Wonya Lucas to Lead Hallmark Channel

Crown Media Family Networks, which has a bouquet that includes Hallmark Channel, has tapped Wonya Lucas as president and CEO.

Lucas is charged with driving the mission and growth of the iconic television brand. She is responsible for the strategic direction, day-to-day management and successful growth of the three linear networks—Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries and Hallmark Drama—its digital platforms as well as the company’s subscription streaming service, Hallmark Movies Now.

Lucas most recently served as president and CEO of Public Broadcasting Atlanta, where she oversaw that city’s NPR and PBS stations. Previously, she was president and CEO of TV One.

“Wonya is a brand builder at her core who shares Hallmark’s beliefs and values. She has a deep understanding of the role our brand plays in fulfilling a bigger purpose in people’s lives,” said CEO Mike Perry, to whom Lucas will report. “After a thorough search process, we found a remarkable leader with proven general management skills, as well as a track record of success in driving business results and evolving the positioning and programming of a brand. I am absolutely thrilled to welcome Wonya to the Hallmark family.”

“Hallmark has been central to my life since I can remember, starting with those Hallmark Hall of Fame movies that were as enriching as they were entertaining,” Lucas said. “In some ways, my entire career has led me to this incredible opportunity to use the breadth of my experience and skills to evolve an iconic and beloved brand, a culture and a business. I am honored to link arms with the multi-talented leaders and their teams at Crown to build toward an exciting future.”