Rita Mullin was named executive vice president, programming and development at OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network in September 2012. Mullin has been the acting head of programming at OWN since February 2012 and will continue to oversee program development and current programming for the network.

Mullin has been instrumental in shepherding the popular series Welcome to Sweetie Pie's and is currently overseeing such upcoming series as Married to the Army: Alaska, Staten Island Law, Six Little McGhees and Life with La Toya, among more than 20 pilots currently in development.

Prior to her role at OWN, Mullin was senior vice president, content strategy, for Discovery Fit & Health where she oversaw all aspects of programming, production, development, marketing and communications for the network.

A 16-year Discovery veteran, Mullin previously served as vice president, development, at TLC where she headed up the East Coast development team, helping set the network's creative direction and developing new programs. Among the projects Mullin was responsible for developing are Long Island Medium, 19 Kids and Counting, The Little Couple, Four Weddings and Sister Wives, all top-rated series for the network.

Prior to joining TLC, Mullin was vice president, development, Discovery Health Channel, where she played a key role in developing many of the network's most successful series and specials including Jon & Kate Plus 8, Mystery Diagnosis and Dr. G: Medical Examiner.

Among her industry affiliations, Mullin is Immediate Past President of CINE and a member of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

Speaking on: Sizzle or Fizzle