(New York, NY – February 7, 2011) The Joan Ganz Cooney Center at Sesame Workshop announced today that Pam Abrams has joined the Cooney Center as Director, Partnership Development and Strategy.  In this role, Abrams will develop and manage relationships with businesses, academic institutions and philanthropies that are crucial to the Cooney Center’s mission in harnessing digital media technologies to advance children’s learning.  Abrams will report to Dr. Michael H. Levine, the Cooney Center’s Executive Director.
Her responsibilities will also include overseeing the implementation of the Cooney Center’s industry and market research projects, the Cooney Center Prizes and annual leadership forum. 
“Pam is a leader in the translation of child development research, publishing and writing, web development and overall strategic business development.  Her extensive experience and background in the media world will be valuable as the Cooney Center continues to explore emerging technologies and their role in education,” said Levine. 
Prior to joining the Cooney Center, Abrams was Senior Vice President at Downtown Bookworks Inc. where she produced books in the areas of parenting, cooking, crafts, education and business.  She began her career at Harper’s Magazine, and subsequently served as Editor-in-Chief of Child magazine, Editorial Director at eToys.com and as Senior Publishing Executive at Scholastic. 
Abrams has written for national publications including More, O:The Oprah Magazine, Parents and Entertainment Weekly.  She is also the author of several books.  Her titles include “Now I Eat My ABCs,” “Gadgetology: Kitchen Fun with Your Kids,” “This is the House That Mouse Built” and “Candy 1- 20.” 
She served on the Board of Directors of Consumers Union (publisher of Consumer Reports).  Abrams has also been on advisory boards and acted as a consultant for many organizations including the Children’s Defense Fund, The March of Dimes, McGraw-Hill and the Southern Poverty Law Center.  Abrams is a graduate of SUNY Purchase and resides in New York City.
The Joan Ganz Cooney Center at Sesame Workshop is an independent, non-profit research group that is fostering innovation in children’s learning through digital media.  The Cooney Center conducts and supports research, creates educational models and interactive media properties, and builds cross-sector partnerships.  It is named for Sesame Workshop’s founder, who revolutionized television with the creation of Sesame Street. Core funding is provided by the generous support of Peter G. Peterson and Sesame Workshop.
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Contacts:
Jodi Lefkowitz
212-875-6497
jodi.lefkowitz@sesame.org