Michelle Vicary Steps Down As Crown Media Family Networks’ EVP Programming Amid Continuing Overhaul At Hallmark Channel Parent

Nellie Andreeva
·1 min read

Michelle Vicary is leaving Crown Media Family Networks, where she had been since the company’s inception decades ago.

Vicary, the company’s lead programming and production executive, will leave her post as EVP Programming at the beginning of June.

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“We thank Michelle for her contributions to the growth and success of our networks and for helping to bring the quintessential Hallmark brand to life,” said Wonya Lucas, CEO of Crown Media Family Networks. “We appreciate the passion and effort she has brought to our team and to the company.”

Lucas has tapped Randy Pope, SVP Programming & Development, and Darren Melameth, SVP Programming & Content Strategy, as interim co-heads of the department while the company searches for Vicary’s replacement.

This is the latest major change at Crown Media since Lucas took the reins of the company amid controversy a years ago. She has led a major restructuring, which resulted in some layoffs this year.

Throughout her career at Crown, Vicary has held multiple positions. She helped establish its networks including Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries and Hallmark Drama with popular original movies, series such as When Calls the Heart and Good Witch as well as leading the nine-year run of Emmy-nominated daytime show Home & Family.

While very popular, especially around the holidays, Hallmark Channel’s original movies have drawn criticism for a lack of diversity and inclusion, something Lucas has made a top priority.

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