THF Announces Leadership Transition
August 6, 2025, SILVER SPRING, MARYLAND — The T. Howard Foundation (THF), a leading 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing opportunities for college students in media, tech and entertainment through its internship placement program, today announced that Jo Pamphile, longtime President and CEO, will step down and assume the honorary title of President Emeritus. Judi Lopez has been appointed President and CEO, and Sarah Giannakopoulos, senior vice president of THF, has been elevated to Chief Operating Officer (COO).
These appointments mark a new chapter for THF as it continues to expand its impact and programming to serve the next generation of young professionals in media, tech, and entertainment.
Jo Pamphile has served as President & CEO of the T. Howard Foundation since January 2006, leading the organization through a period of remarkable growth. During her tenure, THF dramatically expanded its internship, professional development, and alumni support programs, formed lasting partnerships with major media, tech and entertainment companies and helped thousands of young people break into competitive industries.
In recognition of her transformative contributions and enduring legacy, Pamphile will be recognized at the T. Howard Foundation gala in New York City in May 2026 and will continue to serve as a valued advisor to the organization.
“Jo’s impact on this organization and on the lives of the students and professionals we serve cannot be overstated,” said Yvette Miley, Chair of the T. Howard Foundation Board of Directors and Executive Vice President, NBCU News Group. “We look forward to celebrating Jo and we thank her for her continued wisdom and counsel.”
Incoming President & CEO Judi Lopez was a member of the board of T. Howard Foundation from 2007 to 2024 and served two consecutive terms as board chair, from 2020-2024.
A forward-thinking media executive known for scaling companies and reimagining brand strategies, Lopez has built her career at the intersection of content innovation, strategic distribution, and market expansion. Most recently, she served as Executive Vice President of Distribution and Content Strategy at Hallmark Media, where she spearheaded the company’s evolving content ecosystem. Previously, at Fuse Media, she led content distribution strategy while pioneering advocacy initiatives and government relations.
Before that, as an executive across multiple leadership roles at AMC Networks, Lopez honed her expertise in content strategy and market positioning. Industry recognition includes the Cynopsis Corporate Visionaries Award (2022), Cablefax’s Most Powerful Women list (2010-2023), and the Multichannel News Wonder Woman Award (2015)—testament to her sustained influence in shaping the modern media landscape.
Sarah Giannakopoulos, who has served in senior leadership roles within THF since 2020, has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer, a role that will further expand on her proven leadership, deep organizational knowledge, and commitment to THF’s mission.
“I’m deeply honored to lead the T. Howard Foundation and carry forward Jo’s extraordinary legacy of opening doors for the next generation of talent in media, tech, and entertainment. After 17 years on the board—including as chair—I’ve seen the life-changing power of our mission up close,” Lopez said.
“Now, alongside Sarah and our exceptional team, I’m energized to expand our impact and deepen collaboration with industry leaders. In this era of rapid transformation, T. Howard will be a driving force—ensuring that our interns and alumni don’t just gain access to the industry but lead its future.”
Scott Weiss, Chairman of Speakeasy, Inc. and the founder of the T. Howard Foundation, a board member since its inception in 1993 and currently Chairman Emeritus, said, “Over our 32 years, we’ve had remarkable leadership and an accomplished and passionate Board of Directors. Jo has served the Foundation exceptionally well over the past 20 years and she passes the baton to a highly regarded media industry executive and seasoned T. Howard Board member and former Chair, Judi Lopez. I am beyond thrilled to see the Foundation transition its leadership in such a seamless and meaningful way.”