Women to Watch
by Staff -- Multichannel News, 1/27/2008 7:00:00 PM
Kenetta Bailey
Senior VP, Marketing
WE TV
Why We’re Watching: Kenetta Bailey oversees consumer, affiliate, trade and ad sales marketing and is a key architect of network messaging and branding for WE tv. She also leads the WE Empowers Women public affairs initiative. “There is no 'I’ in WE,” Bailey said, “and while I’m proud to have had a hand in the network’s successes, it’s the work of the entire team for which I can truly be proud.” Before joining WE tv, Bailey served as group marketing director at NBC Universal’s Telemundo Network. She is a member of the Cable & Telecommunications Association for Marketing, the National Association for Multi-Ethnicity in Communications and Women In Cable Telecommunications, and is an executive mentor for WICT.
Year in Review: “We created a record-breaking consumer campaign for Bridezillas and branded our most notable night on TV, 'WE Go Bridal,’ along with launching its companion broadband site. We had the most successful upfront season ever, with a record number of marketing solutions for clients; and we rolled out our Public Affairs campaign, 'WE Vote ’08.’ ”
On the Horizon: “As we move into 2008, I’m excited about rolling out our new brand positioning and viewer insights to the marketplace. I’m thrilled to be able to talk to our consumers in an even more relevant way about our new original series.”
Influences: “Sara Blakely [creator and CEO of Spanx]. Because she had a great idea born out of consumer insight, she layered it with solid marketing; and to be honest, I just want to know — Why didn’t I think of it first. My dad, Ken Bailey. He’s honest, forward-thinking, smart, determined, and just an all around good guy. Kim Martin, WE tv’s general manager. Anyone who knows her knows she’s fabulous to work for and she’s a great person as well. But I pick her because in my eyes she’s reached the pinnacle of success: personal and professional happiness and balance.”
Down Time: “Well, let me say, there’s nothing better than spending quality time with family and friends, especially on the beach in Fiji with a Mai Tai in hand.”
Molly Battin
Senior VP, Brand Development and Digital Platforms
Turner Broadcasting
Why We’re Watching: Molly Battin oversees branding initiatives and digital marketing for TBS, TNT and Turner Classic Movies. In 2004, she spearheaded the award-winning “TBS Very Funny” branding effort, which included a new on-air look, tagline and image spots. Battin joined TBS in 2002 after serving as vice president of strategic marketing for domestic networks of the CNN News Group, where she oversaw domestic marketing for its news networks. Before joining Turner Broadcasting System in November 2000, Battin was vice president of marketing for EzGov, an e-government Web company.
Year in Review: “I am extremely proud of the three strong network brands we have built. Each has become a leader in its genre: TNT for drama, TBS for comedy and TCM for classic films. These networks are continuing to expand their reach and develop stronger connections with audiences. The power of these brands allows us to aggressively pursue a 'brands without borders’ strategy. I am thrilled by the success we have had in growing our digital business this year, including the expansion to multiple digital platforms.”
On the Horizon: “Given the constant change in our industry, I will be working to continue to grow the digital presence of our brands.”
Influences: “At the top of the list is Steve Koonin, president of Turner Entertainment Networks, whom I have had the good fortune to work for over the past nine years. I also have been mentored by two extraordinary women (and moms): Jennifer Dorian, senior vice president of network strategy and brand development for Turner Entertainment Networks, and Wonya Lucas, executive vice president and general manager of The Weather Channel Networks. Additionally, my husband, parents and family have always encouraged and pushed me along the way.”
Down Time: “My favorite thing to do is spend time with my husband, Ramsay, and our three little children — Parker (5), Baker (3) and Campbell (1). I also love to run and do triathlons whenever I have any free time.”
Lisa Black
Senior VP, Digital Media
SITV
Why We’re Watching: Lisa Black is responsible for developing and executing SíTV’s digital media strategy, which encompasses online, broadband, wireless and video download initiatives. In 2002, she became the youngest vice president at Lifetime, where she led marketing development of interactive technologies. During her tenure at Lifetime, Black launched Lifetime Wireless for Women and Lifetime’s Broadband Video Lounge; and she helped build up Lifetimetv.com as a direct consumer marketing platform. Prior to Lifetime, Black served as director of strategic planning and business development at Food Network.
Standout Moments: “Building trends.sitv.com and entertainment.sitv.com — our new community-based Web sites for young Latinos and emerging artists — in a relatively short period of time. I’m proud that we’re providing our demo with something original that was designed specifically for them, as well as the fact that we’re giving up-and-coming artists and content creators a platform to showcase their talents.”
On the Horizon: “Making these new sites the No. 1 online destination for Latinos, and creating a new model of how young people interact with entertainment in media.”
Influences: “Lynn Picard, former executive vice president of interactive entertainment and president of ad sales, for Lifetime Entertainment Services — Lynn is a terrific leader who taught me that every problem has a solution, and to always be creative. Eric Ober, former president of CBS News and Food Network — Eric taught me how to motivate people, and how to get folks to come together as a team. Mike Evans, former chief operating officer of Food Network and executive vice president of Pearson Publishing — Mike has a tremendous work ethic and taught me that if you work hard, you will succeed and excel.”
Down Time: “I must confess that I’m an avid Barry Manilow fan, and I make every effort to attend his concerts. I enjoy old-school arts and crafts, and hand-make greeting cards. I also play a lot of tennis and do yoga.”
Stacey Bright
Executive VP and Chief Financial Officer
Bristol Virginia Utilities
Why We’re Watching: A 13-year veteran of the energy industry, Stacey Bright joined Bristol Virginia Utilities, a city-owned public utility, in 2003. She became a key figure in advancing BVU’s success as the first municipal utility in the nation to offer the triple-play of phone, cable and broadband services over a fiber-to-the-user network. When United Telephone-Southeast (now Embarq) filed a petition for injunction against the city, charging that BVU was not complying with Virginia law and illegally cross-subsidizing services, Bright’s testimony before the Virginia State Corporation Commission resulted in the public utility winning the dispute, and the Virginia General Assembly passed Senate Bill 875 authorizing that the utility could legally provide cable services.
Why She Loves Her Job: “In our industry, especially the telecommunications industry, bigger and better things are available each day. My job is to make sure we are aware and positioned to capture technology, matched with capturing our markets.”
Influences: “In my first job, I was extremely fortunate to have a mentor — Ann Horton. That first job was in the unregulated natural gas industry, an industry dominated by male executives. To watch Ann in action left an impression with me. However, it was in my second job with Virginia Gas Co. that Mike Edwards, founder and owner, put my skills to the test. While at Virginia Gas, I was recruited by another company to join them in an oil and gas exploration greenfield project. In that position, I was fortunate to have another excellent mentor, Gary Ladd. With all of that said, none of the above would have occurred had I not had the fundamental rearing of my mother and father.”
Proudest Achievements: “I am now a 35-year-old professional woman with a demanding job and two wonderful children. Today, I find my greatest challenge is how to be exceptional at both of these jobs — to raise my children as I was raised, with all of my love and support, and to be the executive that will continue to lead our business to bigger and better things.”
Genia Edelman
Senior VP of National Distribution
Gospel Music Channel
Why We’re Watching: Genia Edelman is responsible for the Gospel Music Channel’s distribution domestically and internationally, and across all platforms. Since joining Gospel in June 2004 as vice president of affiliate sales and marketing, she helped strike agreements with the top four cable operators: Time Warner Cable, Comcast, Charter Communications and Cox Communications. In April 2007, she was named senior vice president for national accounts, and rose to her current position last November. Edelman entered cable in April 2000 as regional director of affiliate sales for Discovery Communications.
Year in Review: “Long nights and weekends combined with numerous calls and a Valentine’s Day negotiation in Stamford, Conn., with Kristina Song and Sarah Sully during a snowstorm, secured our Time Warner Cable distribution agreement. The year also brought my leading negotiations for a Black Family Channel carriage switch-out with Charter, Cox, Time Warner/Bright House and multiple independents.”
On the Horizon: “In 2008 I welcome the challenge of ensuring Gospel Music Channel’s availability to subscribers in all 210 Nielsen markets. In the long term, I am passionate about leading an international launch of Gospel Music Channel.”
Influences: “Bill Goodwyn, Chris Lonergan, and Doug Harbert from Discovery Networks for rescuing me from the pharmaceutical industry and teaching me what it takes to be the No. 1 affiliate sales force in the industry. Charley Humbard, Brad Siegel, Nory LeBrun and Peter Kern for believing in me to lead distribution for a start-up network and helping develop my abilities. Top cable executives and my 'Wonder how they do it all Women’ Lisa Delligatti, Kathy Payne, Shelley Guiou, Kristina Song and Jen Gaiski have also greatly inspired and influenced who I am today.”
Down Time: “Down time, what’s that? If I am really lucky, I squeeze in a family vacation at the beach burying my children in the sand, building castles, surfing waves and dreaming about retiring at the beach with my soul mate and husband, David.”
Kathleen Finch
Senior VP and General Manager
DIY Network
Why We’re Watching: Kathleen Finch is responsible for the programming and operations of DIY Network. Finch joined DIY in January 2006 after seven years at Food Network, and helped secure exclusive cable rights to what she calls the Trifecta of home-improvement TV — This Old House, Bob Vila’s Home Again and The New Yankee Workshop — a strategy that helped the network exceed quarterly ratings targets. She also played a key role in forging programming collaborations to attract celebrity talent such as Jay Leno (Celebrity Rides); Burt Reynolds (Celebrity Rides: Burt Builds a Bandit); and Tony Siragusa (Man Caves).
Proudest Achievements: “Executing bigger-than-a-breadbox multimedia concepts like 'DIY’s Blog Cabin,’ the first interactive home building series, and Stud Finder, DIY’s first talent search for America’s Handyman — is why I love my job. One of my proudest achievements is 'Blog Cabin,’ [which] premiered with a built-in audience of involved, interactive participants/virtual designers, making it one of the best-performing series in DIY’s history.”
On the Horizon: “I think the most dynamic growth area in the media business is developing interactive programming. Providing unique two-way relationships with our viewers on-air and online is our focus.”
Influences: “At Scripps, I have been lucky to work with bosses, mentors and friends, such as Judy Girard, former president of HGTV, and current Food Network president Brooke Johnson. After spending most of my career as a network news producer, working for these two women provided a front row seat to see how smart managers can run incredibly successful networks and still make time for a life.”
Down Time: “Everyone in my family is a serious musician, except for me. I’m a serious music fan, though, and attend many concerts with my husband and daughters. Of course, my favorites are the ones that include my family members on stage. I’m involved with a number of charities, including being on the board of the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra.”
Pearlena Igbokwe
Senior VP of Original Programming
Showtime Network
Why We’re Watching: Pearlena Igbokwe developed and supervises Dexter, Showtime’s award-winning, top-rated drama series which recently wrapped up its second season. She is currently overseeing post production for the upcoming Tracey Ullman show State of the Union. Earlier, Igbokwe shepherded the comedies Fat Actress, Barbershop and The Underground. She was also responsible for the five-season Showtime drama Soul Food, a two-time winner of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People’s Image Award, and developed original movies for the network such as the Humanitas-nominated Jasper, Texas, the Emmy-nominated Bojangles and the Peabody Award-winning Strange Justice. Since 1995, Igbokwe, has presided over the Showtime Black Filmmaker’s Showcase which spotlights the work of up-and-coming African-American directors.
Why She Loves Her Job: “After 15 years at Showtime (I started very young), I am continually challenged by the work I do. I’ve worked with some of the most talented writers, producers, actors and directors in the business.”
Why She Loves TV: “I came to the United States from Nigeria as a 6-year-old and the television was my first teacher. Back then, Bugs Bunny and Lucille Ball were like my family. Even today, I maintain some of that same wide-eyed wonder at the power of television.”
Year in Review: “It has been thrilling to be at the network at a time when our shows have received such wondrous acclaim and acknowledgement.”
Influences: “So many wonderful people have guided me in my career, not the least of whom is Showtime CEO Matt Blank, who thankfully did not laugh in my face when I first told him that I wanted to leave the N.Y. corporate offices and transfer to the programming department in L.A. He, and all of my subsequent bosses have been nothing but supportive of my career.”
Down Time: “As a mother of a 2-year-old and a 5-year-old, 'downtime’ isn’t a word I use very often but 'blessed’ is one that I do.”
Jessica Heacock Insalaco
Chief Marketing Officer and Senior VP of Marketing
Echostar
Why We’re Watching: Jessica Heacock Insalaco is responsible for the Dish Network brand, along with acquisition and retention efforts, partner marketing and the consumer Web site. Previously, she had been with MTV Networks, most recently as its executive vice president for affiliate sales and marketing, leading the distribution marketing team for 28 MTV channels and BET brands. Before that, she held senior marketing roles for MTVN’s VH1 and CMT brands. Prior to joining MTVN, Insalaco worked with EchoStar and News Corp. during their business integration negotiations, led Cox Communications’ pricing and packaging efforts for all consumer products in Atlanta, and was a member of US West’s marketing strategy and operations team in Denver for its wireless, international and corporate organizations.
Proudest Accomplishments: “Exciting and important channel launches and distribution, including Logo, Nicktoons, Noggin, The N, and BET J. Significant and impactful pro-social program support from affiliates for VH1 'Save the Music,’ Nickelodeon’s 'Let’s Just Play,’ MTV’s 'Choose or Lose.’ MTVN/BETN affiliate marketing team development. My board service and chair leadership with Women in Cable & Telecommunications. And most importantly, our 3 ½-year-old son Andre.”
On the Horizon: “Sharing the wonderful features and benefits Dish Network has with customers and partners. Developing more women leaders in the industry. And, as a personal goal, reducing climate impact in meaningful ways through work and personal efforts.”
Influences: “Terri Thompson, Ajit Dalvi, Jim Robbins, Bob Redella, Nicole Browning, Judy McGrath, Tom Freston, John Sykes, Debra Lee, Mark Rosenthal, Charlie Ergen, Carl Vogel, Maggie Bellville. All of these people have been or continue to be role models, advisors and mentors for me.”
Down Time: “Precious little time with family and friends. [Hobbies include] sports, reading.”
Roxanne Kerr
VP of Technology
C-Span Networks
Why We’re Watching: Roxane Kerr, who joined C-SPAN as an intern in 1982, is responsible for the technical infrastructure of its three TV networks, online division, radio networks and internal IT operations. She has directed multiple rebuilds of the technical facilities for TV production and distribution, including the transition from analog to digital equipment. She has held a variety of positions at the public affairs network: from 1988 to 1992 she managed the staff and operations of the field department overseeing all remote productions, and she continues to manage the staffs of the engineering and IT departments.
Why She Loves Her Job: “It was 1982 and I was a senior at George Mason. A professor suggested I try an internship at C-SPAN, a still-new cable network based on Capitol Hill. I was immediately caught up in what amounted to Brian Lamb’s grand experiment in public affairs television. By the time I was hired as a full-time field technician several months later I realized just how much C-SPAN was changing the way Americans saw Congress and the way broadcast news covered it.”
Professional Highlights: “My most vivid early memory on the road is directing the first extended TV coverage of an Iowa caucus. I was also behind the camera for the Democratic and Republican national conventions in 1984 and 1988, and scores of events in between. Some of my most satisfying work came during my tenure as manager of remote field operations. In that job (and my subsequent jobs) C-SPAN’s need to do 'a lot with a little’ forced us to be efficient which often meant innovating. For example, under my watch we were the first to use robotic cameras in Congressional hearing rooms. Later, we talked several major political candidates into wearing wireless body mics on the campaign trail as we followed them with cameras.”
On the Horizon: “I look forward to all of the new technological opportunities that face cable and C-SPAN including transitioning to high-definition systems, digitizing satellite transponders, ushering in a custom, automated digital asset management and scheduling system, and using interactive technologies.”
Casey Patterson
Senior VP of Event Production and Talent Development
Spike TV
Why We’re Watching: Casey Patterson is responsible for all talent relationships for Spike TV’s original series and events. She has overseen or co-executive produced key events for the network, including Spike TV’s launch party and the GQ Men of the Year Awards. Prior to joining Spike TV, Patterson served as director of talent development at VH1. Major events she worked on include, “The Concert for New York City” after 9/11, VH1 Vogue Fashion Awards and “The Concert of the Century” at The White House. She also served as talent producer for Billboard Music Awards on Fox, Concert for America on NBC and The TV Land Classic Television Awards for MTV Networks. She also co-created the syndicated hit show The Sharon Osbourne Show.
Why She Loves Her Job: “When I was approached by one of my mentors, Albie Hecht, with the opportunity to join his team in building a network for men from scratch, it was a daunting, but life changing decision for me. Being on board from the start and having overcome the insane challenges we faced launching Spike TV, I can now 6 years later look back and feel that we have together built a brand that is resonating with men, and we continue to grow!”
Year in Review: “A highlight of the past year for me was creating Spike’s pro social initiative, 'True Dads,’ using our platform with men to talk to them about being as active in their kids’ lives as possible.”
Influences: “I am very fortunate in that I have worked with some incredible women including Judy McGrath, Lauren Zalaznick, Sharon Osbourne, Laura and Harry Slatkin, Albie Hecht, John Sykes, and Jeff Gaspin.”
Standout Moments: “Overall, I am enamored and moved as a viewer and producer, by live events. To know that you are creating a 'one night only’ experience for an audience is creative heaven for me.”
Down Time: “The goal for my down-time is to have more of it to spend with friends and family.”
Jennifer Storms
Senior VP of Marketing and Programming
Turner Sports
Why We’re Watching: With Turner Sports since April 1995, Jennifer Storms is responsible for developing and implementing marketing programs for the sports programming on the TBS and TNT networks, as well as the marketing activities for the division’s online properties which include NASCAR.com, PGA.com and PGATour.com. Additionally, she is charged with the strategic planning and scheduling of on-air sports programming, management of contractual agreements and overseeing business and strategy development for Turner Sports’ four TV sports properties: the National Basketball Association, NASCAR, Major League Baseball and professional golf. She also manages Turner Sports’ internal promotional agency, Creative Services Sports Unit, which is responsible for all off-channel creative development for all Turner Sports properties, as well as Turner Broadcasting’s GameTap product.
Why She Loves Her Job: “I love having the opportunity to learn new things, to be challenged and to take risks. Hockey great Wayne Gretzky has a saying that I always keep in the back of my mind when I’m faced with a new challenge: 'You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.’ ”
A Risk Worth Taking: “I had a great learning experience five years ago when I was approached to start a new business unit within Turner, the Creative Services Sports Unit. I decided to take the shot, knowing the risks were high; among them, not knowing my business partner very well, having no full-time staff at my disposal, working off of borrowed budgets, and the scariest part — I knew very little about this area of business. CSSU is now a cornerstone of Turner Sports and an achievement I am very proud of, but what I am most proud of is that I had the confidence in myself to take that shot and meet the challenges that came with it head on.”
Proudest Accomplishment: “I am proud to have worked with fellow female executives within Turner to launch a successful company-wide circle mentoring program in 2007 that has mentored 160 women.”
Tina Waters
Senior Vice President of Customer Service Operations
Comcast
Why We’re Watching: Tina Waters is responsible for customer experience process improvements, billing, credit and collections initiatives, employee selection and development programs, and quality assurance for Comcast’s call centers. She manages outsource call center partnerships, as well as consumer care inquiries received in the Office of the President. She began her career with Bell Atlantic (now Verizon Communications) as manager of call centers for small businesses in Pennsylvania and Delaware; and she then transitioned to PECO Energy as call center manager for call centers serving 1.5 million customers.
On the Horizon: “Customer service has experienced its ups and downs in various industries. In the cable industry, it’s an area we’re all focusing on in this highly competitive environment. The challenge I most look forward to is helping lead Comcast Customer Service as we work harder to improve our customers’ experiences.”
Proudest Accomplishments: “My proudest achievements include my wonderful marriage of 10 years to my very best friend, Thomas. Also, I’m proud to have earned my Master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania after many years of plugging away at it in the midst of job changes and life’s time outs.”
Influence: “I’ve had the pleasure of working for some of the best leaders in this business, and I look at them as key role models for me. From my early days in telecommunications, Joan Simpson [at Verizon] was — and still is — a mentor. Also, Carol Burger [retired, formerly at Verizon], was key to my decision to choose a career in Customer Service. Carol demonstrated for me why Customer Service is the heart of any business and how I could have years of enjoyment in my chosen career path.”
Down Time: “When I’m not at work, I spend as much time as possible with my family. I’m very involved with charitable causes like fund-raising for scholarships, M.S. Walks and teen mentoring through my sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha.”
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