MARY RICE
Salt Lake City,UT
Summary
Accomplished media leader with 20+ years of experience in news, marketing, advertising, community relations, and sales, with a proven ability to drive revenue growth and enhance brand presence in the competitive Utah broadcast market. Expert in leading cross-functional teams, developing strategic partnerships, and executing multi-platform content strategies to maximize station success. Strong track record in aligning sales, news, and creative teams to deliver innovative, high-impact initiatives that boost audience engagement and revenue. A results-driven, hands-on leader with a passion for fostering collaboration, empowering teams, and utilizing data-driven strategies to achieve operational and financial objectives. Ready to lead KSTU FOX 13 to continued growth, ensuring its position as a market leader while strengthening community ties and driving long-term success.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Manager Community Relationships
KSTU FOX 13
Salt Lake City, UT
10.2023 - Current
- Develop and execute strategic initiatives to strengthen FOX 13’s community relationships and partnerships
- Lead marketing and public relations efforts to enhance FOX 13’s visibility and engagement
- Cultivate and manage strategic partnerships with community organizations for mutual benefit
- Oversee on-air talent’s community engagements, including appearances, promotions, and outreach initiatives
- Collaborate with Creative Services to design, organize, and execute high-impact community events
- Identify and prioritize partnerships and events that elevate FOX 13’s brand and community impact
- Strategically assess and recommend key events for FOX 13 to create, sponsor, or support in the market
- Secure interviews and speaking engagements to amplify Scripps’ presence and influence
- Serve as FOX 13’s representative, fostering relationships with business and community leaders
- Deliver compelling public speaking engagements to promote the station and educate the community
- Plan and execute outreach initiatives to generate leads and referrals for the sales department
- Develop and manage department budgets and operational plans to ensure efficiency and effectiveness
- Serve as a department head, fostering a positive internal culture that aligns with FOX 13’s mission and values
- Collaborate closely with News and Creative Services to align community initiatives with station programming and branding strategies
- Work closely with Sales to drive revenue through strategic partnerships, sponsorships, and station-led initiatives that create new business opportunities
Sales Marketing and Programming Strategy Manager
KSTU FOX 13
Salt Lake City, UT
05.2018 - 10.2023
- Lead and oversee marketing, promotions, public relations, community outreach, and event initiatives to enhance the station’s brand and audience engagement
- Develop and implement innovative local client promotion strategies that drive revenue and strengthen community connections
- Build and maintain strong relationships with current and prospective clients to foster long-term partnerships
- Serve as a key liaison between the news and sales teams, ensuring seamless collaboration and alignment of station priorities
- Define and execute the strategic vision for the local lifestyle show The PLACE, working closely with the executive producer, hosts, and sales management to optimize content and revenue opportunities
- Manage and support The PLACE team, fostering a collaborative and creative environment that enhances show quality and performance
- Oversee multi-platform sales promotions across on-air, web, social media, and outdoor channels to maximize reach and effectiveness
- Manage commercial and sales production efforts, ensuring high-quality content that aligns with station objectives and client needs
- Coordinate and oversee contesting efforts, including prizing, compliance with contest rules and regulations, and audience engagement strategies
Senior Public Relations Manager
Harmons Neighborhood Grocer
West Valley City, UT
01.2017 - 05.2018
- Lead and oversee all public relations, media relations, and community outreach efforts for Harmons Neighborhood Grocer, including strategic media pitching, placement, and securing high-profile live shots and feature stories
- Successfully manage a team responsible for executing more than twenty media appearances per month, ensuring consistent and impactful coverage
- Develop and execute comprehensive community engagement strategies, managing the planning and coordination of large-scale community events, outreach initiatives, and public appearances to enhance Harmons' brand presence
- Provide leadership in the development of social media and influencer strategy, offering direction, planning, and oversight to ensure alignment with brand goals and maximum visibility
- Lead a team in the execution of social media campaigns that drive engagement and build community relationships
- Collaborate closely with the advertising team to develop creative commercials and impactful advertising campaigns that resonate with the target audience and align with Harmons’ brand messaging, driving both customer engagement and sales growth
- Serve as a key member of Harmons' management team, contributing strategic insights and collaborating with cross-functional leaders to ensure cohesive execution of corporate goals and the long-term success of the brand
Senior Media Relations Strategist
Penna Powers
Salt Lake City, UT
06.2011 - 02.2017
- Directed public relations, media relations, and advertising strategies for a diverse portfolio of high-profile clients, including Rio Tinto Kennecott, Harmons Neighborhood Grocer, The Shops at South Town, Sundance Mountain Resort, Primary Children's Hospital, Utah Food Bank, and more
- Secured extensive media coverage and enhanced brand visibility through targeted outreach and strategic messaging
- Specialized in social change communications, developing and executing impactful campaigns for organizations such as Utah Food Bank, Utah Clean Air Partnership (UCAIR), Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT), Utah Department of Health (UDOH), and Intermountain Primary Children's Hospital
- Drove public awareness, influenced behavior change, and engaged key stakeholders through data-driven messaging and strategic outreach
- Developed and executed comprehensive communication plans, including media advisories, press releases, advertorials, native content, and social media strategies, ensuring alignment with client objectives and maximizing audience engagement
- Provided expert crisis communication support, proactively preparing clients for potential reputational challenges and delivering strategic counsel during high-pressure situations to protect and enhance brand credibility
News Assignment Manager
KTVX ABC 4 News
Salt Lake City, UT
12.2009 - 06.2011
- Led and facilitated morning editorial meetings, guiding the news team in shaping daily coverage, setting priorities, and ensuring a dynamic and engaging newscast
- Developed and executed innovative story strategies that differentiated the station from competitors, driving audience engagement and reinforcing our newsroom’s reputation for compelling journalism
- Oversaw newsroom operations, managing the flow of information across multiple platforms and ensuring timely, accurate, and impactful reporting
- Directed and coordinated assignments, schedules, and coverage plans for a team of ten reporters and fourteen photographers, optimizing resources to maximize news coverage and efficiency
- Planned and led comprehensive special report coverage for elections and major news events, collaborating across departments to deliver in-depth, high-quality journalism that informed and engaged the community
Managing Editor/Assignment Editor/Website News Producer
KUTV Channel 2 News
Salt Lake City, UT
11.2006 - 12.2009
- Led and facilitated daily editorial meetings, setting the strategic news agenda and ensuring alignment with station priorities to deliver compelling and impactful coverage
- Directed and optimized the assignments and movement of news reporters and photographers, maximizing efficiency and ensuring seamless execution of daily newscasts
- Monitored and responded to breaking news and spot news through real-time scanner traffic analysis, ensuring the station remained first and most accurate on critical developments
- Proactively secured exclusive interviews by arranging reporter and field producer access to key sources, enhancing the station’s credibility and news depth
- Built and maintained strong relationships with local authorities, government agencies, and community leaders to generate timely, newsworthy leads and ensure comprehensive, enterprise-driven reporting
- Collaborated with public relations and marketing professionals across the public and private sectors, ensuring fresh, relevant, and audience-focused news coverage
- Managed staffing and scheduling for the Assignment Desk, ensuring a well-organized, agile, and responsive newsroom operation
- Worked closely with station leadership, producers, reporters, and photographers to ensure news content was timely, accurate, and impactful, reinforcing the station’s reputation as a market leader in local news
- Produced and maintained digital content for the KUTV website, ensuring timely and accurate updates by posting reporter stories, breaking news, and multimedia content
- Managed and updated station social media platforms to maximize audience engagement and extend the station’s digital reach
Executive Producer/Website Producer
KSL Newsradio
Salt Lake City, UT
07.2006 - 11.2006
- Developed and launched a dynamic evening radio program featuring host Michael Castner, establishing a smart, witty, and informative format that resonated with audiences and strengthened the station’s brand
- Led and managed a team of 6 reporters, 2 associate producers, and 2 hosts, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment to produce compelling, high-quality content
- Directed content strategy and production, overseeing scriptwriting, topic selection, and interview research to ensure engaging and relevant programming
- Managed guest booking and scheduling, cultivating relationships with industry experts, newsmakers, and influencers to provide compelling and diverse perspectives
- Produced and directed daily newscasts, ensuring seamless execution and editorial excellence while maintaining the show's signature tone and style
- Oversaw digital content creation, producing website updates and multimedia elements that expanded audience reach and engagement beyond the broadcast
- Mentored and collaborated with production staff, driving innovation, creativity, and efficiency within the team to enhance overall program quality
Producer
AM 820 KUTR
Salt Lake City, UT
04.2005 - 07.2006
- Led the development and production of a unique women’s morning radio program featuring hosts Rebecca Cressman and Kurt Bestor, shaping the show’s direction, tone, and content strategy to engage and grow the audience
- Directed content planning and execution, overseeing topic research, guest booking, and interview coordination to ensure diverse, insightful, and compelling discussions
- Managed and mentored a team of producers and support staff, fostering a collaborative and creative environment to enhance program quality and efficiency
- Oversaw daily newscast production, ensuring timely, accurate, and engaging news updates that aligned with the show’s brand and audience expectations
- Led digital and promotional efforts, managing the show’s website and implementing strategies to expand audience reach through online content, social media engagement, and multimedia integration
- Played a key role in station promotions and special events, collaborating with marketing teams to plan and execute high-impact initiatives that strengthened brand visibility and audience loyalty
Assignment Editor
KSL Channel 5 News
Salt Lake City, UT
09.2003 - 04.2005
- Led the assignment desk team in daily editorial planning, delegating story assignments to reporters and photographers, ensuring coverage of high-priority news stories
- Monitored real-time scanner traffic for breaking and spot news, proactively identifying and directing coverage of critical developments
- Coordinated live shot logistics and broadcast feeds, ensuring timely and seamless integration into newscasts during breaking news events
- Built and maintained strong relationships with local authorities, government agencies, and key community stakeholders to secure exclusive, timely news leads
- Directed coverage of major news events, ensuring comprehensive and accurate reporting, while collaborating with reporters, producers, and management to deliver high-quality content across all platforms
- Managed team workflow during breaking news events, making real-time decisions to optimize resources and ensure rapid response to emerging stories
Editor/Producer/Internet Producer
KSL Newsradio
Salt Lake City, UT
01.2003 - 04.2005
- Led the production of a dynamic and informative afternoon newscast, ensuring comprehensive coverage of both local and national news, while maintaining a unique format that resonated with listeners
- Coordinated and executed live interviews with key newsmakers, ensuring compelling and relevant content for the audience
- Edited and curated news stories, integrating national, local, and breaking news updates to deliver timely and engaging content
- Managed the integration of live national and local news feeds into the station's programming, ensuring smooth transitions and accurate reporting
- Oversaw the continuous update of the station’s website, ensuring content was timely, relevant, and aligned with the station’s brand and audience expectations
- Played an active role in supporting all aspects of station operations, providing leadership and troubleshooting to ensure efficient broadcast execution across multiple platforms
Education
Graduate -
Brighton High School
Salt Lake City, UT01.2001
Some College (No Degree) - Mass Communication & Political Science
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, UTSkills
- Leadership & Team Management
- Strategic Planning & Revenue Growth
- Cross-Department Collaboration
- Community Engagement & Partnerships
- Media Relations & Public Relations
- Budget & Financial Oversight
- Content Strategy & Programming
- Crisis Communication & Problem Solving
- Project Management & Execution
- Event Planning & Brand Activation
- Client Relationship Building
- Broadcast Media Expertise
Affiliations
- Public Relations Society of America - Young Communicator of the Year
- American Advertising Federation of Utah - Public Relations "Rocky"
- Golden Spike Awards for Media Relations
- Edward R. Murrow Award for KSL.com website
Timeline
Senior Manager Community Relationships
KSTU FOX 13
10.2023 - Current
Sales Marketing and Programming Strategy Manager
KSTU FOX 13
05.2018 - 10.2023
Senior Public Relations Manager
Harmons Neighborhood Grocer
01.2017 - 05.2018
Senior Media Relations Strategist
Penna Powers
06.2011 - 02.2017
News Assignment Manager
KTVX ABC 4 News
12.2009 - 06.2011
Managing Editor/Assignment Editor/Website News Producer
KUTV Channel 2 News
11.2006 - 12.2009
Executive Producer/Website Producer
KSL Newsradio
07.2006 - 11.2006
Producer
AM 820 KUTR
04.2005 - 07.2006
Assignment Editor
KSL Channel 5 News
09.2003 - 04.2005
Editor/Producer/Internet Producer
KSL Newsradio
01.2003 - 04.2005
Graduate -
Brighton High School
Some College (No Degree) - Mass Communication & Political Science
University of Utah
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