By Allison Watkinson
TLL Reporter
Fred Rogers Productions has named Gabrielle Howard to the newly created position of Creative Development Manager.
In her new role, Howard will manage the company’s growing portfolio of IP in development. She will report to Ellen Doherty, the Chief Creative Officer at Fred Rogers Productions.
In addition to managing the company’s production slate, Howard will seek out new collaborators and projects that she will guide through the development process.
“Gabrielle is a terrific addition to our team. She knows the kids industry, and has a great eye for talent,” said Doherty. ”I look forward to working with her to find and generate even more extraordinary content for young viewers.”
Prior to joining Fred Rogers Productions, Howard was a media consultant and advisor on podcast development and social media strategy.
She also worked for The N, later named TeenNick, where she developed live-action and animated properties with production companies including Endemol and Klasky Csupo.
Howard started her career at Sesame Workshop, where she headed the children’s casting department for Sesame Street. She later worked for J.P. Kids, the producer of the hit series, The Famous Jett Jackson.
Howard holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of South Carolina and received a Podcast Certificate from The Made in NY Media Center by IFP.
“I’m over the moon to join Fred Rogers Productions, a company that is so well known and respected for quality programming that serves the needs of children and their families,” said Howard. “I’m excited to dive in and help build a programming slate of content that resonates with current fans and attracts many new ones, too.”
Fred Rogers Productions is the award-winning children’s media organization behind multiple well-loved PBS KIDS series. Fred Rogers Productions was founded by Fred Rogers in 1971 as the non-profit producer of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood for PBS.
In the years that followed, it created hundreds of episodes of the Mister Rogers program and extended Fred’s values and approach to other efforts in promoting children’s social, emotional, and behavioral health.
Newly launched in 2021 on PBS KIDS is Donkey Hodie, a puppet series inspired by characters from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.
Matthew Shiels to Oversee Licensing at Fred Rogers Productions