Valerie Mitchell Johnston
About Valerie Mitchell Johnston
Valerie Mitchell Johnston serves as the Executive Vice President and General Counsel at Sesame Workshop, a position she has held since 2023. With extensive experience in legal and business affairs within the entertainment industry, she has previously worked in various roles at organizations such as Hit Entertainment and Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.
Current Role at Sesame Workshop
Valerie Mitchell Johnston serves as the Executive Vice President and General Counsel at Sesame Workshop. She has held this position since 2023, contributing to the organization's legal and business affairs. Her responsibilities include overseeing legal matters related to the production and distribution of content, ensuring compliance with regulations, and managing contracts and agreements.
Previous Experience at Sesame Workshop
Before her current role, Valerie Mitchell Johnston worked at Sesame Workshop as Senior Vice President and Deputy General Counsel from 2019 to 2023. She also served as Vice President, Legal and Business Affairs from 1997 to 2009, accumulating over a decade of experience within the organization. Her tenure included managing legal aspects of various productions and business initiatives.
Legal Career Background
Valerie Mitchell Johnston has a diverse legal career spanning multiple organizations. She worked at Proskauer Rose LLP as an Associate from 1995 to 1997. Following that, she held the position of Deputy General Counsel at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts from 2015 to 2019, and served as Vice President, Legal and Business Affairs at Hit Entertainment from 2009 to 2015.
Education and Expertise
Valerie Mitchell Johnston earned her Bachelor's degree in English Language and Literature from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She furthered her education by obtaining a Juris Doctor (JD) from Harvard Law School. Her expertise includes international production financing, content development, and managing talent union relationships.
Specializations in Media and Entertainment Law
Valerie Mitchell Johnston specializes in various aspects of media and entertainment law. Her experience includes structuring international co-productions and financing models. She has a strong background in global television syndication, home video, publishing, digital content, and themed entertainment businesses, which informs her approach to legal and business affairs.