Jodi Markley

Markley leads a team of more than 2,000, bearing ultimate responsibility to make sure everything is running smoothly for all ESPN telecasts—across every platform. With the linear launch of ACC Network next year, she and her team are overseeing a rebuild of ESPN’s studios in Charlotte, NC. Then there’s the matter of additional productions for direct-to-consumer offering ESPN+. Yet she still finds time to help those climbing the ladder, serving as co-chair of ESPN’s Executive Women’s Forum and executive chairperson for the company’s EQUAL Employee Resource Group. “I come from a family of very strong women who have encouraged me to follow my dreams my entire life. All of my achievements are a result of their commitment to me,” she says.

Who is an inspirational woman you admire, and why?
I come from a family of very strong women who have encouraged me to follow my dreams my entire life. All of my achievements are a result of their commitment to me.

What’s been the most dramatic change in your sector of the business today vs. three years ago?
I have been in this business for thirty years and the last three years have provided unlimited opportunity for innovation in the way we produce and aggregate content. It’s a very exciting time to be in Operations.

If there were a reality show based on your office, what would it be called?
As Operations and Creative Services are at the center of all content creation at ESPN, it’s critical that we over communicate to each other and our clients at all times. So I would name our show “ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)”.

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