Bill Abbott, Michelle Vicary, Susanne McAvoy & Kristen Roberts
Bill Abbott
Title: President & CEO, Crown Media Family Networks
Years in Cable: 28
Education: English Literature degree, College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, Mass
Michelle Vicary
Title: EVP, Programming & Network Publicity, Crown Media Family Networks
Education: Bachelor’s degree in radio, television and film from California State University, Northridge
Susanne McAvoy
Title: EVP, Marketing, Creative & Communications, Crown Media Family Networks
Years in Cable: 24
Education: BS, Vanderbilt University
One Word that Best Describes Me: Over-organized
Kristen Roberts
Title: EVP, Pricing, Planning & Revenue Management, Crown Media Family Networks
Years in Cable: 22 Years
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from Villanova University
One Word that Best Describes Me: Analytical
Crown experienced 2015 as its most successful in the company’s history. Both Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries saw ratings increases in key demos and dayparts, and the team also scored in the revenue growth department. In Total Day, Hallmark Channel grew 9 percent among W25-54, and for Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, there were double-digit spikes across many audience segments, including W25-54. With Abbott’s industry expertise, Vicary’s commitment and eye for programming hits, McAvoy’s creativity and Roberts’ even-keel style and work ethic, the group is poised for additional expansion.
Bill Abbott
What does the future look like for skinny bundles and flexible packaging? More limited than people think.
Last show I watched not on my network(s): “American Idol”
My first job: Research analyst
“Star Trek” celebrates its 50th Anniversary this year. So if Mr. Spock’s motto is “Live Long and Prosper,” mine is… Attitude is everything.
My favorite hashtag is: #hearties
Hoverboard, driverless car or drone: Driverless car—ASAP!
Favorite charity event you work with: Hero Dog Awards
What was the last costume that you wore and why? An ugly Christmas sweater for our company’s Ugly Christmas Sweater contest.
What should cable do to improve its image? Sell the value of the bundle.
Best way to spend a Saturday night: Listening to music with sports on in the background.
New favorite binge: “High Heat” on MLB Network
I watch the majority of programming on this device: A big screen TV.
Favorite vacation spot: Montauk
My typical breakfast is: Coffee
Michelle Vicary
My dream would be… for my clone to be connected to the Internet of Things so it could answer all my emails.
Last show I watched not on my network(s): “House of Cards”
My first job: Making burritos at Taco Bell to save money for cheerleading camp.
What should cable do to improve its image? Cable should be responsible for the most innovative shows in the history of television. Oh, wait…
New favorite binge: The Hamilton soundtrack.
Susanne McAvoy
“Star Trek” celebrates its 50th Anniversary this year. So if Mr. Spock’s motto is “Live Long and Prosper,” mine is… Prosper first and then live long.
If this election year was a reality TV series, it would be called… “Are You Smarter Than a 3rd Grader?”
New favorite binge: Girl Scout cookies
Hoverboard, driverless car or drone: Metro North
My personal theme song is: Stars Fell on Alabama (Jimmy Buffett)
My dream would be for my alarm clock to be connected to the Internet of Things so it could crash every so often and leave me be.
Last show I watched not on my network(s): “The Americans”
What was your first job? Lifeguard on a lake in upstate New York – best job ever!
Best way to spend a Saturday night: Making smores by a bonfire
Favorite vacation spot: Anywhere with a sandy beach, crystal clear blue water and a beautiful sunset
My typical breakfast is: Sleeping in
My Starbucks order: Dunkin Donuts!
Kristen Roberts
Last show I watched not on my network(s): “The Leftovers”
My first job: I worked at a Grateful Dead stand in the mall.
My favorite hashtag is: #hearties
I watch the majority of programming on this device: I still watch the majority of programming on my television.
My Starbucks order: Venti Skim Latte
