Autism Speaks is adding a TV news veteran to its executive ranks, naming Michael Rosen executive VP of strategic communications. Rosen was most recently EP of “CBS This Morning: Saturday.”
Before he joined CBS he was a senior broadcast producer for CNN’s “Paula Zahn Now” and was a senior producer of special events at ABC News.
At Autism Speaks, he will be tasked with leading the company’s communications strategy. The non-profit was founded by TV veteran Bob Wright and his wife Suzanne. Wright was the CEO of NBC Universal from 1986-2007.
More information, after the jump.
AUTISM SPEAKS NAMES VETERAN TV NEWS PRODUCER AND AUTISM ADVOCATE MICHAEL ROSEN AS EXECUTIVE V.P. OF STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS
New York, N.Y. (April 11, 2013) – Autism Speaks, the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization, today announced that Michael Rosen, an award-winning network television news producer and long-time advisor to the organization on communications and awareness issues, has been named Executive Vice President of Strategic Communications. Rosen will report to Autism Speaks President Liz Feld.
In this role, Rosen will manage all aspects of Autism Speaks’ communications and public relations efforts in support of its mission. As a key member of the senior leadership team, Rosen will be responsible for developing and implementing communication strategies to broaden the impact of Autism Speaks’ programs in all key areas: science, advocacy, family services and awareness.
Rosen comes to Autism Speaks from CBS News, where he has held several top editorial leadership positions including, most recently, executive producer of CBS This Morning: Saturday and The Early Show on Saturday Morning. In addition to tenures as senior vice president at CSTV and senior broadcast producer at CNN (Paula Zahn NOW), Rosen was a senior producer for special events at ABC News, where he helped lead the network’s coverage of the war in Iraq and ABC’s Peabody award-winning coverage of the September 11 terrorist attacks. His work has been recognized with three Emmy awards, two Peabody awards and three DuPont awards.
Rosen holds a B.A. in political science from Boston College.
“Michael brings extensive professional and personal experience to his leadership position at Autism Speaks,” said Feld. “As a news executive for many years, he understands the power of raising awareness and strategic communications. As the father of an adult son with autism, he understands firsthand the urgency of our mission. He will be a tremendous asset to the work of this organization.”
“We are very fortunate to have Michael coming to Autism Speaks, with his very strong background in media, especially his journalistic and producing skills,” said Autism Speaks Co-founder Bob Wright. “The entire Autism Speaks team, including our field staff and many volunteers, will benefit from having access to Michael.”
“The opportunity to focus my work on a cause that is a true passion of mine was something I simply could not pass up,” said Rosen. “Autism Speaks has helped make autism a household word, and its science, advocacy and family services work has changed the outlook for individuals with autism and their families worldwide. I’m thrilled to be working with this incredible team to help further our mission in service to the autism community.”
About Autism
Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders – autism spectrum disorders – caused by a combination of genes and environmental influences. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by communication difficulties, social and behavioral challenges, as well as repetitive behaviors. An estimated one in 88 children in the U.S. is on the autism spectrum – a 78 percent increase in six years that is only partly explained by improved diagnosis.About Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization. It is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism. Mr. Wright is the former vice chairman of General Electric and chief executive officer of NBC and NBC Universal. Since its inception, Autism Speaks has committed more than $195 million to research and developing innovative resources for families. Each year Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are held in more than 100 cities across North America. On the global front, Autism Speaks has established partnerships and related activities in more than 40 countries on five continents to foster international research, services and awareness. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit AutismSpeaks.org.