Category: ‘Heroes Work …’

posted by on December 19, 2012 8:00 AM

Heroes Work Here seminars help ESPN hiring managers appreciate veterans’ transition skills

Kevin Preston speaks to a group of ESPN employees. (Hannah Worster/ESPN)

Editor’s note: In March, the Walt Disney Company and President and Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger announced an important new initiative to recruit and hire military veterans across all segments of the company.

“Heroes Work Here. Employ excellence. Hire veterans” is Disney’s pledge to find career opportunities for 1,000 veterans over the next three years. The company has launched a national campaign to encourage all employers to hire veterans. Additionally, employees will be encouraged to serve veterans organizations through Disney’s VoluntEARS program.

As part of the Heroes Work Here initiative, ESPN has engaged in a series of presentations to familiarize staff with military culture and experiences. Led by Kevin Preston, Director of Human Resources, Veterans Initiative for Heroes Work Here, these presentations help hiring managers translate military tasks and responsibilities into corporate language and learn more about military values and behaviors.

Front Row sat in on a presentation and then asked Preston for some insight on the program, which will continue to be offered to the ESPN team throughout 2013.

What is the purpose of your presentations?
There are three different classes that we teach: one for leaders, one for recruiters and one for the college program around internships. But they all have the same purpose — to familiarize the non-military person with the offerings and potential of veterans.

What’s the most helpful thing managers take away from these sessions? continue reading…

Filed in: Behind The Scenes, Heroes Work Here

posted by on November 12, 2012 10:30 AM

Heroes Work Here: Patrick McCabe

McCabe was a Weapons Officer on board the Guided Missile Frigate USS Ford (FFG-54).
(Photo courtesy Patrick McCabe).

Editor’s note: In March, the Walt Disney Company and President and Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger announced an important new initiative to recruit and hire military veterans across all segments of the company.

Patrick McCabe

“Heroes Work Here. Employ excellence. Hire veterans” is Disney’s pledge to find career opportunities for 1,000 veterans over the next three years. The company has launched a national campaign to encourage all employers to hire veterans. Additionally, employees will be encouraged to serve veterans organizations through Disney’s VoluntEARS program.

In honor of ESPN’s Salute to Veterans Week, Front Row spotlights an ESPN employee who also is a military veteran. Today’s profile is Patrick McCabe, an ESPN Media Resources Engineer and a 30-year Navy veteran.

McCabe’s ESPN work history and job description: My role at ESPN is primarily handling Vendor Relations and Equipment Demonstrations for the Technology Department. I also manage Annual Maintenance Support contracts for the Technology Department.

Hometown: Farmington, Conn.

Branch of Service/Rank: U.S. Navy (1985-2006), Commander (0-5).

Where and when did you serve?: I’m a native of Milwaukee, Wisc. and a 1985 graduate of Villanova University receiving a B.S. in Business Administration. I was commissioned from the Naval Reserves Officers Training Corps. After commissioning, I graduated from the Surface Warfare Officers School in San Diego, Calif. in 1986. I assumed duties as Weapons Officer on board the Guided Missile Frigate USS Ford (FFG-54). I also served as Main Propulsion Assistant. Qualified as Surface Warfare Officer during two tours of service to the Middle East. Served during Operation Ernest Will.

In the Naval Reserves in 1992, I was assigned as Commanding Officer of the Mobile Mine Assembly Group 101 in Plainville, Conn. In 1994, I also Commanded the Shore Intermediate Maintenance Activity Det 601 in Newport, R.I. In 1996, I was the Officer-in-Charge of Seabee NMCB-27 Detachment 101 from Providence, R.I.


Favorite sports teams: Green Bay Packers, Villanova Wildcats.

Why did you march in the Connecticut Veterans Parade?: Marching in the parade is a great way to show our dedication to the country and demonstrate our patriotism. My Dad was in the Navy and he is proud of that fact that I march with the other ESPN veterans.

How does your military experience help you in your current role?: Good communications, organization and attention to detail are important in my role. I learned much of that while standing watches on-board the USS Ford.

What does the military teach you that can be applied to civilian life?: Leadership skills, organizational skills and people skills; honor, courage, commitment.

Closing thoughts?: It is a privilege to work for a company like ESPN that embraces the military and the veterans who have served their country.

Filed in: Heroes Work Here, Salute To Veterans

posted by on November 11, 2012 8:00 AM

Heroes Work Here: Randolph Kitano

Editor’s note: In March, the Walt Disney Company and President and Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger announced an important new initiative to recruit and hire military veterans across all segments of the company.

“Heroes Work Here. Employ excellence. Hire veterans” is Disney’s pledge to find career opportunities for 1,000 veterans over the next three years. The company has launched a national campaign to encourage all employers to hire veterans. Additionally, employees will be encouraged to serve veterans organizations through Disney’s VoluntEARS program.

In honor of ESPN’s Salute to Veterans Week, Front Row spotlights an ESPN employee who also is a military veteran. Today’s profile is Randolph Kitano, an eight-year veteran of the U.S. Navy and member of ESPN’s Technology Group.

Randolph Kitano

Kitano’s ESPN work history and job description: I started at ESPN in 2007 with Core Systems and Infrastructure (CSI) as project manager for the Remedy Upgrade project. I’m currently with NS3, Technology Service Management Group implementing Service Management, ITIL, Easy Vista, Capability Maturity Modeling, Continual Service Improvement.

Hometown: Denver, Colo.

Branch of Service/Rank: U.S. Navy, Submarine Service

Where and when did you serve?: Served from 1967 to 1975. Stationed aboard: USS Jack (SSN 605) in New London, Conn.; USS Sunfish (SSN 649) in Charleston, S.C. and USS Tinosa (SSN606) in New London, Conn. Attached to the Submarine Force Atlantic, and NATO Fleet in the Mediterranean Sea. Great Lakes Navy Band, Key West Navy Band.

Favorite sports teams?: Denver Broncos, Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots, UCONN Huskies, University of Colorado Buffaloes.

How does your military experience help you in your current role?: To think analytically; to be constantly aware and observant of your surroundings and the actions of others; to realize that your actions and those of others have an impact on the group as a whole; patience.

What does the military teach you that can be applied to civilian life?: Discipline; observation and appreciation of your environment; thinking before you act; the value of education and training; patience; the value of long term friendships; not to take things for granted, valuing the different opinions and beliefs of others and an appreciation of music.

Closing thoughts?: Being in the USN Submarine Service was an unforgettable experience, especially the people that I served with.

Filed in: Heroes Work Here, Salute To Veterans

posted by on November 10, 2012 8:00 AM

Heroes Work Here: Bob Jodoin

Bob Jodoin, a 20-year Marine veteran, is an engineer at ESPN. (Bob Jodoin/ESPN)

Editor’s note: In March, the Walt Disney Company and President and Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger announced an important new initiative to recruit and hire military veterans across all segments of the company.

“Heroes Work Here. Employ excellence. Hire veterans” is Disney’s pledge to find career opportunities for 1,000 veterans over the next three years. The company has launched a national campaign to encourage all employers to hire veterans. Additionally, employees will be encouraged to serve veterans organizations through Disney’s VoluntEARS program.

Bob Jodoin

Jodoin served in Saudi Arabia.

In honor of ESPN’s Salute to Veterans Week, Front Row spotlights an ESPN employee who also is a military veteran. Today’s profile is Bob Jodoin, a Marine veteran who for the past nine years has worked in ESPN’s Transmissions Group.

Jodoin’s work history and job description: “I joined ESPN in April 2003 as a Satellite Systems Support Technician for Transmission maintenance. I became manager of the section in 2010. Currently, I am a Lead ESS Engineer with NS3, Network Support and Security Services. I manage a team of technicians who are responsible for the maintenance and support of the satellite teleport and associated broadcast production equipment. Additionally, we are responsible for the repair and programming of all campus two-way radio and associated trunking systems.”

Hometown: Bristol, Conn.

Branch/Rank: Marine Corps. Master Sergeant (E-8); Electronics Technician specializing in Satellite Communications.

Where and when did you serve?: Retired after 20 years of active duty service, 1980 to 2000. Recruit Training, Parris Island, SC; 7th Comm. BN , Okinawa, Japan; 8th Comm. BN Camp Lejeune, N.C.; Joint Comm. Support Element, Tampa, Fla.; Desert Storm, Saudi Arabia.

Favorite sports teams?: As a kid, I enjoyed following the Yankees. Presently, I do not follow any sports teams, like many I just enjoy watching a great game between two top teams, or the agility and strength of an individual athlete.

Why did you march in the Connecticut Veterans Parade?: I march because I enjoy the camaraderie of other vets. Peers who have experienced and share many of the same military experiences, people I can really relate too.

How does your military experience help you in your current role?: My military technical experience as a Satellite communications technician directly relates to my job here with ESS, Electronic Systems Support, maintaining the Satellite teleport and associated baseband equipment.

What does the military teach you that can be applied to civilian life?: Leadership. You manage resources and lead people.

Closing thoughts?: I am proud to be associated with a company such as ESPN, largely due to the working environment they have created that acknowledges and respects its diverse workforce.

Filed in: Heroes Work Here, Salute To Veterans

posted by on November 9, 2012 8:00 AM

Heroes Work Here: Diane Larivee

Diane Larivee at her desk. (Hannah Worster/ESPN)

Editor’s note: In March, the Walt Disney Company and President and Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger announced an important new initiative to recruit and hire military veterans across all segments of the company.

“Heroes Work Here. Employ excellence. Hire veterans” is Disney’s pledge to find career opportunities for 1,000 veterans over the next three years. The company has launched a national campaign to encourage all employers to hire veterans. Additionally, employees will be encouraged to serve veterans organizations through Disney’s VoluntEARS program.

In honor of ESPN’s Salute to Veterans Week, Front Row spotlights an ESPN employee who also is a military veteran. Today’s profile is Diane Larivee, a U.S. Navy veteran and an ESPN employee for nearly 10 years.

Larivee’s job description: “I am the Associate Director of Network Management for the Technology Division. My team provides monitoring of the corporate and broadcast network infrastructure and systems. We provide fault analysis, real-time alert notifications and capacity reporting on vital links. We work hand in hand with the Support Center in providing timely resolution to production related issues.”

Hometown: Plainville, Conn.

Branch of Service/Rank: U.S. Navy, Second Class Petty Officer, Electronics Technician

Where and when did you serve?: 1980-1986 NavCams WestPac, Guam.

Favorite sports team: Boston Red Sox.

Why did you march in the Connecticut Veterans Parade?: To honor fellow veterans.

How does your military experience help you in your current role?: The military taught me discipline and attention to detail. I try and apply this to every project I work on.

What does the military teach you that can be applied to civilian life?: Organizational skills and determination to succeed at even the smallest of things.

Closing thoughts?: I wouldn’t trade my experience in the Navy for anything. The friends I made along the way and the knowledge I gained have all played a critical role in my life. To be cliché: It wasn’t just a job, it was an adventure! I am very thankful to have had the opportunity to serve.

Filed in: Heroes Work Here, Salute To Veterans

posted by on November 8, 2012 8:00 AM

Heroes Work Here: Paul Sucec

Army National Guardsman Paul Sucec in Iraq, circa 2004. (Photo courtesy Paul Sucec)

Editor’s note: In March, the Walt Disney Company and President and Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger announced an important new initiative to recruit and hire military veterans across all segments of the company.

“Heroes Work Here. Employ excellence. Hire veterans” is Disney’s pledge to find career opportunities for 1,000 veterans over the next three years. The company has launched a national campaign to encourage all employers to hire veterans. Additionally, employees will be encouraged to serve veterans organizations through Disney’s VoluntEARS program.

In honor of ESPN’s Salute to Veterans Week, Front Row spotlights an ESPN employee who also is a military veteran. Today’s profile is Paul Sucec, a U.S. Army and Army National Guard vet and 15-year ESPN employee.

Sucec is a senior marketing manager in Customer Marketing and Sales (CMS). Sucec’s job description: “I work in the Marketing Services group in ESPN’s ad sales division, ESPN Customer Marketing and Sales. I develop materials — PowerPoint decks, videos, printed collateral and a lot more — our salespeople use in making sales pitches to advertising clients.

“For a major beer advertiser, I helped compile the pitch presentations for all of their brands, design supporting printed material, and produce a welcome video from one of our talent. And for our NFL coverage, I assisted the development of the presentation that explains our coverage to advertisers and how fans can’t get enough of it. We also created emails that ad sales sends to their clients to keep them up to speed on ESPN’s unrivaled NFL coverage.”

Hometown: Stratford, Conn.

Paul Sucec

Branch of Service/Rank: Army and Army National Guard, Specialist (E4) Signal Support Systems Specialist.

Where and when did you serve? Florida ARNG 93-95, Army 95-97, New York ARNG 2001-’05 (Iraq 2004).

Favorite sports teams: Chicago Bears.

Why did you march in the Connecticut Veterans Parade? It’s a great time to get together with veterans from across ESPN and represent our company. I’m proud to be a veteran and let others know ESPN really supports those who serve and have served.

How does your military experience help you in your current role? Teamwork.

What does the military teach you that can be applied to civilian life? Structure and discipline.

Closing thoughts? I’m proud to work for a company that cares and supports the military community.

Filed in: Heroes Work Here, Salute To Veterans

posted by on November 7, 2012 10:30 AM

ESPN employees pack care kits, remodel home, power gift drive in Salute to Veterans Week projects

As part of ESPN’s Salute to Veterans Week, Team ESPN volunteers have expressed support for troops, veterans and military families in a variety of ways.

Earlier this week, ESPN employees in Bristol, Conn. and in New York City assembled more than 1,200 USO deployment kits for troops. The kits included basic necessities — toothpaste, razors and deodorant — as well as snacks, games, VIA coffee packets donated by Starbucks and copies of ESPN The Magazine. Many of those kits will be sent to active military from Connecticut as well as to first responders in recovery efforts from Hurricane Sandy.

“We wanted to provide opportunities for our employees to directly impact the lives of servicemen and women and veterans here at home,” said Kevin Martinez, senior director, Corporate Outreach. “This is an important way for the entire ESPN community to express our support and gratitude.”

ESPN also teamed up with the USO to drive sports fans and viewers to donate a gift to troops and their families through the USO Wishbook at USO.org/ESPN. Items include a phone call home, a family fun day or football and baseball equipment for pick-up games overseas. ESPN will run unique USO PSAs to promote the campaign across select ESPN media platforms.

Additionally, dozens of ESPN volunteers will team up with The Mission Continues on Friday, Nov. 9 for a day of service in Bridgeport, Conn. at ABRI/Homes for the Brave, a transitional housing facility for homeless veterans. Joined by volunteers from The Home Depot — sponsor of ESPN’s College GameDay — Team ESPN will work alongside veterans to remodel, paint and upgrade the facility.

Filed in: Heroes Work Here, Salute To Veterans

posted by on November 7, 2012 8:00 AM

Heroes Work Here: Fred Emmons

U.S. Navy vet Fred Emmons works in ESPN’s ESS–Transmission Engineering Support department.
(Hannah Worster/ESPN)

Editor’s note: In March, the Walt Disney Company and President and Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger announced an important new initiative to recruit and hire military veterans across all segments of the company.

“Heroes Work Here. Employ excellence. Hire veterans” is Disney’s pledge to find career opportunities for 1,000 veterans over the next three years. The company has launched a national campaign to encourage all employers to hire veterans. Additionally, employees will be encouraged to serve veterans organizations through Disney’s VoluntEARS program.

In honor of ESPN’s Salute to Veterans Week, Front Row spotlights an ESPN employee who also is a military veteran. Today’s profile is Fred Emmons, a 21-year U.S. Navy veteran and nine-year employee who works in ESPN’s ESS–Transmission Engineering Support group.

Emmons is a senior transmission systems engineer and while “the department name and organization has changed over the past nine years, my role has remained the same. I support the systems used to digitally encode all ESPN content and securely deliver our content via satellite to our cable and direct-to-home affiliates.”

Emmons in his Navy uniform.

Hometown: Bristol, Conn.

Branch of Service/Rank: U.S. Navy (1970-1991); Fire Control Technician Chief Petty Officer, FCC (SS/SW)

Where and when did you serve?: Fleet Ballistic Missile Submarine Deterrent Patrols (1972-1979) Homeport: Groton, Conn. and Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; Instructor, USN Submarine School, Groton, Conn. (1980-1985); Persian Gulf Region Deployments (1986-1989) Homeport: San Diego, Calif.; Operation Desert Storm (1990-1991), NWS, Seal Beach, Calif.

Favorite sports teams: San Diego Chargers/Padres

Why did you march in the Connecticut Veterans Parade? In order to support and recognize the contributions of fellow veterans and active duty military personnel.

How does your military experience help you in your current role? The military provided me with technical training, leadership, and motivation.

What does the military teach you that can be applied to civilian life? Organizational skills, people skills, leadership skills. Duty and honor are foremost in the expectations of the military.

Closing thoughts? It is an honor to work for an organization like ESPN that displays so much patriotism and expresses such gratitude for those who served.

The submarine Emmons was stationed on from 1972-1979, the USS Robert E. Lee SSBN 601, underway in Pearl Harbor, HI (1979). (Emmons/ESPN)

Filed in: Heroes Work Here

posted by on November 6, 2012 8:00 AM

Heroes Work Here: Mike Rinaldi

ESPN’s Mike Rinaldi. (Hannah Worster/ESPN)

Editor’s note: In March, the Walt Disney Company and President and Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger announced an important new initiative to recruit and hire military veterans across all segments of the company.

“Heroes Work Here. Employ excellence. Hire veterans” is Disney’s pledge to find career opportunities for 1,000 veterans over the next three years. The company has launched a national campaign to encourage all employers to hire veterans. Additionally, employees will be encouraged to serve veterans organizations through Disney’s VoluntEARS program.

In honor of ESPN’s Salute to Veterans Week, Front Row spotlights an ESPN employee who also is a military veteran. Today’s profile is Mike Rinaldi, a sixth-year employee who works in ESPN’s Client Technology Services Support Group.

Rinaldi is the associate manager of the Problem Management Team: “We investigate problems within our IT environment to determine the root cause and make recommendations or implement changes, along with other resolver teams, to fix these problems.”

Hometown: Waterbury, Conn.

Branch of Service/Rank: Navy, Second Class Petty Officer, Corpsman.

Where and when did you serve? Naval Hospital; Chicago; West Virginia; San Diego, Calif.; Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, Desert Shield; Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom 1991-1996.

Favorite sports teams? Dallas Cowboys, Boston Red Sox, New York Knicks, Michigan State football.

Why did you march in the Connecticut Veterans Parade? It’s a great honor to be a part of something that is nationally recognized.

How does your military experience help you in your current role? My military experience helps me in every aspect of my life. It has taught me to have a game plan, make choices, take challenges, lead and teach others. There’s also the lessons of caring for others, teamwork, leadership, strong communication skills and staying collected during stressful situations.

Closing thoughts? I’ve very proud to work for a company that has continued to recognize and have appreciation for ESPN’s veterans. Not only does the company talk about helping, it also follows through on those commitments.

Filed in: Heroes Work Here