The Global Down Syndrome Foundation (“Global”) announced today that seasoned market research and product development veteran David Charmatz will join Global as its first Senior Vice President. Charmatz joins Global with more than 30 years of experience in the television, film and Internet field at some of the nation’s leading media companies. As Global’s Senior Vice President, Charmatz’s top priorities will be growing the personnel and revenue in order to better serve the needs of people with Down syndrome nationally and internationally.
Charmatz served in a variety of Senior Vice President capacities at Starz Entertainment for nine years – most recently as Senior Vice President of Product Planning and Development. In that role he leveraged the network’s assets to both grow Starz’s subscriber base and the company’s multi-platform product offerings. Before joining Starz in 2001, Charmatz was EVP/COO of ASI Entertainment and VP of Site Planning for Nickelodeon Online. He also held key positions at MTV Networks, Nickelodeon, A&E TV Networks, Turner Broadcasting Sales and CNN.
During his career, Charmatz has had a keen interest in the nonprofit world. He served as Chairman of the Board of the Denver Film Society and sits on various boards and committees associated with The Denver Foundation, the Colorado Film School, Colorado’s Media Leaders Roundtable, Colorado’s Arts Affinity Group and several other nonprofits.
“I have known David for years and respect his amazing talents in business and management,” said Michelle Sie Whitten, President and CEO of Global. “Everyone at Global has gotten to know him as he generously helped us launch Down Syndrome World quarterly magazine – the first national magazine specifically for the Down syndrome community. We are confident David will help lead the organization into the next era and that will result in helping thousands more people with Down syndrome and their families.”
“I am honored to join Global Down Syndrome Foundation as its first Senior Vice President. I have watched the organization grow and help so many people with Down syndrome through medical care, research and programming. I am committed to empowering and growing the team and to helping Global reach its full potential,” Charmatz said. “I’m excited to help build a future where we can significantly improve the quality of life for people with Down syndrome.”
About the Global Down Syndrome Foundation
The Global Down Syndrome Foundation is a public nonprofit 501(c)(3) dedicated to significantly improving the lives of people with Down syndrome through Research, Medical Care, Education and Advocacy. Global supports national advocacy, the Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome and its Sie Center for Down Syndrome. Research addressing Alzheimer’s disease and Down syndrome is a priority. Global organizes the Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show — the single-largest annual fundraiser benefiting people with Down syndrome. The organization also publishes Down Syndrome World, a national quarterly magazine.
