Forty Under Forty
by George Vernadakis -- Multichannel News, 7/21/2008
The editors of Multichannel News once again have chosen 40 movers and shakers under the age of 40 who are helping their companies grow and succeed, as well as playing an important part in mapping the future of cable and telecommunications.
From networks to operators. From the world of finance to cyberspace. These individuals represent a cross section of a multitude of industries and disciplines.
By no means a comprehensive list of young executives to watch, the “40 Under 40” is a sampling of some of the most innovative and influential people working today, compiled and edited by executive editor of special reports George Vernadakis.
Michael D. Armstrong, 36
Senior VP and GM, BET International
Michael Armstrong oversees the strategy and launch of BET in international markets, including licensing BET programs, creating branded channels and programming blocks, and developing BET's brands for mobile and broadband platforms.
Describing himself as “a very lucky person,” he welcomes the “awesome responsibility to expand the global reach for one of the most recognized brands in media.”
Prior to joining BET, Armstrong was sales director of international marketing partnerships for MTV Networks International. Before that, he was vice president of affiliate marketing – music group for MTVN's Affiliate Sales and Marketing division.
Having been bitten by “the family cable bug,” Armstrong is the brother of Bright House Networks executive Danielle Wade, who is a fellow “40 Under 40” honoree. “I told our mother, Stacia Armstrong, who retired last year from Hallmark after 25 years in cable, that she's responsible for 5% of the [40 Under 40] list this year,” he said.
Patrick Baldwin, 33
VP of Strategic Development, Retirement Living TV
Patrick Baldwin may, at first, seem a little young to be an executive at the 55-plus-targeted Retirement Living TV, where he oversees network operations, advertising sales and affiliate sales activities in U.S. and international markets. In his role, he negotiates contracts, maintains client relationships with cable operators, and oversees all national advertising, sponsorship and fundraising activities.
“At 33, it may be hard for people to understand my dedication to our older population,” Baldwin said. “If there is one thing you can't ignore, it's that time passes quickly. Currently, my parents and grandparents reap the benefits of the programming provided by RLTV. One day, it'll be me and it'll be you.”
“We spent years working on the concept of Retirement Living TV,” he added. “To see it grow from notes on my laptop to a one-of-a-kind TV network has been a unique experience and an honor.”
Michael Biard, 39
Senior VP, Affiliate Sales and Marketing, Fox Cable Networks
As head of Fox Cable Networks' national accounts team, Michael Biard is responsible for negotiating distribution deals with MSOs, satellite operators and telco distributors, while also developing other new business opportunities. He has successfully led negotiations with major distributors, covering the entire portfolio of Fox Cable's services.
Since 2002, his efforts have included charter deals covering each new network Fox has launched or acquired, such as Big Ten Network, National Geographic Channel, Fox College Sports, Speed Channel, several regional sports networks, Fox Reality Channel, Fuel TV, HD services and video on demand.
Most recently, Biard secured carriage agreements with Comcast, Dish Network and Insight Communications for BTN.
Prior to his promotion to senior vice president, Biard served as vice president of business affairs, affiliate sales and marketing. One of his notable achievements was the successful integration of Speedvision operations into the Fox Cable Networks Group affiliate sales and marketing infrastructure and strategy.
Maria Badillo, 36
Senior VP of Programming, Sorpresa
Maria Badillo is responsible for Sorpresa's lineup aimed at preschool kids, tweens and teens, overseeing production, acquisition and scheduling. Since joining Sorpresa in April 2007, the network has introduced a second satellite feed to support the network's growth and serve West and East Coast operators.
Under Badillo's direction, Sorpresa premiered its first original production, Luz, Cámara, Sorpresa, showcasing the finalists in the Hamptons International Film Festival. She has also spearheaded the acquisition of a number of new shows.
Badillo also was instrumental in the network's branding effort, introducing the tagline “El Mundo que Imaginas” (“The World You Imagine”).
Badillo came to Sorpresa from Discovery Kids Latin America Network.
At Discovery Kids Online, she built a kids-friendly digital environment in Spanish for Latin American and U.S. audiences.
Molly Battin, 39
Senior VP, Brand Development and Digital Platforms, TBS, TNT, TCM
Molly Battin oversees branding initiatives, digital extensions and digital marketing for TBS, TNT and Turner Classic Movies. “I have had the great fortune to work on some of the strongest brands in the TV industry,” Battin said. “It has been exciting to help these brands grow both as linear networks and as brand extensions beyond the TV set.”
Battin joined TBS in 2002 after serving as vice president of strategic marketing for domestic networks of the CNN News Group.
In 2004, she spearheaded TBS's “Very Funny” branding effort which included a new on-air look, a new logo and new image spots. The positioning helped TBS show strong ratings gains among young adults, while landing industry awards.
Battin is thrilled to be part of the TV industry. “It truly has become a 'one-television world,' where the distinction between cable and network TV has faded,” she said.
Lisa Black, 35
Senior VP, Marketing and Digital Media, SÍTV
Lisa Black spearheads the development and implementation of the marketing strategy for SiTV's programming and the SiTV digital network, which encompasses online, broadband, wireless and video download initiatives.
Black developed and launched the first-ever digital talent incubator for young Latinos, integrating online and cable programming. She also played a key role in launching customized cross-platform campaigns for advertisers that include television, online, wireless, public relations and grassroots elements.
“We are an independent company targeting the fastest growing demo — English speaking Latinos — who just happen to also be very savvy when it comes to consuming online and mobile media,” Black said. “Our focus on using all the available channels to deliver culturally relevant programming to our audience, provides me a tremendous platform for creativity and experimentation.”
Black is proud of her work helping SíTV succeed “in reaching its young Latino and multicultural audiences,” and is anxious to see “how digital media grows in the television space over the next 5 years.”
Steve Campione, 38
Director, Cable Group, RBC Daniels
Steve Campione has over a decade's experience as a banker and credit analyst, including seven years at RBC Daniels as a member of its cable and private capital groups.
The transactions in which he has participated focus on companies that produce, distribute and enable video and data services including MSOs, cable networks, online content providers, hospitality broadband services, triple-play competitive service providers, telecommunications infrastructure and services, software, and various wireless solutions.
“In addition to raising capital for RBC Daniels clients, I also focus on finding growing programming, content and wireless broadband services companies,” Campione explained. “On the programming side, I look for companies that produce or distribute content in genres that have a passionate fan base, that are developing a strong brand and that can serve consumers via multiple platforms globally.”
In terms of where the industry is heading, Campione cited “time shifting of content” as something that “will radically change how consumers think about and purchase their content in the future.” He also pointed to wireless: “We are big believers in wireless broadband services including mobile broadband data and video.”
Sean Cohan, 33
Senior VP, International, AETN
Sean Cohan is responsible for management and expansion of A&E Television Network's brands, services and staff outside the U.S. It's a job that he describes as “challenging and extremely fulfilling.”
Cohan oversees sales, operations and business development for AETN International, including marketing and distribution of channels, syndicated program sales, ad sales and digital media. In addition, he has oversight of the international programming and production groups and AETN's regional offices in the United Kingdom and Singapore.
Since joining AETN in 2004, Cohan has played a key role in the creation of several international channels and partnerships.
Under his leadership, AETN International also has launched over 30 digital media services.
Cohan credits AETN for being “an ideal place for folks like me to learn given its world-class, creative peers and open, meritocratic culture.”
Eric Conley, 33
CEO, Mixed Signals
With Eric Conley responsible for strategy and building long-term growth, Mixed Signals is an important player in providing advanced broadband video monitoring solutions. Its products have won some of the most prestigious awards in the industry, including the highest rating ever for video monitoring by Broadband Gear Report.
“Mixed Signals is definitely in the right place at the right time, as MSOs are committed to providing their subscribers with the best possible quality of experience,” said Conley, who is quick to share any success. “The team at Mixed Signals has worked hard to achieve success,” he added, “and looking ahead we will continue to work towards new and innovative products, staying well ahead of the competition.”
Prior to Mixed Signals, Conley was senior vice president of operations and a member of the original team at GoldPocket Interactive, a provider of advanced media solutions for broadcasters, operators, and wireless carriers.
At GoldPocket he created the operations teams and managed all new technology deployments into broadcast operations centers, wireless carriers and cable operators.
Justin Connolly, 34
Senior VP, National Accounts, Disney and ESPN
As senior vice president, national accounts, for Disney and ESPN media networks, Justin Connolly is responsible for all domestic distribution and licensing efforts for The Walt Disney Co.'s linear networks, broadband and on-demand content within the Media Networks Group. His team works to negotiate distribution agreements with all of the cable, satellite and Internet protocol-TV distributors throughout the country. Connolly also develops and implements sales strategies for all of the domestic linear networks.
“I'm fortunate to work with a great team of people and a company that builds unparalleled brands and products,” Connolly said.
“The challenge for content providers and distributors alike is to work collaboratively and identify products and business models that work for all of us,” Connolly said. “As the number of platforms and outlets increases and various consumer electronics devices proliferate, it will only add to the challenge and excitement of our industry.”
Joanna Drake Earl, 38
President, New Media, Current TV
Joanna Drake Earl was the first executive to join Current TV co-founders Al Gore and Joel Hyatt and has been the architect and manager of the network's Web-based participation platform. “ 'Cross-platform' usually just means you're re-purposing TV content for the Web. Not at Current,” she said. “We work with our community on the Web to produce new content that's good enough for TV.”
She also shepherds distribution deals and oversees development of new media products.
“Our consumers are spending more time online and with gaming platforms, and now they expect experiences that are just as engaging on TV,” she said. “That's tough for traditional media companies to respond to; you have to be built from the ground up for participation.”
Earl is also proud of Current's audience. “They're taking advantage of Current's platforms,” she said. “Current wouldn't be anything without them.”
Mike Emmendorfer, 37
Senior Director, Solution Architecture and Strategy, Office of the CSO, ARRIS
Mike Emmendorfer brings hands-on MSO experience in solving the engineering challenges facing vendors when mapping next-generation architectural solutions.
As Arris's senior director for solution architecture and strategy, he plays a vital role in supporting product management, new business development, customers and industry organizations on current and future architectures and solutions. He also participates in defining architecture and strategy for existing products, as well as studies the viability of new products and technologies for ARRIS's future.
Emmendorfer joined Arris in September 2006. Before that, he served as the corporate senior director of advanced engineering – IP at Charter Communications. He joined Charter in 1999, and was a key contributor and leader in providing engineering solutions for advanced services.
He served on numerous Technical Advisory Groups and the DOCSIS Certification Board, and in 2005 was recognized by the industry and awarded the Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers IP Innovator of the Year Award.
Denise Conroy-Galley, 36
Senior VP, Marketing and Research, Outdoor Channel
For Denise Conroy-Galley, working at Outdoor Channel is “a dream job.” She grew up in West Virginia, “and hunting and fishing is huge there. Naturally, the Outdoor Channel brand is very strong in my home state. Each time I go home, I'm reminded of how special and unique our network is to a lot of people in this country.”
She joined Outdoor in 2004 as its first director of research and had to build the media department from square one. “I am proud of what I've been able to accomplish,” Conroy-Galley said. “Being an independent network is a challenge in today's environment, and that makes our marketing 'wins' feel big and very special.”
Conroy-Galley has a special fondness for cable and her achievements in the industry. “What I love most about cable is that it is inherently a creative business,” she said. “There is so much diverse, incredible content on cable today. It's probably the best time ever to be a marketer because the raw material we get to promote is so strong.”
Genia Edelman, 37
Senior VP, National Distribution, Gospel Music Channel
Genia Edelman definitely isn't risk averse. “You miss every shot you don't take,” she said, “and being the risk taker that I am does not allow me to sit back and watch someone else take the shot.”
Edelman oversees Gospel Music Channel's domestic and international distribution across all platforms.
She joined GMC in June 2004 as vice president of affiliate sales and marketing. “Many thought I had lost my mind going to work for a start-up, but they have been proven wrong — four years and 40 million subscribers later,” she said.
Edelman has helped drive major distribution gains, striking deals with Time Warner Cable, Comcast, Charter and Cox.
“A quote hangs in our conference room that says: 'Great Teams Require Great Missions,' ” she said. “Establishing a mission to inspire, uplift and entertain through music has allowed us to build a great team.”
Eric Feldman, 39
Executive VP, Programming, Operations and General Manager, Here
Eric Feldman is responsible for the programming, creative brand development, interactive extensions and operations at Here Networks. He has 17 years of experience in program planning, scheduling, production, marketing and promotion for TV and original entertainment properties.
Before joining Here, Feldman oversaw programming planning and on-air strategy for Rainbow Media's Fuse Network, where he managed the development of the programming efforts for the music video network. He has also played key roles in development and programming at other networks such as MTV, VH1, USA Network and Sci Fi Channel.
At Here, Feldman is responsible for the operational infrastructure the network relies on to serve its gay and lesbian-targeted viewership across cable, satellite, and IP platforms. On the programming side, recent shows he has been involved with include the Donald Strachey Mystery series starring Chad Allen, the gothic series Dante's Cove and the original movie Kiss Me Deadly, starring Shannen Doherty.
Robert Folk, 38
Director, Product Management, Motorola
Robert Folk is Motorola's director of product management for advanced digital set-top platforms, including HD and HD-digital video recorder devices. He also oversees Motorola's tru2way-related product initiatives.
Folk played an important part in Motorola's Separable Security program. In order to enable industry compliance with the Federal Communications Commission's conditional access requirements, he provided the day-to-day product management direction required to transition Motorola's complete set-top product line to one that supports CableCard-based platforms.
But perhaps his greatest passion is product innovation. “Now that the industry is past the separable security transition, it is exciting to be able to shift focus back to product innovation,” he said.
“With the big push to deliver more HD programming, and the development of new media sharing applications like whole-home DVR, there are great opportunities for providing compelling solutions that will further cable as a primary entertainment platform in the home,” Folk added.
Folk joined Motorola in 2001 assuming a role within their systems engineering organization, subsequently transitioning into product management where he has held a variety of positions with increased responsibility.
Melani Griffith, 36
Senior VP of Video Programming, Services, Insight Communications
As senior vice president of video programming and services for Insight Communications, Melani Griffith is solely responsible for negotiating all programming contracts and oversees the management and strategy of Insight's video service. Last year, as a result of Insight's split from Comcast, Griffith was tasked with renegotiating over 60 programming contracts in a limited timespan.
In 2006, she received the company's President's Award — the highest honor conferred on an employee.
But she is quick to sing the praises of the other Insight staffers that she works with. “I work with an incredible team of people without whom I could not be successful,” she said. “Since they are all under 40 as well, I think the entire team deserves to be acknowledged as the best team under 40.”
Griffith has over 14 years of marketing and programming experience in the cable industry. Prior to joining Insight, she worked in advertising sales at Fox Cable Networks as well as affiliate sales at AMC Networks and at Discovery Communications.
Charlie Herrin, 38,
Senior VP, Integrated Product Development, Design, Comcast Interactive Media; VP, Business Development, Comcast
Charlie Herrin oversees cross-platform products and business opportunities for Comcast high-speed data and interactive media services.
In his own words, Herrin's job is “creating the technology that is at the center of how people get their entertainment and information.”
In his business development role at Comcast, Herrin leads the cross-platform development and growth of the MSO's new products and business opportunities.
“Particularly now with the explosion of online video, the evolution to DOCSIS 3.0 and new social media applications, we are developing products that enable customers to share and consume media in new ways across platforms,” Herrin said.
Since joining Comcast in 1999, he has helped develop entertainment, community, and communications features that, in turn, have facilitated Comcast's evolution into new product categories.
Previously at Comcast Interactive Media, he handled day-to-day management of the Comcast.net portal and headed implementation of new online features.
Tanya Giles, 36
Senior VP, Research and Planning, MTV Networks Entertainment Group
Tanya Giles is responsible for the strategic oversight of research and planning for all multiplatform units within the MTV Networks Entertainment Group, which includes the Comedy Central, Spike TV and TV Land cable networks as well as Web sites such as AtomFilms, Atom Uploads, GameTrailers.com and Xfire.
Giles also serves as chief research advisor to the Entertainment Group's senior management and is tasked with delivering strategic and integrated marketing research plans for the division.
For Spike, she has guided large-scale studies such as the 2008 “State of Men.” She also headed research that was the basis for TV Land's positioning aimed at baby boomers.
Previously, she served as senior vice president of research and planning for TV Land, where she spearheaded research on the baby boomer generation with studies such as the “New Generation Gap Study” and “Joy of Tech Study.”
In conjunction with OTX Research, she created The Boomer Panel, a consumer group comprised of more than 3,000 members of the post-World War II generation.
Giles began her career in television in 1995 as a research analyst at CBS, before being named senior analyst at Nickelodeon.
Ron Gutman, 33
CTO and Co-Founder, Imagine Communications
An experienced cable and communications technologist, Ron Gutman is responsible for co-founding Imagine Communications and helping develop the company's scalable digital video platform to deliver more streams without sacrificing video quality.
“It's exciting to be part of this massive market transition,” said Gutman, “with TV screen sizes growing dramatically while the demand for HD programming and better video quality rapidly increases.”
Prior to founding Imagine, Gutman was director of customer solutions, system architect and research and development project manager at BigBand Networks, where he was responsible for the entire R&D group.
Prior to BigBand, he was R&D project manager at Harmonic, where he helped launch the first integrated VOD over IP system.
Imagine CEO Jamie Howard praised Gutman's ability for “finding innovative solutions to very complex technical problems in the cable industry.” Howard added that Gutman is able “to see and think outside the box and ahead of the game…before it's even played.”
Brian hunt, 39
Senior VP, Marketing and Sales Strategy, NBC Cable
Brian Hunt is responsible for affiliate marketing, local ad sales and strategic sales campaigns for all of NBC Universal's properties — including USA Network, Sci Fi Channel, Bravo, Oxygen, CNBC, MSNBC, Telemundo, Universal HD and the Olympics on cable, among others.
On his watch, the affiliate marketing team has racked up many successful affiliate promotional campaigns, including ones for shows such as USA's Starter Wife, Monk and Psych; Bravo's Project Runway and Top Chef; and Sci Fi's Eureka.
Hunt's group is also responsible for event marketing, including NBC Universal talent appearances at various events.
“Not only have I worked for great people, but I am also fortunate to work with some of the best and brightest in the media business,” said Hunt. “An old boss told me long ago, 'Surround yourself with great people,' and I am completely surrounded with the greatest people in this industry.”
Brian Kahn, 32
Director of Engineering, Content Personalization, SeaChange Intl.
Brian Kahn will tell you that, “at their core, cable's engineers are problem solvers, plain and simple. They love to be presented with challenges to turn them into brand new opportunities for the industry.”
He would know. Kahn leads a team of 20 video and software engineers developing technologies to help MSOs deliver personalized services to subscribers.
Kahn, who has been with SeaChange International for 11 years, helped create the first transport stream insertion system, enabling operators to seamlessly insert local ads into digital streams. He also played a critical role in developing SeaChange's Axiom recording system, which gives operators the ability to offer time-shifted TV to customers by capturing broadcast programs and publishing them as on-demand content in real time.
Currently, Kahn's team is building consumer-generated content technologies that will enable subscribers to manage and push various forms of Web content to their TVs. He also works to educate the industry on how to best incorporate user-generated content applications.
“Personalization is Generation Y's expectation, no matter where they go and what they do,” Kahn said. “My charge is to help our industry to meet that trend head on.”
Suzanne Kolb, 39
Chief Marketing Officer, E! and Style; GM, E! Online
One of the things that Suzanne Kolb loves about what she does is “that our business is changing all the time.”
Kolb leads the charge on all marketing, communications and brand alliances for the E! and Style networks. She also oversees E! Online and Mystyle.com.
At E!, she led successful launches for reality shows Denise Richards: It's Complicated, Living Lohan, Keeping Up With the Kardashians, The Girls Next Door and Snoop Dogg's Father Hood, as well as late night series Chelsea Lately. For Style, she oversaw the launch campaign for the network's highest-rated original series, Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane.
On the Web side, Kolb has helped drive the growth of E! Online, and oversaw the launch of Style's Mystyle.com in 2007.
She is a strong advocate of pro-social causes, including E!'s partnership with the Environmental Media Association.
She also spearheaded Style's “Raise Your Hand and Make a Difference” initiative to fight Breast Cancer.
“I find myself hoping to make mistakes along the way because if everything is working we're clearly not taking enough risks.”
Matt Lederer, 34
Senior Manager, Video and Sports Marketing, Comcast
Matt Lederer knows how to get things done.
Among his many accomplishments: he spearheaded the National Collegiate Athletics Association March Madness on-demand partnership between Comcast and CBS College Sports. Working closely with CBS Sports and CBS College Sports, he helped deliver a seamless rollout that included the VOD set up and distribution across hundreds of Comcast markets and millions of subscribers, working with agencies to customize spots, retail promotions, newspaper ads and media online at SI.com and CBSSports.com.
Prior to March Madness, Lederer led a marketing effort around football, promoting the various networks on the Comcast Sports Tier, including NFL Network, Fox Sports and CBS College Sports.
“He is one of the few people in the industry truly focused on marketing and growing the Sports Tier, and has a proven track record,” said Bob Rose, executive vice president of distribution at CBS College Sports.
Before coming to Comcast, Matt worked at Sprint, where he led the Sports & Games Wireless Product Marketing team.
“My previous experience in Internet and wireless marketing has translated well to the world of cable marketing,” Lederer said. “Those two industries have grown rapidly, experienced great success and continue to be hyper-competitive.”
Eli Lehrer, 30
VP, Development and Production, Bravo
“There isn't much that's more satisfying than riding the subway or sitting in a restaurant and hearing the people next to you talking about a show they saw the previous night that you produced or developed,” said Eli Lehrer. “When you feel a show resonating in the culture, even just a little bit, it just makes you want to find the next show that will do that.”
Lehrer has developed some of Bravo's most high-profile programming, including Flipping Out, The Real Housewives of New York City, The Millionaire Matchmaker and Make Me a Supermodel.
“It feels like the creative community understands what we're trying to do at Bravo and appreciates the quality of our programming,” he said. “Having producers excited to be associated with the channel makes finding the right ideas that much easier.”
Lehrer joined Bravo from VH1 where he was manager of East Coast development.
Lehrer previously was an executive assistant to Michael Ovitz at Artists Management Group and an executive assistant to George Stephanopoulos at ABC News.
Lucinda Martinez-Desir, 38
VP, Acquisition and Multicultural Marketing, HBO
Lucinda Martinez-Desir learned an important lesson at a very young age. “My parents taught me, by example, that the foundation for success was first, education followed by hard work, accountability and integrity,” she said. “They provided a moral compass and a loud voice, and I mean LOUD VOICE, that kept us on track.”
She continues on that successful track at HBO, where she oversees all market development activities, including retail marketing for the company's wireless entertainment services, HBO Mobile and HBO Family, as well as segment marketing and promotions for the African-American, Latino and gay/lesbian markets.
Martinez-Desir first joined HBO as an associate manager of marketing in 1995, but left in 1996 to move to Los Angeles.
From 1996 to 1998, she worked at Spanish-language cable network GEMS International Television as a manager of affiliate sales and marketing for the western region. She then worked at Comedy Central, before rejoining HBO in 2003.
“In the course of my career I've learned that above all, it is important to be authentic,” she said. “Don't try to conform to something you're not, as you ultimately cannot deliver under those circumstances.”
Laura J. Lee, 34
VP, Network Distribution & Service, Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movie Channel
Laura Lee loves what she does. “I'm in awe daily of my role — one of the best jobs in the industry — and the family-friendly environment when I walk through the doors of Hallmark Channels every morning,” she said.
That job entails overseeing teams in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles responsible for day-to-day field sales, affiliate distribution and related marketing promotions and events.
What Lee says she loves is “rolling up my sleeves to determine how to lead my sales team and achieve the department's aggressive sales goals.” She also thrives on working with a team that she describes as “some of the best colleagues in the industry.”
Prior to joining Hallmark Channel in 2002, Lee served as the regional manager of affiliate sales for E! Entertainment Television.
An active member of the Cable Television Association for Marketing, Women in Cable Telecommunications and the Cable Television and Communications Association of Illinois, she was honored by WICT's Chicago chapter with a Breaking the Mold Inspiration Award in 2007. In 2006, she was co-chair of WICT's mentoring program
Sam Linsky, 38
VP, Drama, TNT
Sam Linsky's successful track record at TNT includes supervising current production of The Closer and Saving Grace. In addition to working on new seasons for both of those shows, he is overseeing the production of two new TNT dramas, Raising the Bar and Leverage.
Past achievements at the network include overseeing development and production of the miniseries and limited series such as Nightmares & Dreamscapes and The Company.
Linsky joined the network in 1997, first serving as assistant to the vice president of original programming, and then working his way up to manager and then director.
“I've worked for TNT for nearly 12 years, and in that time, I've realized that when it comes to original programming, cable is where the excitement is,” he said. “I have no doubt that original programming on cable will continue to grow at a fast pace as more and more of the most creative producers, directors, writers, actors and others bring their talents to networks like TNT.”
Prior to joining TNT, Linsky served as assistant to the vice president of production at Castle Rock Entertainment.
Stacy Melle, 39
VP, Marketing, NBC Universal Digital Distribution
Stacy Melle's personal philosophy is “carpe diem, seize the day, which fits in well with my day job. In the digital space, there is no time to stop. You need to be two steps ahead to keep up with the changing landscape.”
Melle is responsible for the creation and execution of on demand, pay-per-view, electronic sell-through, mobile and interactive television marketing campaigns to promote Universal Studios, Focus Features and Rogue Films movies, TV content from NBC's broadcast and cable networks, as well as special events.
She recently added mobile, electronic sell-through and interactive television to her existing responsibilities, overseeing the marketing launch campaign of mobile video covering 12 NBCU brands including USA Network, Sci Fi Channel, Bravo, MSNBC, CNBC, mun2 and Telemundo.
“I love to be in an environment in which I can affect change or set standards,” she said. “With video on demand, mobile and electronic sell-through, we have the unbelievable opportunity to define the future of how content will be consumed.”
Casey Patterson, 39
Senior VP, Event Production and Talent Development, Spike TV and TV Land
Casey Patterson is responsible for the creation and execution of brand-defining event programming and other talent-driven content for TV Land and Spike TV, as well as overseeing talent development for both networks.
Since joining Spike (formerly TNN) in 2000, she has been instrumental in the creation of programming events that have become a staple on the network. She helped create the Video Game Awards in 2002, co-created the Scream Awards in 2006 and in 2007, she created the Guys Choice Awards.
At TV Land, she helps create, develop and oversee production for specials such as the TV Land Awards.
Prior to Spike, Patterson, an Emmy-nominated producer, also served as director of talent development at VH1, where her work was central to the success of events such as The Concert for New York City and VH1 Vogue Fashion Awards.
“Overall, I am enamored and moved as a viewer and producer, by live events,” Patterson said when Multichannel News named her a “Woman to Watch” earlier this year. “To know that you are creating a 'one night only' experience for an audience is creative heaven for me.”
Tim Pernetti, 38
Executive VP, Content, CBS College Sports Network
Tim Pernetti joined CBS College Sports Network, previously CSTV, prior to its launch in 2003 and has played an important role in establishing it as a multimedia destination for all things college sports.
“It's always exciting working in the world of college sports,” Pernetti said. “It's been a great experience building a network from the ground up, and now working as part of the CBS Sports family to continue the growth.”
In 2006, he spearheaded a multimedia partnership with the National Collegiate Athletics Association to make CBS College Sports Network the home of Division II Sports. He also oversaw the launch of two studio shows, College Sports Tonight and March Madness Central.
Prior to joining CBS College Sports Network, Pernetti served eight years at ABC-TV and ABC Sports, most recently as director of programming.
“I was fortunate early on to learn from some of the top people in the industry that developing and growing relationships makes your business thrive,” he said. “Programming is not black and white, it's style-driven, and it's the relationships that help gain access to compelling rights, content and decision makers.”
Tracy Pitcher, 38
VP, Customer Care Operations, Charter Communications
Tracy Pitcher joined Charter Communications in 2001, but she began her career in customer care more than 18 years ago.
In her current position as Charter's vice president for customer care operations, she oversees the end-to-end customer experience at the company. Among the areas that she is responsible for are quality control, outsourcing, billing systems, reporting and trending, process improvement, operational initiatives, and Charter's “Centers of Excellence” for telephone service.
She is also, in her own words, “part of a great team.” Pitcher said her “professional successes are buoyed by a Charter team that is standing tall to the challenges of bundling the highest-quality service and value in an increasingly competitive and rapidly advancing technological landscape.”
Prior to Charter, Pitcher's cable career included stints at Time Warner, Comcast and AT&T Broadband.
Pitcher is an alumna of the Betsy Magness Leadership Institute.
Craig Rosenthal, 36
Senior VP, General Counsel, Suddenlink Communications
“One thing is for sure: The job is never boring.” That's how Craig Rosenthal describes the intersection between the legal profession and the cable industry. Summing it all up, he would describe it as “fast, furious, and flexible.”
Rosenthal, who joined Suddenlink in December 2003 as senior counsel and assumed the role of general counsel in April 2005, is responsible for all legal and regulatory functions.
“I am honored to lead a group of legal professionals at Suddenlink who are committed equally to the law and the business,” he said. “Rather than succumbing to the caricature of attorneys as a group of people who always say, 'You can't do that,' our legal team focuses on 'how to do that' within the rule of law.”
Rosenthal welcomes all the changes that drive the industry, and said the important thing is being able to adapt. “From rapidly changing technology, to fierce competition, to a complex and evolving regulatory framework — we can never rest on our laurels or assume that what worked yesterday will work today,” he said.
Dmitry Shapiro, 39
Founder, Chief Innovation Officer, Veoh Networks
Dmitry Shapiro founded Veoh Networks in 2004 and now serves as the Internet video aggregator's chief innovation officer.
“In the past, TV and video entertainment was all about closed networks,” Shapiro said. “Today, the Internet has shown us that openness works. Consumers demand it, and as a Web television provider, I'm going to make sure that's exactly what they get.”
The formula seems to be working. Veoh's Web site boasts more than 28 million unique viewers, and distribution deals with content owners such as CBS, ABC, ESPN and MTV Networks.
The company recently raised a total of $69.5 million in four rounds of financing from investors including Intel, Adobe Systems, Time Warner Inc., Shelter Capital, Spark Capital, Goldman Sachs, Michael Eisner's Tornante Company, and former Viacom executives Tom Freston and Jonathan Dolgen.
Before Veoh, Dmitry built Akonix Systems, the P2P network security company. He also led the technology groups at the online community CollegeClub and Fujitsu Telecommunications.
Gregory S. Rigdon, 39
Senior VP, Business Development, Charter Communications
Gregory Rigdon joined Charter Communications in January 2006 as senior vice president of business development.
He is responsible for identifying, pursuing, negotiating, and executing agreements with content providers, as well as exploring other strategic partnerships and opportunities.
Prior to joining Charter, Rigdon served as vice president of programming, strategy, and business development for America Online. In that capacity, he structured and negotiated all content licensing and acquisition deals for the AOL Network and developed programming strategies across AOL's vertical content areas.
Previously, Rigdon served as a senior associate at REM Capital and KPMG, Barents Group, Merchant Banking Division, where he also was responsible for business development efforts.
Rigdon received a B.A. degree with high honors from Oberlin College and a Master of Arts degree in Russian Studies from Princeton University.
Alexandra Shapiro, 37
Senior VP, Marketing, USA Network
For Alexandra Shapiro, “the key to being a great marketer in this post-digital world is to find a way to tap into the cultural zeitgeist — build social equity around your product.”
Shapiro was part of the team responsible for USA Network's “Characters Welcome” brand positioning, and she developed the “Show Us Your Character” social networking community.
Shapiro and her team mounted an extensive campaign for USA's The Starter Wife, she oversaw an award-winning viral campaign behind The 4400 and helped launch the successful series Burn Notice.
Shapiro also oversees digital efforts including usanetwork.com, original Web content development and mobile.
“I try to insert our shows, brand or digital properties, into the public discourse,” she said. “This can only happen through innovation and a lot of trial and error. It doesn't always work, but when it does, it is dazzling and rewarding in the most satisfying way.”
Dan Suratt, 36
Executive VP, Digital Media and Business Development, Lifetime Networks
Dan Suratt is responsible for the strategic, operational, editorial functions and business development efforts for Lifetime Digital, as well as the interactive elements of Lifetime Television, Lifetime Movie Network and Lifetime Real Women.
“With the chance to create new content and work with alternative delivery methods, it's a great business to be a part of,” he said.
Under his leadership, Lifetime relaunched its myLifetime.com Web site, which averages more than 2.5 million unique visitors and 30 million page views per month. The network also boosted its broadband content up to more than 12 original Web series this year.
“It's been a terrific two years, but there's really so much more ahead of us as we continue to expand the power of the Lifetime brand across the existing and future digital platforms,” Suratt said.
Before joining Lifetime, Suratt was vice president of business and new media development at NBC Olympics.
While at NBC, which he joined in 1995, Suratt worked three Summer Olympics and two Winter Games.
Sherice Torres, 34
Senior VP of Global Entertainment, Nickelodeon and Viacom Consumer Products
Sherice Torres is responsible for managing one of Viacom's most profitable global retail businesses — home entertainment for MTV Network's core kid, youth and adult brands including Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., Comedy Central, Spike TV, Nick at Nite and TV Land in the U.S., Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Australia and Benelux (Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxemborg) markets.
Previously, she was senior vice president of hard goods, managing the business and creative ends of multiple product categories for Nickelodeon, including toys and games.
“My most proud moment on the job was when we won License of the Year for Dora the Explorer in 2005,” she recalled. “This was the second year that Dora the Explorer was honored by the Toy Industry Association — a very difficult feat, and a testament to the power and universal appeal of this brand.”
But for Torres, it's not just about the work. “Success cannot be defined solely by job title or salary, but by the impact one makes on the lives of those around them,” she said.
She is president of the New York chapter of the National Association for Multi-Ethnicity in Communications and a member of the New York steering committee for the Network of Executive Women.
Danielle Wade, 37
VP of Customer Care and Marketing, Bright House Networks
Danielle Wade is vice president of customer care and marketing for Bright House Networks's Bakersfield Division. She oversees a significant portion of customer operations and is responsible for critical marketing and sales functions including residential and commercial sales, core and ancillary marketing, on-demand product services, video production, public affairs and Cable in the Classroom-related outreach and distribution.
She is also responsible for launching new products and services including digital phone and high-speed data. “One of the things I enjoy most about the cable and telecommunications industry is introducing new technology to the market,” she said. As much fun as it is to pontificate on how technology will be adopted, the best part is watching how services like video, phone and high-speed data become integrated and interwoven into people's everyday lives.”
Considering that her mother was formerly at Hallmark Channel and her brother (and fellow 40 Under 40 honoree) Michael Armstrong holds a senior leadership role with BET, it's no surprise that Wade says it feels like “cable runs in my blood. Our talk around the Thanksgiving table usually circles back to topics like the digital revolution.”
Matthew Wallace, 34
Executive Director, Advanced Access Technologies, AT&T
Matthew Wallace is responsible for all network integration aspects of Project Lightspeed, AT&T's high-speed Internet protocol network deployment. His responsibilities comprise technology planning, technical requirements, architecture, testing, and program management.
“AT&T U-verse services and Project Lightspeed are a new kind of network platform,” Wallace said. “In five years, the only new networks being deployed will be end-to-end IP, capable of delivering virtually any service.
“In a world of converged services, this is the only kind of network that scales operationally; it is the only kind of network that meets customer demand; it is the only kind of network that can match evolving service needs. In short, it is the only kind of network that makes sense.”
Wallace has been with AT&T for more than 12 years, starting with Southwestern Bell Telephone in 1996.
Other responsibilities have included positions as senior director of new technology introduction for Project Pronto, AT&T's initiative to expand digital subscriber line coverage through deployment of next-generation digital loop carrier, and as general manager of central office engineering for Houston and Southeast Texas.
