UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Tracy Powell, vice president of distribution marketing for A+E Networks, was named associate vice president for marketing for Penn State, effective Jan. 4, 2016.
Powell takes over for Cynthia Hall, who retired from the University in September 2015.
As associate vice president, Powell will focus on Penn State’s marketing, advertising and branding efforts in promoting the University’s academic, research and service excellence.
“Tracy brings an incredibly diverse set of proven marketing talents, from digital and social to cause, event and promotion campaigns of the highest quality,” said Lawrence Lokman, vice president for strategic communications. “She has a deep attachment to Penn State, and will play a major role in elevating Penn State among the ranks of the world’s great public research universities. I couldn’t be more pleased with her appointment.”
As vice president of distribution marketing for A+E Networks since 2009, Powell led marketing efforts to increase availability and viewership of A+E’s top television brands, including A&E, History, Lifetime and FYI. Her work also included leading the company’s efforts around TV Everywhere, crafting award-winning advocacy campaigns and managing A+E Networks presence in industry-facing initiatives.
“As an alum, I’m so proud to see Penn State grow and evolve,” Powell said. “As a marketer, I am thrilled to be a part of that by shining a light on all of the amazing work happening at this University.”
Prior to joining A+E, Powell was vice president of business development for Los Angeles-based K2 Marking Group from 2004 to 2008.
Her experience also includes serving as vice president of affiliate ad sales and distribution marketing for Lifetime Entertainment in Los Angeles, director of affiliate marketing for Fox Family Worldwide in Los Angeles and regional marketing manager for Turner Broadcasting in Atlanta.
Powell holds a bachelor of science degree in management from Penn State and attended the Harvard Business School’s cable executive management program and participated in the prestigious Betsy Magness Leadership Institute.
Her awards and honors include the Cable and Telecommunications Association for Marketing’s (CTAM) TAMI Award; several CTAM Mark, CableFax Faxie and PromaxBDA Awards; the Lifetime Television Award for Excellence; and the Turner Network Sales Achievement Award.