The Weather Channel Companies (TWCC) today named Shirley Powell executive vice president of corporate communications.  Powell joins TWCC from Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., (TBS, Inc.) where she most recently served as senior vice president of corporate communications. 

In this newly created role, Powell will serve as chief spokesperson and develop and implement internal and external public relations and communications strategies for the multiplatform venture, including The Weather Channel network , its digital properties including weather.com and The Weather Channel Mobile and its business-to-business division Weather Services International (WSI).  Powell, who will be based at TWCC's Atlanta headquarters and report to CEO Michael J. Kelly, will serve as a member of the senior executive team, providing communications counsel on a broad range of business issues and initiatives.

"Shirley's vast experience and understanding of the media industry will be a tremendous asset to us as we grow TWCC across all platforms.  As the category leader in weather, reaching consumers via television, web and mobile, the addition of Shirley will be integral for taking our leadership message to all of our key constituencies," said Kelly. 

"There are few brands in media with the strength and credibility of The Weather Channel and the understanding of the limitless opportunities that result from reaching users across all platforms," said Powell.  "Joining the TWCC team is an incredible opportunity that I am truly excited about, and I share the goal of building on its cross-platform leadership." 

As SVP of corporate communications for TBS, Inc., Powell oversaw the strategy, development and implementation of TBS's external messaging and served as its chief spokesperson for networks and businesses such as CNN, TBS, TNT and Cartoon Network.  She was also responsible for internal communications, as well as government affairs, corporate contributions and community relations. 

Previously, Powell was senior vice president of media relations for NBC, where she oversaw publicity, corporate communications and talent relations for its entertainment divisions in Burbank, Calif.  Earlier, she served as vice president of media relations for the Disney Channel and Toon Disney and in 1992, Powell joined Cartoon Network, where she led publicity for the launch of the network and spent five years helping position and establish its global brand. 

Powell serves on the boards of directors of Girls Incorporated of Greater Atlanta and Leadership Atlanta, and is a member of the Board of Visitors of Temple University's School of Communications.   She is actively involved with Women in Cable & Telecommunications (WICT), having served on its national board.  Powell earned a bachelor's degree in journalism at Temple University and resides in Marietta, Ga., with her family.