Keynote Speaker:

Tom Werner Lean, mean, entertainment machine Partner, Carsey Werner Mandabach & Chairman, The Boston Red Sox

Tom Werner is partner and co-founder of arguably one of the most successful independent studios in television history, Carsey-Werner-Mandabach. He is a 1971 cum laude graduate of Government from Harvard University and an award-winning documentary producer, noted for his film, Shirley Chisholm: Pursuing The Dream, about the first female presidential candidate, before embarking on his career in television.

For over 20 years Carsey-Werner-Mandabach has been one of the leading suppliers and distributors to the worldwide marketplace. Werner has executive produced a number of landmark shows including, The Cosby Show, Roseanne, 3Rd Rock From The Sun, Grace Under Fire, Cybill and That ‘70s Show. Along with That ‘70s Show CWM’s current shows include, Grounded For Life and Whoopi. Its vast library of programs are seen in over 175 countries and translated into 50 different languages.

Mr. Werner started at ABC Television and eventually became Senior Vice President of Primetime Series in December 1980. Along the way he helped develop such shows as Mork & Mindy, Soap, Three’s Company and Love Boat. He then joined Marcy Carsey in their independent production partnership.

Werner explains their singular record of achievement this way: “I believe our success is due to our profound respect for our audience. Our shows strive to reflect the human condition and enlighten as well as entertain.”

CWM recently announced the formation of CWM Films and co-partnership with Paramount Studios to produce features. In 2000, Werner and his longtime partners Marcy Carsey and Caryn Mandabach, joined forces with Geraldine Laybourne and Oprah Winfrey to create Oxygen, the cable network designed to serve the modern woman.

Werner has been inducted into the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences’ and Broadcasting and Cable Magazine’s Hall of Fame. CWM’s philosophy of putting the audience first has helped garner them many accolades including being honored by the Museum of Television and Radio, the Brandon Tartikoff Legacy Award from NATPE, the David Susskind Lifetime Achievement Award from The Producer’s Guild of America and a place in the Museum of the American Dream by receiving the American Academy of Achievement’s Golden Plate Award as one of the 20th century’s most extraordinary achievers. Other notable achievements include, The Emmy, Golden Globe, Humanitas Prize, George Foster Peabody Award and NAACP Image Award.

He has also served on the Board of a number of Philanthropic organizations including the Curtis Elementary School in Los Angeles. He was on the White House Fellows Commission and is Chairman of the Boston Red Sox baseball club.