Jennifer Kirkwood , Senior Director of Production Operations, ESPN

Jennifer Kirkwood is a Senior Director of Production Operations at ESPN. As Senior Director she oversees ESPN’s Network Control and Media Operations areas of the Production Operations Department.

Jennifer joined ESPN in 1992 as a studio technician, working in all areas of Studio Production. In 2000 she transitioned to the management team as a Master Control Supervisor. In the last year, Jennifer has been instrumental in the development of a new master control facility for ESPN’s Business Continuity Plan and in the organization of new initiatives with the Sales, Editorial and Technology departments.

Her first Women in Cable Telecommunications event was the 2003 WICT National Forum. From that introduction she has participated in the New England Chapter Mentoring program since 2005. In the last two years, Jennifer served as the Treasurer on the New England Executive Board as well as coordinated the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer charity walk. In 2008 Jennifer was honored with two WICT New England Chapter awards; the Woman to Watch and the WICT Board Leadership award. She continues her commitment to WICT New England as the 2009 Chapter Vice President and the 2010 Chapter President.

Outside of her responsibilities at ESPN, Jennifer is passionate about cycling and helping to make a difference. She supports the Bristol Hospital Breast Health Fund free mammogram program and the ESPN Book Buddy program. She is a three year participant in the Pan-Massachusetts Challenge, a 162 mile bicycle ride from Wellesley to Provincetown Massachusetts for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s Jimmy Fund. After a great ride in 2009 Jenn and her team have already started training for the 2010 ride.

Kirkwood is a Connecticut native. She graduated from the Syracuse University S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications in 1992 with a degree in television, radio and film production