CGI Brown Bag with Michael Levine, March 20, 2013 in the Ira D. Payne Education Hall West.

Michael H. Levine is the founding executive director of the Joan Ganz Cooney Center at Sesame Workshop, an action research and innovation hub devoted to harnessing the potential of digital media to advance young children’s learning and development. Levine also serves in a senior executive position on Sesame Workshop’s leadership team, concentrating on policy and educational impact for the global media non-profit.

The Cooney Center conducts research, develops breakthrough prototypes and design challenges, informs practice, and convenes leaders to promote investments in high quality media experiences for vulnerable youth. Prior to joining the Center, Dr. Levine served as Vice President of New Media and Executive Director of Education for Asia Society, managing the global nonprofit’s interactive media and educational initiatives to promote understanding of Asia and other world regions, languages and cultures. Previously, Dr. Levine oversaw Carnegie Corporation of New York’s groundbreaking work in early childhood development, educational media and primary grades reform, and was a senior advisor to the New York City Schools Chancellor, where he directed dropout prevention, afterschool, and early childhood initiatives. Dr. Levine has served as an adviser to several government agencies including the White House, the U.S. Department of Education, PBS and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and writes frequently for policy-oriented and media industry audiences including the Huffington Post, Democracy Journal and Education Week. He serves on numerous nonprofit boards and advisory councils, including the Forum for Youth Investment, Teach for America, We Are Family Foundation, Sirius Thinking Foundation, and the Leman School.