fortunate to have him step into the role of CEO.”

Mel Ming said, “I’m humbled and honored to take over the reins of this organization that I am so proud to be a part of. We are in great shape, and I look forward to continuing our mission driven work.”

Prior to joining the Workshop, Ming served as the Chief Financial Officer of the Museum of Television and Radio in New York. He also held the position of Chief Operating Officer at WQED Pittsburgh, and Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer at Thirteen/WNET New York. Previously, Ming served as Vice President, Finance and Administration, at National Public Radio in Washington, DC.

Ming serves on the Board of Directors of First Children’s Finance and Westwood One, Inc. He is a certified public accountant and received a B.S. degree from Temple University.

Sesame Workshop is the nonprofit educational organization that revolutionized children’s television programming with the landmark Sesame Street. The Workshop produces local Sesame Street programs, seen in over 150 countries, and other acclaimed shows including The Electric Company, to help bridge the literacy gap. Beyond television, the Workshop produces content for multiple media platforms on a wide range of issues including literacy, health and military deployment. Initiatives meet specific needs to help young children and families develop critical skills, acquire healthy habits and build emotional strength to prepare them for lifelong learning. Learn more at www.sesameworkshop.org [1].