Sesame Workshop, the global impact nonprofit behind Sesame Street, named Dannette (Danni) Hill to the newly created role of Chief People Officer overseeing Human Resources functions. Hill will be responsible for leading a division that supports innovative best practices and organizational excellence for Sesame Workshop. Hill will report to President and Interim CEO Sherrie Westin.
“Through her extensive leadership roles and accomplishments across a variety of organizations, Danni has demonstrated an expertise in optimizing the employee experience, recruiting top talent, and building an exceptional Human Resources team,” said Westin. “We’re excited to have her guide the strategy and operations of the organization’s HR department, to help us deliver on the Workshop’s mission of helping all children grow smarter, stronger, and kinder.”
“I’m thrilled to have this unique opportunity to join an inspiring, mission-driven, nonprofit organization doing groundbreaking early childhood development work around the globe,” said Hill. “I look forward to working with the HR and leadership teams to ensure Sesame Workshop’s continued excellence and success.”
Mostly recently, Hill served as Group Vice President, Head of People and Culture at Schmidt Futures, delivering high-value people and culture solutions to support the organization’s growth and advance its mission. Before that, Hill worked across the banking, beauty, public-supported television, and healthcare industries and nonprofits domestically and internationally. She was at Planned Parenthood for seven years, first as Chief Human Resources Officer, and then as Senior Vice President, Leadership and Culture, supporting reproductive health, choice, and access. She also worked as a Chief HR Officer at ChildFund, an organization dedicated to helping deprived, excluded, and vulnerable children have the capacity to improve their lives and become leaders who bring lasting and positive change in their communities. Hill’s first position in social impact was as a Pfizer Global Health Fellow, working for the Ministry of Health in Nairobi, Kenya to improve the working relationship between the Ministry’s departments and the hospitals and clinics across the country. She gained her experience in organizational disruption, innovation, and resilience during her 13 years at the pharmaceutical giant.
Hill holds an MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, a BS in Journalism and Media, and is a certified leadership coach. She lives in New York and is proud to be Gigi to seven-year-old twins.
