Tim McNeal

Tim McNeal, Senior Vice President of Creative Talent Development & Inclusion for Disney Television Studios at Disney Entertainment, oversees the Creative Talent Development & Inclusion Team responsible for implementing innovative programs and initiatives, from hiring events and programs to community relationship-building to tracking and reporting the company’s progress toward more inclusive hiring. He reports to Walt Disney Television President Eric Schrier.

A veteran of television programming development, McNeal transitioned into talent development as Vice President of Talent Development & Diversity in 2006. With the 2013 restructuring of the team, he was promoted to Head of Creative Talent Development & Inclusion. In his role, McNeal oversees Disney Entertainment’s Creative Talent Development hiring referrals and events, professional development offerings and talent programs, including the Disney Writing Program, Disney Directing Program, Disney PA program and National Latino Media Council (NLMC)/National Hispanic Media Coalition’s (NHMC) Latino Television Writers Program, among others. He is also responsible for further expanding the scope of these programs across Disney Entertainment. Additionally, McNeal serves as a primary liaison between Disney Entertainment and diversity-related coalitions, nonprofit arts institutions and entertainment industry guilds; and he leads the strategic planning for the Company’s diversity agenda across Disney Entertainment business units.

Prior to Disney Entertainment, McNeal joined the programming team that launched The WB Television Network in 1995. As Vice President, Drama Development, McNeal developed such groundbreaking series as “Dawson’s Creek,” “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “7th Heaven” and “Felicity” – all of which were instrumental in building the success of the new network. After working in development for several years, McNeal had a first-look writing deal at The WB. He eventually returned to the executive ranks as senior Vice President, Development, Tom Lynch Company, where he led the production company’s expansion from kid-centered daytime entertainment to primetime television. Prior to making the move into development at The WB, McNeal was a Literary Agent at InterTalent and ICM Agencies.

A California native, McNeal is active in a variety of community groups. He received his Bachelor of Arts in political science from UCLA.