Jennifer Kirkwood , Director of Production Operations, ESPN

Jennifer Kirkwood has served as a Director of Production Operations at ESPN since October 2005. In her role, Jennifer is responsible for Network Operations for the ten Bristol, Connecticut based master control facilities and a shared oversight of the Production Operations management team.

Jennifer joined ESPN in 1992 as a studio technician, working in all areas of Master Control and Studio Production.  She was promoted to technical director in 1998, supervisor in 2000 and to manager in 2003.

In the last three years, Jennifer has been instrumental in the transition of the ESPN and ESPN 2 networks to the new High Definition facility as well as the launch of the ESPN Deportes, ESPNU and ESPN 2 Caribbean networks.

Her first WICT event was the 2003 Forum followed by her participation in the New England Chapter Mentoring program in 2005 & 2006 and volunteering on the 2006 Professional Development seminar committee. 2007 marks her first involvement as a board member and Treasurer. 

Outside of her responsibilities at ESPN, Jennifer is passionate about cycling and helping to make a difference. She is the founder of Direct from the Heart, a fundraiser for the Bristol Hospital Breast Health Development Foundation free mammogram program. This year she is combining her interests and will be riding in the Pan-Mass Challenge, 162 mile ride from Wellesley to Provincetown Massachusetts for the Jimmy Fund.

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