Jessica Gonnella
Bloomfield,CT
Summary
Three-time Emmy Award-winning media professional with a proven track record in event management, digital marketing, and broadcast production. As Events and Engagement Manager at Connecticut Public, I lead end-to-end event strategy and execution, driving audience engagement through integrated campaigns, cross-functional collaboration, and data-informed evaluation. My background in live production, motion graphics, and creative direction enables me to deliver innovative, high-quality content across platforms. I am known for strong project management, budget oversight, and consistently executing complex initiatives on time and at scale.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Events and Engagement Manager
Connecticut Public
02.2025 - Current
- Plan and execute community-focused events from concept to completion, managing logistics, vendor relations, budget oversight, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure high-impact, on-brand experiences.
- Coordinate integrated promotional campaigns across digital, on-air, and partner channels by working closely with internal teams and external stakeholders to drive engagement and audience turnout.
- Track and evaluate event performance through post-event surveys, data analysis, and stakeholder feedback to inform future strategy and measure community impact.
Digital & Visuals Producer II
Connecticut Public
10.2021 - 02.2025
- Managed digital marketing campaigns, including defining marketing priorities, developing strategies, and executing initiatives to increase audience engagement.
- Served as programming guide editor for Connecticut Magazine and curated digital newsletters, ensuring content accuracy, consistency, and alignment with organizational goals, including organizing social media requests.
- Collaborated with the Community Engagement Director to support all stages of event planning, including venue scouting, guest booking, creating run-of-show timelines, providing on-site support, and conducting post-event follow-ups and surveys.
- Produced the station's monthly broadcast news program Cutline, overseeing all aspects of production from topic selection and storyline research to guest booking and location scouting.
Graphics Project Producer
ESPN
08.2019 - 10.2021
- Oversaw the development and execution of studio graphics and animation needs across ESPN networks, with a focus on touchscreen and virtual technologies.
- Facilitated quick-turnaround graphic and animation requests while planning long-term strategies to enhance studio production capabilities.
- Managed communication between show groups and creative teams, maintained deliverables lists, and ensured projects were completed on time and aligned with production goals.
- Directed the implementation of interactive graphics for both studio and remote environments, collaborating with technology and creative teams to develop and integrate new tools and workflows.
- Managed product inventory, resolved technical issues, and trained users on touchscreen and virtual systems.
- Partnered with sales teams to identify and fulfill sponsorship opportunities, ensuring obligations were met and enhancing revenue-generating initiatives.
Graphics Editorial Producer
ESPN
08.2014 - 08.2019
- Created and supervised written, visual, and statistical content for live broadcasts, including SportsCenter, NBA Free Agency and the NFL & NBA Drafts.
- Produced clear and concise content under tight deadlines and breaking news scenarios, ensuring accuracy and quality in high-pressure environments.
- Collaborated with show producers and directors to develop and communicate effective graphic plans aligned with production goals.
- Managed requests for new graphic elements and identified branding opportunities for existing and developing shows to enhance visual storytelling.
Motion Graphics Producer
Freelance
02.2013 - 10.2013
- Managed multiple motion graphics projects simultaneously, from bid stage to final delivery, ensuring high standards of creativity and quality.
- Coordinated teams of artists, managed budgets and actuals, and developed project schedules to meet client goals and deadlines.
- Delivered exceptional customer service, maintaining strong client relationships and fostering repeat business.
Creative Producer, Motion Graphics
ESPN
04.2011 - 02.2013
- Collaborated with external production and design companies to develop the visual identity for new programming and rebrand existing content.
- Managed communication between vendors and internal teams, ensuring the delivery of design assets and adherence to project schedules.
- Led high-profile projects, including the 2014 SportsCenter rebrand, #Redes ESPN, Unite, and the 2012 College Basketball rebrand.
Associate Producer
ESPN
02.2006 - 04.2011
- Played key roles in live-action shoots, including line producing, script supervising, talent management, and post-production supervision.
- Coordinated live on-air graphics and highlights for major sports events, with a focus on college basketball, soccer, and X Games coverage.
- Contributed to notable productions such as the 2013 Macklemore College Basketball College Gameday tease, 2011 Nelly College Football Bowl Week campaign, and 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Education
Certificate of Technical Studies - UConn Engineering Coding Boot Camp
University of Connecticut
01-2025
Skills
- Project Management
- Content Strategy
- Team Leadership & Collaboration
- Technology Integration and Advancement
- Client and Vendor Management
- Digital marketing
- Metadata Governance
- Content Writing and Editing
- Motion Graphics and Design
- Live Broadcast Production
Accomplishments
EDUCATION & OTHER SKILLS
Bachelor of Arts, Communication Sciences
University of Connecticut
Storrs, CT
UConn Engineering Coding Boot Camp
Proficient in HTML, CSS, Javascript, React
Adobe Creative Suite
Proficient in HTML, CSS, Javascript, React
Proficient in Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere
AWARDS & EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Three-time Emmy Winner
2023 Regional Emmy - Outstanding Societal
Concern, Long Form Content
2020 Daily Studio Show for SportsCenter
2010 FIFA World Cup Spain/Netherlands Final (Game Broadcast)
Promax BDA (Bronze)
2011 Nelly College Football Bowl Week Tease
College Sports Media Award
2009 Connecticut/Syracuse 6 Overtime Tease
Division I Women’s Lacrosse
Certification
- UConn Engineering Coding Boot Camp - Proficient in HTML, CSS, Javascript, React
- Adobe Creative Suite - Proficient in Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere
- Conversational Spanish
Languages
Spanish
Professional Working
Timeline
Events and Engagement Manager
Connecticut Public
02.2025 - Current
Digital & Visuals Producer II
Connecticut Public
10.2021 - 02.2025
Graphics Project Producer
ESPN
08.2019 - 10.2021
Graphics Editorial Producer
ESPN
08.2014 - 08.2019
Motion Graphics Producer
Freelance
02.2013 - 10.2013
Creative Producer, Motion Graphics
ESPN
04.2011 - 02.2013
Associate Producer
ESPN
02.2006 - 04.2011
Certificate of Technical Studies - UConn Engineering Coding Boot Camp
University of Connecticut
AWARDS & EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
3 x Emmy Winner, 2023 Regional Emmy - Outstanding Societal Concern, Long Form Content, 2020 Daily Studio Show for SportsCenter, 2010 FIFA World Cup Spain/Netherlands Final - Game Broadcast, Promax BDA (Bronze), 2011 Nelly College Football Bowl Week Tease, College Sports Media Award, 2009 Connecticut/Syracuse 6 Overtime Tease, Division I Women’s Lacrosse