Heidi Dean
Ultimate Fighting Championship
Las Vegas,NV
1
Certification
16
years of professional experience
Sports Production Director leading live broadcasts, studio productions, remote events, and multi-platform sports content for national networks and major sports properties. Directs full production lifecycles across creative planning, technical execution, staffing, budgeting, and post-production, while coordinating crews of 50–200+ personnel and managing broadcasts reaching 2–3 million viewers. Builds efficient workflows, controls costs through vendor negotiation, and keeps high-pressure live events on schedule.
Work History
Director of Productions
15 Years 10 Months- Directed high-profile live UFC broadcasts, reaching audiences of 2-3 millions for some events.
- Led crews of 50-200+ technical and creative personnel, including camera operators, TDs, audio engineers, replay operators, graphics teams, and producers.
- Managed all phases of production, from pre-game planning and camera mapping to live execution, replays, and post-game content.
- Oversaw multi-million-dollar production budgets, reducing costs through vendor negotiations and streamlined workflows.
- Oversaw multi-million-dollar production budgets, achieving cost savings through vendor negotiations and streamlined workflows.
- Directed remote productions and mobile unit operations for playoffs and major tournaments, ensuring seamless broadcast execution.
- Created standardized workflows that enhanced production efficiency and improved turnaround time.
- Analyzed post-event data to identify improvement areas, driving continuous enhancement in production strategies.
- Mentored junior staff in best practices and industry standards, fostering professional development within the team.
- Mentored junior team members, sharing expertise fostering an environment conducive continuous learning professional growth.
- Developed standard operating procedures to ensure consistency in product manufacturing and improve overall productivity.
- Managed a team of production staff, providing guidance, training, and performance evaluations to foster professional growth.
- Planned and implemented production schedules and developed project budget.
- Continuously improved production process through data analysis, identifying areas for improvement and implementing necessary changes.
- Facilitated clear communication between management teams across all departments ensuring cohesive decision-making collaboration towards shared objectives.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Communications, Broadcast Journalism
Skills
Live Sports Broadcasting
Broadcast Control Room Systems
Broadcast Technology & Equipment
Production Truck Operations
Audio Mixing & Intercom Systems
Production Management & Scheduling
Budgeting & Contract Negotiation
Vendor & Rights Holder Management
Team Leadership & Staff Development
Crisis Management & On-Air Troubleshooting
Run of show development
Show rundown creation
Remote production planning
Talent booking
Media asset management
Network partner relations
Certification
Leadership or Management Training Programs
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Experience working with professional leagues and collegiate conferences
- Strong relationships with major broadcast and production vendors
Timeline
Director of Productions
Ultimate Fighting Championship
07.2009 - 05.2025Read More
Chicago State University
Bachelor of Arts from Communications, Broadcast Journalism
Read More