Specializing in integrated strategy, architecture and execution of programs and product development in traditional and digital media with high impact and appeal -- in entertainment and/or education, children, parents, families, and consumer markets. Startups, ideation, new IPs, creative, content creation, writing, production, curriculum, marketing, events planning, research, leading and working with cross-functional teams. WELCOME NEW PROJECTS OR COLLABORATIONS.SCHOLASTIC INC. (May 2015)Grant writer and architect of multi-million dollar transmedia proposal to U.S. Dept. of Education.

Independent consultant and think tank, also capable of assembling expert teams to create integrated strategies, products, programs, media (digital, TV, video), learning and curriculum, activities, marketing or events targeting children, parents, families, consumer and education markets. WELCOME NEW PROJECTS OR COLLABORATIONS.__________________________________ SCHOLASTIC READING CLUBStrategy and planning for rebrand of classic Book Clubs; produced 100+ videos by teachers and kids for Back-To-School social media campaign.__________________________________ iZHero.org / NANYANG TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY (the MIT of Singapore)Creative/brand/content consultant and writer for social enterprise targeting cyberbullying and promoting digital safety for children. Concepts for new website; edit content and wireframes; and created new educator’s guide.__________________________________ IMPACTFUL.LYDigital gaming startup promoting philanthropy and activism by kids. __________________________________ INTROAMERICAConsultant for first Jiangsu Star Student Search ($5 Million) Scholarship Competition.__________________________________ MEMORY PROJECT PRODUCTIONSAdvised new engagement strategies for online, mobile and offline. Write/edit content and emails.__________________________________ MCG RESEARCH & CONSULTINGEdit/structure/design research reports: 120+ page K-12 educational technology study; Global Scholars; Girl Scouts USA 2020 Youth Development Outlook.__________________________________ NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION (NSF)2010-2012 planning grant for R&D of new digital platform targeting STEM and tweens, leveraging pop culture, viral videos, game theory, and embedded learning modules. Assembled and managed team of education, content, digital, gaming, design, child development and research experts, and Advisory Board. Conceptualization; direct creative, content, curriculum; site, IP, and research design. 94%+ in appeal and overall findings.

Sought by president of Scholastic Media for relaunch of The Magic School Bus franchise; new 3D CGI series developed for OTT and multi-platform.•Business development and fundraising via federal and private foundations, sponsors and new partnerships. Developed rigorous research-based, winning proposal for NSF grant.•Developed brand, content, cross-platform strategies, outreach and marketing plans, external and internal partnerships (Afterschool Alliance, NYSCI, Girls Inc., MakerEd, etc.) to maximize brand awareness and engagement by children, parents and educators.•Conceived content, positioning, messaging, and integrated plans across all partner and Scholastic channels reaching millions: online, digital, social media, Book Clubs, Magazines, Book Fairs, PR, Conventions, etc.

Managed ebooks merchandising and related shop experiences on NOOK app across all platforms -- iOS, Android, Windows8, etc.; and enterprise sales, B2B and K-12 schools. Also led product and content development, user engagement, design and creative, and business strategies for new kids/family product for NOOK/BN.com. And produced 2 new kids apps (reading and writing) for NOOK. Coached founder/GM of Tikatok.com (kids book-creation startup) on strategic roadmaps, ideation, creative, content, education, and marketing. Nurtured partnerships with HP, McDonalds, Sterling, Build-A-Bear; and synergies with B&N Corporate, BN.com, retail stores, marketing and PR. In 2 months, designed and installed new interactive kiosk as part of new Educational Toys & Games Dept. Launched first Tikatok gift cards sold at B&N stores and online. Conceived Summer of Imagination Writing Contest, and executed PR and marketing across B&N.com, B&N stores, local mall events, etc.

__________________________________SESAME WORKSHOP (Creators of Sesame Street)• Project Director for multi-platform initiatives on health, learning, economy, culture, etc. Managed integration across teams, development and all functional areas: TV/video production, digital media, content, design, PR, marketing, PBS, station relations, outreach, distribution, research, sponsorship, etc. Launched Families Stand Together​ including primetime special starring Elmo, Al Roker and Deborah Roberts; digital media (www.sesameworkshop.org/toughtimes); print/DVD kit; community events; PR; etc.__________________________________DISNEY ENGLISH• Collaborated with senior management on branding, creative design and content development of Disney English, new ELL (English Language Learning) pilot school in Shanghai. Developed new branding and new interactive concepts and spatial designs. Led conceptualization and art direction of 2 creative agencies. Advised on content, curriculum, language and culture.• Also Interim-China Marketing Director. Oversaw marketing plans, licensing and brand approvals for largest global ELL licensee. Managed China art director and collaborated with Disney Global Brand Management.__________________________________ LUDORUM, PLC• Integrated creative and educational components into new show bible for Chuggington, new animated series co-produced with Shanghai Media Group.__________________________________ COLLEGE BOARD / ADVANCED PLACEMENTDirector, Business & Process Engineering - Managed ETS and updates of 2 online AP exams; email marketing; annual AP Reading Convention and 3-year plan for new sites; exam-reader recruitment. Produced new recruitment video.__________________________________ NYC DEPT. OF EDUCATIONManaged team of education consultants and implementation of new K-12 promotion policy.__________________________________NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATIONReviewer for ISE grants.

• Improved overall efficiency and effectiveness for planning, operations and reporting of multi-million dollar Ready To Learn grant from U.S. Dept. of Education/Office of Innovation & Improvement – for research and development of four new TV/web/multi-platform properties. Hired, developed and trained research team; optimized productivity, motivation, teamwork and intellectual products.• Launched new media lab and implemented longitudinal kids panel to investigate new digital platforms, new technologies, online, gaming, social networking, popular culture and other trends.• Project managed and oversaw writing, design and production of Benchmark Survey Report (Children, Families & Media) funded by and presented to U.S. Department of Education and Capital Hill.• Lead consultant & project director for Disney account, including client management and interpretation of needs; development, writing and editing of white paper, reports and presentations; and management of research and writing team. Deliverables met with praise and satisfaction; resulting in new assignment for content analyses and creation of key message points.• Pitched new business to Microsoft and Gates Foundation.

Re-invigorated and transformed K-12 business with catalog of 700 video titles (http://dep.disney.go.com/); doubled operating income and tripled reseller revenue. Devised new creative strategies in content, platforms, channels, sales, marketing and international. Oversaw content, product development, online, marketing, PR, sales team, licensing, distribution, business affairs, Canada and International.• Executive-produced 100+ new sku’s, interactive and digital launches.• Conceptualized new marketing strategy, positioning and creative direction for K-8 and H.S. catalogs.• Directed web redesign with Disney Interactive Group, targeting new e-commerce strategy.• Launched new digital strategy; accelerated migration to new platforms (interactive DVD and VOD), streamlined music and rights clearances, and closed first digital deal in 2005. Led negotiations with Google, Sandisk, Discovery, Safari, gaming developers, etc. Ramped up internal digital delivery operations, and new sales and pricing structures.• Initiated and developed new concepts and strategic partnerships with other LOBs – Imagineering, ABC, ESPN, Radio Disney, Feature Animations, Theatrical, Publishing, Home Entertainment, etc. – to leverage internal assets and synergies, and drive new content, cross-pollination and cross-promotions.• Partnered with Radio Disney, and awarded multi-million dollar sponsorship from UL for R&D of new safety videos and guides, school distribution and performances, mall tours, on-air and online ads, contests and retailer events. Restructured deliverables and led contract execution.• Partnered with ABC News to develop and co-produce new content featuring ABC talent, and leverage distribution to education market.• Led creative direction and production of new Comics in the Classroom pilot program with Diamond Comics (key licensee) and Maryland State Dept. of Ed. Developed business models for national rollout and international adaptations.

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS (NY/LA)Evaluated outreach plans proposed by PBS partner (WGBH) for new series, Curious George.__________________________________ DISNEY CONTINUITY GROUP (Paris/NY)Content analyses of ABC News assets; produced prototype DVD and print-guide for new ELL pilot designed for global Continuity market, starting in Asia. Ramped up production with ABC, including scripting, assets, and branding. Attended Frankfurt Book Fair; also pitched potential U.S. and global licensees.__________________________________ DISNEY PUBLISHING WORLDWIDE (NY)Created marketing materials for launch of new Learning titles for U.S. and global retail markets.__________________________________ SCHOLASTIC / EXTENDED LEARNING (NY)Conducted in-depth analysis of new reading intervention curriculum considered for licensing. Interpreted and laid out pedagogical approach for senior management; created 80-page prototype. Developed presentation to senior management—received approval and greenlit for marketing.__________________________________ U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION/OFFICE OF INNOVATION & IMPROVEMENT (DC)Invited by DOE to participate on panel of Expert Reviewers for Ready To Learn grant, a multi-million dollar initiative for development of innovative technologies and new platforms to promote literacy and reading.

MTV/NICKELODEON INTERNATIONAL (New York/Asia)• Conducted in-depth market analysis and opportunity assessment of Greater China’s media and consumer products markets. Immersion with Nickelodeon’s U.S. and international licensing, distribution, online and publishing operations. Completed recommendations and comprehensive strategic plan.__________________________________ LEARNING CURVE / RC2 / HIT ENTERTAINMENT (Chicago)• Conducted market research, in-depth analysis and opportunity assessment of Greater China’s media, licensing and consumer products markets. Devised China entry strategy for Thomas & Friends franchise.__________________________________ SESAME WORKSHOP (New York)• Completed historical perspective of Sesame Workshop’s entry and new business ventures into Greater China, including key contacts and market references.

TOTO GROUP (New York)• Developed PR proposal — targeting Chinese/Asian market — for pitch to potential client.__________________________________COALITION of ARTS & HUMANITIES for STATEN ISLAND (New York)• Campaign manager for annual JuneFest, visual and performing arts awards and exhibition.

General manager for Greater China plus new global ELL franchise: Sesame English. Successfully met and surpassed expectations of challenging, high profile launches, and established Workshop’s foothold as premiere education brand in China. Launched and project-directed 5 groundbreaking, indigenous co-productions in China including Zhima Jie, Chinese Sesame Street. Re-aligned and led cross-functional teams, optimizing efficiency, creativity, productivity, speed, communications and cost-savings. Reduced on-the-ground expenses. Oversaw launches, rollouts, broadcast, production, development, content, creative, brand and project management, sponsorship, marketing, licensing, publishing, cross-platform, PR, education. Directed all brand activities, content-driven marketing and licensing programs. Negotiated deals, oversaw compliance; managed multimedia rights and clearances.• Managed relations with and deliverables to/from local broadcasters (CCTV, SMG, CETV). Developed co-production concepts with CCTV and Shanghai Media Group. Managed syndication partner, reaching 39 major markets/70% coverage across China.• Conceived and implemented ‘Learn & Play’ campaign and high profile events.• Maintained sponsor relations (P&G, GE, KFC, TransAsia) in U.S. and abroad. Conceived and managed co-branded programs, marketing materials and deliverables. Stimulated, developed and orchestrated in-market sponsor promotions. Produced on-air spots, sponsor credits, interstitials and make-goods.• Project directed Sesame English -- launches, content, creative, brand management, broadcast, production, sponsorship, marketing, licensing, product development, language schools (Berlitz), instructional or multimedia packages, continuities, publishing, home videos, web, etc. Redesigned style guide, trained licensees and oversaw brand approvals. Directed branding and development of multimedia series with NHK/Japan and RBA/Spain, and repackaging of 52 episodes for KBS/Korea.

Project and brand management, strategy and execution of launch, creatives and promotions of new TV/multimedia franchise, first fully-animated series on PBS. Played pivotal role in implementing and achieving unprecedented exposure, promotions, brand appeal, ratings and strategic alliances. Managed $4 million budget with cost-savings of $270,000, and staff of two.• Marketing/Conferences/Event Planning: Produced tent pole events, celebrity presentations (Lily Tomlin at PBS Annual and TV Critics Tour; Malcolm Jamal-Warner at IRA), trade shows and educational conferences, workshops and special events – all with record attendance. Key liaison for all cross-divisional and external (McDonald’s, Microsoft, PBS, etc.) synergies and promotions. Conceptualized and designed high-traffic booth.• Station Relations: Implemented station relations campaign that propelled Scholastic into PBS arena. Established relationship and credibility with PBS National and 350 affiliates. Conceptualized and designed PBS station handbooks, which became industry gold standard. Oversaw communications and station relations campaigns.• Community Outreach: Solidified strategic partnerships with eight national community-based organizations and 100 children’s museums. Leveraged partners’ marketing and distribution channels. Developed programs; co-created content with partners and approved submissions; oversaw execution and dissemination. • Brand Management/Art & Design: Led completion of brand style guide. Oversaw internal and external project/ product approvals. Conceived new creative and led art direction; copyedited and produced all project collaterals.

Oversaw marketing, distribution and production of TV and print products for Ghostwriter, 3-2-1 Contact, and Square One TV. Promoted programs to educators and PBS stations via trade shows, workshops, teleconferences, direct mail, advertising and PR. Led creative development and production of all collaterals, from design through distribution. Produced conferences, events, and workshops for PBS, ITV (instructional television) and educational communities. Managed marketing budgets. Supervised development, maintenance, processing and fulfillment of customer database; grew list from zero to 250,000+.

P&L responsibilities for 7 consumer magazines. Planned and implemented marketing strategies, with annual budgets of $5+ million. Improved direct mail response rates by +30%. Instituted $200,000+ cost savings; streamlined insert card production resulting in annual savings of $600,000.