Hugh "Ossie" Mills
Ossie Mills has more than twenty-five years of experience in media, management, and distribution both for profit and non-profit organizations. He has been engaged in significant leadership roles in television, production, marketing, interactive communications and executive management, and is widely recognized as one of the premiere media executives in the inspirational community, His accomplishments are demonstrated by the number of awards he has received, which include three Emmys, eight Telly Awards, two Cable Aces, 15 Angel Awards, and one Dove Award.
Since 2002, Mills has been Executive Vice President of Ministry Development for The Inspiration Networks. In this capacity, he directs and is responsible for the development activities for this ministry (which includes four television networks, a world-class tele-production facility, and ministries for children, teens, and women). He oversees all communications activities including print, Internet, television, and other developing technologies. His scope of management extends from strategic planning through implementation and includes on-air promotions, partner relations (including live events), and a wide range of direct mail and fund-raising activities and materials. Mills is responsible for all television production and distribution of all Ministry Development programs, including “Inspiration Today” (the organization’s daily flagship program) and “Every Day Woman” (the organization’s weekly program), seen worldwide in more than 50 nations.
Prior to his present position, Mills was the President and Chief Executive Officer of Belmont Mills. In five years, this organization grew to be the top provider of family values’ content in the industry, providing programming to major broadcast and cable networks including ESPN, A&E, Discovery, and Pax. Mills developed a roster of major clients (including nationally-known speakers, denominations, and parachurch organizations). He leveraged his unique insights and background in both the business and ministry arenas to foster the development of long term media strategies and business planning disciples for his clients. In addition to leadership and strategic planning, he provided marketing, production, syndication, research, and a wide range of management services.
From 1993-1998, Mills was Vice President of Programming for The Inspiration Networks (the first person to hold this position). He established a leadership position for INSP-The Inspiration Network in a highly competitive media environment with distinctive programs and high quality production values. He established INSP’s popular block of inspirational entertainment programming on Saturday night as well as its original daily teen programming block. He also produced and directed many award-winning, live blockbuster specials, including “Night of Joy” from Walt Disney World and the “True Love Waits” concert from the Mall in Washington, D.C. His experience also includes serving as Executive Producer and Producer for World Evangelism and the weekly TV series from Oral Roberts (which he began directing as a college student).
Throughout his career, Mills has a track record of achieving extraordinary results by forming teams of people and organizations to accomplish sustaining projects. He specializes in building synergistic partnerships, and is a master relationship builder.
In addition to many awards and recognition for excellence, he also received the hero’s medal from the Philippine government for a documentary he produced. Mills earned his Bachelor’s degree at Oral Robert’s University. He and his family reside in the Charlotte, North Carolina area.