Lifetime Networks Names Emmy(R) Winning Producer and Veteran Programmer JoAnn Alfano ('30 Rock,' 'Scrubs,' 'Will & Grace') as Executive Vice President, Entertainment

NEW YORK, Sept. 3 -- JoAnn Alfano, a driving creative force behind critically acclaimed hits such as "30 Rock," "Scrubs," "Will & Grace," "Fresh Prince of Bel Air" and "Homicide: Life on the Street," has been named Executive Vice President, Entertainment, Lifetime Networks, effective immediately.

During her more than 20-year career as a network executive, Alfano led the drama and comedy departments at NBC, where she developed some of the most popular shows on television, including the Emmy(R) Award-winning "Will & Grace," the Peabody Award-winning "Scrubs," and audience favorites "Ed," "Providence" and "Profiler." Before joining Lifetime, Alfano was executive producer of "30 Rock," as well as president of her production company, TV Tray Entertainment, which had a first look deal at NBC Universal Media Studios.

Alfano will be responsible for the programming and scheduling of Lifetime Television and Lifetime Movie Network, far and away the two highest-rated women's networks, as well as Lifetime Real Women (LRW). She will be based in the company's Los Angeles office.

In making the announcement, Andrea Wong, President & CEO, Lifetime Networks, said: "As an accomplished and seasoned executive, JoAnn understands television from both the network and production perspective. Over her career, she has compiled an extensive record of success in comedies and dramas, and forged strong relationships with top-flight talent within the creative community. JoAnn has the ideal combination of creative instincts and leadership skills to develop our next generation of series and movies."

Alfano said: "Everything I've done in my career has led me to this point. I hear about programming jobs all the time and not many turn my head, but this was different. Lifetime is an amazing brand, loved by women and respected in the industry, and to be able to speak to an audience I'm deeply invested in, well, it may sound corny, but it really is the opportunity of a lifetime. I can't wait to start developing new programming and build upon the terrific foundation that Andrea, Susanne, and their staff have created."

Susanne Daniels, who launched "Army Wives," the #1 cable drama for W18-49, and reinvigorated the Lifetime Original Movie franchise, will remain as a consultant to Lifetime Networks.

JoAnn Alfano

Prior to starting TV Tray Entertainment in June 2007, Alfano was President of Broadway Video Television, where she developed and executive produced NBC's "30 Rock" and the short-lived, but critically acclaimed ABC series "Sons and Daughters."

Alfano rose through the ranks at NBC, from New York-based publicist to become Senior Vice President of Drama Development, and then Senior Vice President of Comedy Development.

As Vice President of Prime Time Series for NBC Studios, Alfano developed and oversaw production on several series, including the ground-breaking comedy "Will & Grace," the Peabody Award-winning drama "Homicide: Life on the Street," as well as "Providence," "Profiler," "Fresh Prince of Bel Air," "Working," "In the House" and "The Pretender."

Before joining NBC Studios, Alfano was Director of Current Comedy for NBC Entertainment. She had previously been Director, NBC Media Relations and Primetime Series. In that position, she oversaw the network's press activities for all West Coast-based primetime series. Alfano started her career at NBC as a publicist for "Saturday Night Live" and "The Cosby Show."

Alfano graduated from Queens College in New York with Bachelor of Arts degrees in Communication Arts/Television and English/Pre-Law.

LIFETIME is the leader in women's television and one of the top-rated basic cable television networks. A diverse, multimedia company, LIFETIME is committed to offering the highest quality entertainment and information programming, and advocating a wide range of issues affecting women and their families. LIFETIME Television, Lifetime Movie Network, Lifetime Real Women and Lifetime Digital (including myLifetime.com) are part of LIFETIME Entertainment Services, a 50/50 joint venture of Hearst Corporation and The Walt Disney Company.