Mary Pratt-Henaghan
MARY PRATT-HENAGHAN
(240) 893-9835
Fall 2023 Bio
Mary Pratt-Henaghan joined WETA and NewsHour Productions in the newly created role of Chief Technology Officer in August 2021. In this role, she provides strategic and tactical leadership for WETA’s media and information technology, broadcast/digital content distribution, engineering, and infrastructure services.
WETA operates five digital television channels, WETA Classical 90.9 FM (and 2 digital stations), innovative literacy websites, and educational content for learners of all ages. Additionally, WETA productions and co-productions include PBS NewsHour and PBS News Weekend; Washington Week; documentaries with Ken Burns; series with Harvard scholar Henry Louis Gates, Jr.; and performing arts specials from the nation’s leading cultural venues including the Kennedy Center and the Library of Congress.
Pratt-Henaghan joined WETA after more than thirty years of leadership in technology and network operations. She held vice president and senior vice president roles with BBC Studios, and then with AMC Networks, serving as brand guardian for BBC America in the U.S., where she ensured all operations of the channel were executed to BBC editorial and technical standards. In addition, she spent 7 years at Discovery Inc., as part of the new technology group, directing network operations for the launch and operations of new channels.
Pratt-Henaghan earned a Bachelor of Arts from DeSales University, a Master of Science from University of Maryland Global Campus and completed the Cable Executive Management Program at Harvard Business School. She serves on the board of directors for the Washington/Baltimore chapter of The WICT Network and Public Media Venture Group (PMVG), and is a member of the President’s Advisory Council for DeSales University. She was a 2022 member of CHIEF, a private network specifically designed for senior women leaders.
Pratt-Henaghan is a Mentor in the Rise Technology Mentorship Program. She further extends her commitment to student mentoring by serving as a guest teacher throughout the Washington DC/Baltimore collegiate community. Over recent semesters, she has lectured at the University of Maryland, the Johns Hopkins Carey School of Business, American University, and DeSales University.
Additionally, Pratt-Henaghan was introduced to Yoga and Yoga Nidra meditation at the office early in her career--meditations and movement at lunchtime for stress reduction, focus, and resilience. Today as a Yoga Alliance certified RYS 200 yoga instructor, advanced meditation facilitator, and Certified Grief Educator/Peer to Peer Counselor, she enjoys sharing these techniques with colleagues, students, first responders, and caregivers, and guiding them toward stillness, quiet, and peace amidst the chaos.