Abbe Raven Elected to PENCIL Board of Directors

NEW YORK, Oct. 6, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- PENCIL, one of New York's leading education nonprofits, today announced the election of Abbe Raven, Chairman, A+E Networks, to its board of directors.

PENCIL brings New York's corporate world together with the city's public schools. For nearly 10 years, Raven has been working with high school students at Humanities & Arts Magnet High School — located in the same building as her alma mater, Andrew Jackson High School - to prepare them for career opportunities in the television industry. A+E Networks is also a part of PENCIL Fellows, a job readiness training program for public high school students that includes a six-week, paid summer internship at a local business.

Now Raven is increasing her involvement as a PENCIL board member.

"As a visionary business leader, former teacher and longtime PENCIL supporter, Abbe has a deep understanding of the power of PENCIL's models of school-business collaboration to prepare today's students for college and careers," said PENCIL Board of Directors Chair Howard Chatzinoff, a partner at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP. "Throughout her career, Abbe has channeled her passion for education to develop groundbreaking television programming. Since 2006, she has brought that same energy to introducing students to careers in media and the skills needed to achieve them through a school-based PENCIL Partnership. Abbe will be instrumental in helping to guide PENCIL's strategic growth as we deepen and expand our impact to create a better future for our students and city."

"It's been a privilege to work with PENCIL over the past decade to use my business and leadership experience to help today's students succeed," said Raven. "Now, more than ever, education must equip students for the world beyond the four walls of their school. As a proud product of New York City public schools, I am honored to be joining PENCIL's board of directors to help students realize their dreams for continued education and for succeeding in today's competitive marketplace."

Raven is A+E Networks' longest-serving employee, having begun more than 30 years ago as a production assistant. She rose through the ranks to ultimately head both A&E^® and HISTORY^®, and in 2005 become the second CEO in A+E Networks' history. Her successful tenure as President and CEO included tripling the company's revenues and expanding its domestic and global portfolio. She oversaw the company's strategic merger with Lifetime Television in 2009. Under Raven's leadership, A+E Networks became a powerful, top-tier media company, catapulting A&E and HISTORY into top 5 cable networks. Its 10 channels and branded programming grew to reach more than 350 million households in over 150 countries. In 2013, she was named Chairman, A+E Networks.

Raven has often been cited for running one of the most successful media businesses today. She has been recognized as one of the 50 Most Powerful Women in Business by Fortune. Over the last 10 years, Raven has been named to The Hollywood Reporter's Women in Entertainment Power 100 list, which has listed her as one of the Top 5 Most Powerful Women in Entertainment.

About PENCIL
Founded in 1995, PENCIL is the leader in creating innovative and impactful models of collaboration between business and public schools. Working at the intersection of school needs and business expertise, we channel the best ideas, talent and skills across sectors to improve school and student performance. Visit PENCIL.org for more information.

About A+E Networks
A+E Networks®, LLC.  is an award-winning, global media content company offering consumers a diverse communications environment ranging from television networks to websites, to home videos/DVDs to gaming and educational software. A+E Networks is comprised of A&E®, Lifetime®, History®, LMN®, FYI™, H2™, A+E Studios™,  History en Espanol™, Crime & Investigation Network™, Military History™, Lifetime Real Women®, A&E IndieFilms®, A+E Networks International®, A+E Networks Digital® and A+E Networks Consumer Products™.  A+E Networks channels and branded programming reach more than 350 million households in over 160 countries.  A+E Networks, LLC. is a joint venture of Disney-ABC Television Group and Hearst Corporation.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141006/150396

SOURCE PENCIL