Richard Fernandes has had an illustrious career spanning over 35 years in the entertainment industry, working across multiple countries and cultures. His journey has taken him from the United States to Asia and beyond, where he has held various executive and creative roles.

Richard Fernandes career began in the United States, where he made significant contributions as a Director, Producer, and Editor, earning three Emmy Awards and 15 nominations. His work on iconic programs like Sesame Street and his consulting roles for international versions of the show in Jordan and South Africa highlight his global impact.

In Asia, Richard Fernandes served as Executive Director of Original Production and Development for Turner Broadcasting Asia Pacific, based in Hong Kong. He led teams to create unique programming for markets in India, Japan, and Korea, overseeing multimillion-dollar budgets and producing thousands of hours of original content in local languages and cultures.

Richard Fernandes leadership extended to his role as General Manager of WMNF, an NPR Community affiliate, where he guided the station through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. His resilience and adaptability were key to the station’s success during this period.

As Executive Director of the Fred Rogers Institute, Rick reorganized operations, formed strategic partnerships, and increased the institute’s social media reach by 500%. His efforts led to a two-million-dollar endowment, further solidifying his impact on the industry.

Most recently, Richard Fernandes was Vice President of Series for Paramount’s Noggin, where he led bi-coastal teams to create educational content that became a significant part of the platform’s consumption and won a Kidscreen award.

Richard Fernandes extensive experience and achievements across multiple countries and cultures have made him a respected and influential figure in the entertainment industry. His ability to navigate diverse markets and create impactful content has left a lasting legacy.

Richard Fernandes has been a Counselor in the Portuguese Diaspora Council since February 2025.