Full Name
Joy Gorman Wettels
Job Title
Executive Producer and Founder
Organization
JOY COALITION
Speaker Bio
Joy Gorman Wettels is the founder of JOY COALITION, an impact-producing venture with a focus on purpose-driven content for a global audience. Gorman was previously a partner at Anonymous Content, where she worked closely with legendary producer Steve Golin for 16 years and was integral in the transition of his award-winning management and production entity to a prolific TV studio.

As a TV producer, Gorman Wettels has received a Season 2 order on every series she originated. She is currently in post-production on a remaining of LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE (Netflix/CBS/AC Studios) and started their S2 room. Joy was lead Executive Producer on four seasons of the groundbreaking hit series 13 REASONS WHY (Netflix/Paramount) alongside Selena Gomez. Created by Brian Yorkey and directed by Oscar-winner Tom McCarthy (SPOTLIGHT), the series started a global conversation around teen suicide, mental health, and sexual violence and remains one of Netflix’s most-viewed series of all time. She Executive Produced both seasons of UNPRISONED (Hulu/Onyx Collective/ABC Signature), starring Kerry Washington which was the streamer’s most-watched original series of the year at the time of release and nominated for seven NAACP Awards. Alongside director Jon M. Chu and creator Dana Fox (WICKED), Joy Executive Produced two seasons of HOME BEFORE DARK (Apple TV+), inspired by the true story of nine-year-old journalist Hilde Lysiak. She has also released GROWNKID, a Gen Z mental health storytelling ecosystem with the host/creators of TEENAGER THERAPY, in partnership with Schultz Family Foundation. Joy’s producing career began with acclaimed filmmaker Lorene Scafaria’s directorial debut SEEKING A FRIEND FOR THE END OF THE WORLD (Focus Features) and follow-up THE MEDDLER (Sony Pictures Classics), named Vanity Fair's #1 film of 2016.

Joy’s upcoming slate includes an adaptation of Sylvia Plath’s iconic novel, THE BELL JAR with Billie Eilish, Sarah Polley, and Plan B; A Sound of Music inspired original musical THE BARONESS with Burr! and Concord Originals.

As an advocate and consultant at the intersection of entertainment and impact, Gorman Wettels has regularly works alongside policymakers and thought leaders for narrative change. She serves on the Advisory Boards for UCLA’s Center for Scholars and Storytellers and Hollywood, Health & Society at USC Annenberg’s Norman Lear Center. Joy Coalition has regularly collaborated with the office of the previous U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, on Hollywood’s response to the mental health crisis. Joy has been a guest speaker, honoree, or contributor at the Hollywood and Mind Summit, Federation of American Scientists Public Service Awards, the United State of Women Summit at DC Women’s March, Teen Vogue Summit, and an It’s On Us call to action against sexual violence with President Joe Biden. Joy Coalition was awarded the Mental Health Action award by the Don’t Mind Me Foundation, and on behalf of 13 REASONS WHY has accepted a Sentinel Award, Television Academy Honors for advancing social change, and the 2018 Mental Health America Media Award.

Joy grew up in Yonkers, New York and commuted to Barnard College where she produced the Columbia Varsity Show written by fellow students Brian Yorkey & Tom Kitt. Subsequently, she helped shepherd their Pulitzer and Tony-winning musical NEXT TO NORMAL to Broadway for over a decade. Joy is a member of the Producers Guild of America, Television Academy and a founding member of Producers United.
Joy Gorman Wettels