Crystal B. Washington is senior vice
president, external relations and vendor management for Scripps Networks
Interactive. In this position, she is charged with the enhancement and
management of the company’s relationship with key constituents and community
partners to strengthen Scripps Networks position in the marketplace as well as
ensure a diverse pool of vendor partners.
Washington previously was vice president/external
relations of diversity and inclusion. In this position, she oversaw the program
office of diversity; assisted in identifying and achieving core diversity
objectives; assisted in managing and developing philanthropic and community
partnerships; provided oversight for the company-wide employee groups; and
coordinated relationships with industry professional organizations. Additionally,
she was responsible for talent acquisition with a focus on aligning systems,
tools and processes to attract and retain the highest caliber employees.
Prior to joining Scripps Networks in 2002,
Washington worked in the banking industry for 15 years. She held positions as a private client
officer and team leader, sales manager, sales training manager, middle market
lender and branch manager.
Washington’s industry affiliation includes
being a member of the National Association for Multi-Ethnicity in
Communications (NAMIC), NAMIC Diversity Roundtable Co-Chair, L. Patrick Mellon
Mentor, Women in Cable Telecommunications (WICT) member, and previous secretary
of Women in Telecommunications Greater Ohio chapter. She is a graduate of Harvard
Business School Executive Education Program in conjunction with Cable &
Telecommunications Association for Marketing (CTAM), the NAMIC Executive
Leadership Program from UCLA’s Anderson School of Management, Leadership
Cincinnati and the Urban League of Greater Cincinnati’s African-American
Leadership Development Program, and was the 2010 recipient of the WICT Woman to
Watch award, 2012 NAMIC Luminary award and 2014 Savoy Magazine Top 100 Most
Influential Blacks in Corporate America.
Washington’s community work includes
serving on the boards of the Great School Partnership, Visit Knoxville
Executive Committee and Marketing Committee Chair and United Way of Greater
Knoxville Chair for Women in Next Generation Initiative.
Washington’s previous community work
included serving on the boards of the University of Cincinnati’s McMicken
College of Arts and Sciences, Downtown Cincinnati Inc., Arts Wave Member
Allocation Committee, Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce Women Excel Lead Advisory
Committee, United Way Allocations Committee and Loan Executive, Rape Crisis
& Abuse Center, Scripps Howard Foundation and March of Dimes. Additionally, she was recognized as a YWCA
rising star.
Washington is a graduate of the University
of Cincinnati, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in communications. She also holds a Master of Business
Administration from Capital University.
