CALGARY – Former Shaw Media exec Christine Shipton has been named chair of the board of directors of the Shaw Rocket Fund, replacing the retiring Annabel Slaight.
Funded by contributions from Shaw Communications and Shaw Direct, the Shaw Rocket Fund is a not-for-profit corporation that focuses on stimulating excellence in the Canadian children's production industry in Canada through equity investment and industry initiatives such as the Shaw Rocket Prize and Startoon, an online development program for animators.
A seasoned television executive with experience in both production and broadcast organizations, Shipton (pictured) was most recently SVP of content for Shaw Media. She left the organization last April after it was purchased by Corus Entertainment.
"It is an honour to take over this exciting post at the Shaw Rocket Fund and I look forward to being able to continue to support Canadian producers with their exceptional creative content for children, while helping them navigate through these challenging but exciting times," Shipton said in the announcement.
Under Slaight's 18 year leadership, the Rocket Fund has invested $193 million in over 750 high quality television and digital programs for Canadian children, families and youth that are enjoyed by children around the world.
"For almost 20 years Annabel has been shining a spotlight on, and been an advocate for, the development of quality Canadian children's programming," added Shaw Communications CEO Brad Shaw. "We are grateful for the legacy Annabel is leaving at the Shaw Rocket Fund, and we look forward to Christine's contributions as she builds on that foundation to advance the development of Canadian children's content."
