Ellen Levine - Editorial Director, Hearst Magazines

Ellen LevineIn 1991, Legal Momentum instituted the Muriel Fox Communi-cations Leadership Award to recognize individuals who, like the trailblazer whose name it bears, are outspoken advocates for equality and have exhibited exceptional integrity and vision in the world of media. We are particularly proud to present the 2007 Muriel Fox Award to one of publishing’s best and brightest, Ellen Levine, Editorial Director of Hearst Magazines.
Hearst has been a longtime and generous friend to Legal Momentum, and continues to inspire and encourage the numerous women in its ranks to reach for the top. This -occasion marks the second time that Legal Momentum has recognized Hearst; in 2000, Cathie Black, President of Hearst Magazines, stepped up to the podium as recipient of the Muriel Fox Award.
Ellen is responsible for strengthening current titles, developing new titles domestically and internationally and evaluating opportunities for brand extensions, books and digital alternatives. She made publishing history in 1994 as the first woman to be named Editor-in-Chief of Hearst’s flagship title, Good Housekeeping, since its founding in 1885. She spearheaded the 1999 launch of O, The Oprah Magazine, the most successful magazine launch ever. Before her role at Good Housekeeping, she served as Editor-in-Chief of two other major women’s magazines, Redbook (1990 to 1994) and Woman’s Day (1982 to 1990), and as a Senior Editor of Cosmopolitan (1976 to 1982).
A recipient of the prestigious Matrix Award for exceptional achievement, Ellen has received numerous accolades during her career, including awards from the American Legacy Foundation, the Heinz Family Philanthropies, the Writer’s Hall of Fame and, for her interest and voice in health care, recognition by the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ACNP) and the American Health Foundation.
Ellen served two terms as President of the American Society of Magazine Editors (1994 to 1996), and was appointed a member of the U.S. Attorney General’s Commission on Pornography, where she filed a minority dissent. As a result of her work with the Commission, in 1996 the American Society of Journalists and Authors presented her with an award for courage in the pursuit of truth. In 1987, she was similarly honored by the Atlantic Coast Independent Distribu-tors for -distinguished service in defending the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
She currently serves on the board of the New York Restoration Project and the Board of Advisors of New York Women in Communications. Her corporate boards include Gaylord Entertainment and Lifetime Television. A regular on Good Morning America, she is the author of numerous books and articles, and her work has appeared in many publications, including the New York Times. She began her journalism career at the Record in Hackensack, New Jersey, -following her graduation from Wellesley College.
Ellen resides with her husband, a physician, in New York City. They have two sons.