Maryanne Culpepper has assumed the position of National Geographic Television's president, replacing a departing Michael Rosenfeld, the company announced on Tuesday.
Culpepper is being promoted from her previous position as executive vice president of editorial and new business development for National Geographic Television. Rosenfeld, who joined National Geographic in 1993 as a writer and producer of "Explorer," and had been president of the company since 2006, is departing to pursue "his first love — making films," a statement released by National Geographic said.
National Geographic Global Media CEO Edward Prince, to whom Culpepper will be reporting, praised her "strong track record" in announcing the promotion.
“Maryanne’s strong track record in the creative development process and her in-depth knowledge of every aspect of National Geographic’s content assets — from mission programs to magazine stories — make her the ideal leader to head this critical function,” Prince said.
Read National Geographic's full press release on the promotion below.
MARYANNE CULPEPPER NAMED PRESIDENT,
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TELEVISION
WASHINGTON (April 26, 2011)—Maryanne Culpepper has been named president of National Geographic Television, it was announced today by Edward (Ted) Prince, chief operating officer for National Geographic Global Media, to whom Culpepper will report. She succeeds Michael Rosenfeld, whose departure was announced last month.
“Continuing to expand the reach and influence of National Geographic’s cable channels around the globe is our top priority, and National Geographic Television is committed to creating and delivering great, original programming in service of that goal. Maryanne’s strong track record in the creative development process and her in-depth knowledge of every aspect of National Geographic’s content assets — from mission programs to magazine stories — make her the ideal leader to head this critical function,” Prince said.
National Geographic President Tim Kelly added, “Maryanne has been the architect of our highly successful cross-platform editorial process for many years and is uniquely positioned to ensure we can deliver the expeditions, talent, grantees and editorial know-how wrapped up as great, entertaining television specials and series to our Channels. We’re fortunate to have someone with Maryanne’s connections, skill and drive in this crucial creative role.”
An award-winning writer/producer with more than 20 years of television production and broadcast management experience, Culpepper has most recently served as executive vice president of editorial and new business development of National Geographic Television. Prior to joining National Geographic as director of story development in 1996, she was president of Graffiti Works, a television production company she founded in Orlando, Fla., and Washington, D.C., producing films for National Geographic, Discovery, PBS and Time-Life. She produced, directed and wrote documentary and public affairs programming as a producer/director for the Alabama Public Television Network and served as research director for WUFT-TV in Gainesville, Fla. Her work has won numerous awards, including multiple CINE Golden Eagles and a regional Emmy for excellence in Children’s and Family Programming.
Culpepper earned her Bachelor of Science in journalism and communications and a master’s degree in communications from the University of Florida.