YONKERS, N.Y., June 12, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Mindspark Interactive Network, a leading consumer software applications company and operating business of IAC, today announced two consecutive award wins by top company executives.

Christopher Phillips, SVP of products and technology at Mindspark, has been hand-picked as one of the region's Rising Stars – Westchester's Forty Under Forty, sponsored by The Business Council of Westchester and modeled after the renowned national business recognition program. Separately, Mindspark's head of consumer products, Michelle Lee, was named one of 2015's "Women Worth Watching" by Profiles in Diversity Journal, which honors women executives' outstanding achievements, as well as their purpose and drive in representing diversity within their spheres of influence. Ms. Lee and other winners will be featured in Profiles of Diversity Journal's Summer 2015 issue.

"We're proud to honor Michelle Lee in our 15th annual celebration of women in leadership," said Kathie Sandlin, editor in chief of Profiles in Diversity Journal. "Throughout her career, she has truly been an inspiration for women who want to build and grow their careers in the technology industry."

"We congratulate Christopher Phillips for being part of an impressive class of Rising Star winners, and we are pleased that Mindspark is among them," said Marsha Gordon, president and CEO of The Business Council of Westchester. "This 40 Under 40 group of award winners shows that we have top-tier talent living and working in Westchester County."

Both Mr. Phillips and Ms. Lee have played instrumental roles in growing Mindspark's global software business to nearly 100 million monthly active users with a diverse portfolio of entertaining and useful consumer software products. Both executives are also lauded as true mentors, investing deeply in their teams and earning the respect of peers by serving as agents of change within their organization.

"I'm thrilled to join the esteemed group of women in this year's 'Women Worth Watching,'" said Ms. Lee. "It is well-documented how underrepresented women are in today's tech workforce, a dynamic both myself and Mindspark as a company are passionate about changing. I love the idea of helping inspire not only today's hard working women, but the next generation of driven women who are looking to break into the industry."

"I'm honored to be recognized by the Business Council of Westchester, and proud to be part of such a fast-growth business and talented team here at Mindspark," said Mr. Phillips, who was celebrated alongside his peers at the 12^th Annual Rising Stars awards reception on June 11. "At Mindspark, we've built one of the world's largest platforms for delivering consumer software products virtually anywhere, and anytime. This win underscores not only our collective accomplishments, it also signals a bright future ahead as we continue to push into new product categories and platforms."

As SVP of product and technology, Mr. Phillips oversees all technology and product development at Mindspark, playing an integral role in the development and launch of more than 250 products and services during his 12-year tenure at the company. His technical leadership has yielded high efficiency for the organization, transforming the product development process and reducing release cycles from months to days. In her role as Vice President and GM, Ms. Lee oversees Mindspark's online games, virtual worlds, utilities, personal expressions and new products divisions, a product portfolio of more than 100 brands and millions of daily active users. She manages all aspects of the customer experience from product development to customer intelligence and support.

"Both Chris and Michelle are the exact type of leaders you want on your team – they come to the table everyday not just focused on how best to delight our customers and accelerate our business, but how to inspire and grow the careers of those around them," said Tim Allen, President of Mindspark. "There aren't two more deserving people of these accolades."

About Mindspark

Mindspark, an operating business of IAC, is home to some of the most popular and engaging consumer software products available today, available all over the world on virtually any device across categories such as lifestyle, entertainment and utilities. For more information visit www.mindspark.com.

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SOURCE Mindspark Interactive Network

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