People and Pop Culture
Jennifer Greechan, executive producer, Tupelo-Honey Raycom
Stint as freelancer helped producer expand her horizons
Tupelo-Honey Raycom promoted Jennifer Greechan to executive producer of live sports programming. Greechan worked as a freelancer for three years before joining Tupelo-Honey as supervising producer in August 2011. Greechan has also worked as the programming coordinator for the NFL and as the film and television licensing coordinator for MLB. She spoke with staff writer Anna Hrushka.
■ Age: 33.
■ New title: Executive producer of live sports programming, Tupelo-Honey Raycom.
■ Previous title: Supervising producer, Tupelo-Honey Raycom.
■ First job: Intern at Merill Lynch.
■ Education: Bachelor’s in communications, New York University, 2002; Master of arts in media/sports business, New York University, 2004.
■ Resides: New York.
■ Grew up: Armonk, N.Y.
■ Executive most admired: Roger Goodell.
■ Brand most admired: Apple.
■ Favorite vacation spot: Aspen, Colo.
■ Last book read: “Into Thin Air,” by Jon Krakauer.
■ Favorite movie: “The Notebook.”
■ Favorite band: U2.
■ What will be the biggest challenge in your new position?
To continue growing the company while maintaining our current client base and ensuring that we are still executing our current events — we do 175-plus events a year — at the highest level possible.
■ What is the biggest risk you've taken in your career?
Freelancing is definitely a risk, and it was definitely scary for me at first. But it ended up being a really great thing because it allowed me to broaden my horizons and work outside of the world of mainstream sports.
■ What is your biggest professional accomplishment?
I was brought into Tupelo-Honey as a freelancer. … So I think being able to parley that into this current role that I’m in now where I’m overseeing all of our live sports business is definitely one of my biggest accomplishments.
■ What is your biggest professional disappointment?
I’m fascinated by the Olympics. I’m always one of those people that watches every single minute of coverage. I think I’m disappointed that I have yet to work on one. It’s been on my bucket list for a long time.
■ What career advice do you have for people wanting into the sports industry?
I think interning is by far the most important thing you can do. As we all know, the sports industry is very competitive. You really need to get your foot in the door and make sure that you’re unique and you stand out from the crowd.
■ What is one story you are continuing to watch in the sports world today?
The return of the NHL. How they handle it and what kind of reception the media and the fans will have on their return and if there are going to be any lasting negative effects from the lockout. It was definitely nice to see hockey on television this weekend.
