Michele Thornton

Michele Thornton is the SVP of Media Sales for BET HER (formerly Centric TV). She joined BET Her, a Viacom-BET Networks Company, in July of 2012. BET Her is a 24-hour African American lifestyle network designed for Black Women. She and her team are charged with growing the revenue base for the network. Thornton was instrumental in the rebranding of Centric as ‘The First Network Designed for Black Women and then again into BET Her.

Thornton has worked for some of the most powerful media brands including CNN, A&E and The History Channel and The Weather Channel. She began her career at SBC Communications in Oakland, California (and yes, she is a huge Raiders fan).

Thornton has received honors from numerous organizations including; The ADCOLOR Change Agent Award, The American Advertising Federation Mosaic Role Model of the Year Award, the Jesse Banks Humanitarian Award and the Black Girl Magic Award from Ohio State University. Thornton served as the chair of the Mosaic Executive Council from 2011-2013 and continues to play an active role in the media and advertising community while advocating for diversity in the communications industry.

Thornton has authored two books: Stratechic: Life and Career Winning Strategies for Women and Stratechic 2.0: Her Plan, Her Power, Her Purpose.

Thornton received her Bachelor of Arts from Golden Gate University at the age of 30. In May 2017, she was honored with an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from her Alma Mater. She is a proud wife and mother and resides in New Jersey.