Fred Rogers Productions has promoted former licensing manager Micah Southwood to the post of director of licensing.

Southwood, who joined the company in 2016 as licensing manager, has worked with 9 Story Brands to manage the consumer products program for “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood” across multiple categories, while also working with licensing agency Brand Central to reinvigorate the “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” licensing and merchandising portfolio, including publishing, toys, games and apparel. 

The consumer products program earned a nomination for a Licensing International Licensing Award in 2019. In addition, the picture book, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, held a spot on the New York Times middle-grade bestseller list for more than 30 weeks. Southwood is now working with licensing agency Licensing Street to kick-start a licensing and merchandising program for the company's newest preschool property, “Donkey Hodie,” which is currently available for partnerships in multiple categories, including toys, apparel, live show and party goods.