Sherrie Rollins Westin
About Sherrie Rollins Westin
Sherrie Rollins Westin serves as the President of Sesame Workshop, a position she has held since 2021. She has extensive experience in public service and media, including roles at The White House and ABC News, and is recognized for her contributions to early childhood development and social impact initiatives.
Work at Sesame Workshop
Sherrie Rollins Westin has held multiple roles at Sesame Workshop, currently serving as President since 2021. Prior to this position, she was the Executive Vice President for Social Impact and Philanthropy from 2015 to 2018, and later served as President of Social Impact and Philanthropy from 2018 to 2020. In her roles, she has focused on expanding early childhood intervention efforts and advocating for children's needs in crisis-affected areas. Her leadership has contributed to significant partnerships and initiatives aimed at enhancing the organization's social impact.
Previous Experience in Government and Media
Before joining Sesame Workshop, Sherrie Rollins Westin worked in various capacities in government and media. She served as Assistant to the President for Public Liaison and Intergovernmental Affairs at The White House for 11 months in 1992. Additionally, she was the Director of News Information at ABC News from 1990 to 1992, and held the position of Senior Vice President of Communications at U.S. News & World Report from 1992 to 1994. Her experience in these roles has shaped her expertise in public affairs and communications.
Education and Expertise
Sherrie Rollins Westin studied Communications at the University of Virginia from 1976 to 1980. Her educational background has provided her with a strong foundation in effective communication strategies, which she has applied throughout her career in both the public and private sectors. She holds an Honorary Doctorate from Concordia College in New York, recognizing her contributions to the field of early childhood development and social impact.
Board Memberships and Leadership Roles
Westin is actively involved in several organizations, serving on the boards of directors for the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition, Communities in Schools, and Vital Voices Global Partnership. She chairs the Joan Ganz Cooney Center, an independent research and innovation lab focused on early childhood education. Her leadership in these organizations highlights her commitment to social issues and her influence in shaping policies related to education and community development.
Recognitions and Awards
Sherrie Rollins Westin has received several recognitions for her work in public service and social impact. She was named a 'Leading Global Thinker' by Foreign Policy Magazine and has been recognized with the Smithsonian’s 'American Ingenuity Award' as well as the Thomas Jefferson Medal for Citizen Leadership. These accolades reflect her contributions to early childhood development and her advocacy for children affected by crises globally.