Comic Relief US Welcomes Michele Ganeless as Its New CEO

Comic Relief US, the renowned nonprofit organization dedicated to breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty, has recently appointed Michele Ganeless as its new CEO. This announcement marks a significant moment for the organization, which has continually harnessed the power of entertainment to drive social change.

Michele Ganeless is a distinguished figure in the entertainment industry, known for her extensive experience and deep understanding of the nonprofit sector. With a background spanning several influential roles, Ganeless is well-equipped to lead Comic Relief US into its next chapter. Prior to her appointment, she served as a long-time board member of the organization, which has only strengthened her connection to its mission.

Alison Moore, the former CEO, has transitioned to a new leadership position at Chief, an organization that supports senior women executives. Under her stewardship, Comic Relief US underwent a transformation, expanding its outreach and impact significantly. Moore's innovative leadership marked a transformative era for the organization, introducing initiatives such as Kids Relief in partnership with Nickelodeon and deepening its collaboration with NBC Universal through events like Red Nose Day.

Reflecting on her tenure, Moore expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead Comic Relief US, stressing the organization’s role in mobilizing resources for children and families in need. She emphasized the power of entertainment in fostering social change and is excited to continue her affiliation with Comic Relief US in her new capacity as a board member.

Randy Newcomb, Chair of the Comic Relief US Board, praised Moore for her visionary leadership and welcomed Ganeless’s extensive expertise. “Michele brings decades of leadership experience to this role, ensuring the stage is set for our next era,” he stated. Ganeless’s tenure as President of Comedy Central is particularly noteworthy. During her time, she molded the network into a cultural icon, launching beloved shows like The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, South Park, Key & Peele, and Inside Amy Schumer. This background in creating compelling content will undoubtedly serve Comic Relief US well.

Beyond her entertainment pedigree, Ganeless has shown a commitment to social impact through her involvement with various organizations, including Urban Arts and The Posse Foundation. These roles reflect her dedication to fostering community engagement and advancing social issues, particularly for underserved populations.

In her acceptance of the CEO position, Ganeless highlighted the urgent need to support and empower young people, particularly in today’s challenging landscape. “I've seen first-hand the power of entertainment to shift culture and drive change. This is the role of a lifetime,” she remarked enthusiastically. Ganeless looks forward to building upon the solid foundation left by Moore and enhancing Comic Relief US's role as a transformative brand and impactful grantmaker.

Comic Relief US has made significant strides in increasing support for BIPOC-led organizations, growing from 6% to 40% of its grantmaking. The organization also launched the Youth Advisory Council (YAC), showcasing its commitment to youth engagement and leadership development. As Ganeless steps into her new role, she is poised to continue these initiatives, leveraging the influence of entertainment to break the cycle of poverty and bring lasting change to communities in need.

For more information on Comic Relief US and its mission, you can visit their official website at www.comicrelief.org. Follow them on various social media platforms to stay updated on their impactful initiatives and events.

As Comic Relief US embarks on this new journey under Ganeless's leadership, the organization aims to expand its reach and significantly enhance its social impact through innovative campaigns, partnerships, and community engagement strategies.