MENNELLE STRAIGHT
Knoxville,TN
Summary
Leader with robust background in directing and managing large-scale projects, consistently driving success through strategic planning and execution. Adept at implementing innovative solutions that enhance productivity and operational effectiveness. Known for fostering cross-functional collaboration and adapting to evolving business needs, always ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
DIRECTOR, PRODUCTION & OPERATIONS
Warner Brothers Discovery (WBD)
07.2023 - 06.2025
- Managed production of co-branded advertiser content across WBD’s flagship networks, including HGTV, Food Network, TBS, TNT, and Discovery Channel.
- Streamlined cross-functional production team operations to enable collaboration, flexibility, and drive efficient campaign execution for blue-chip advertisers, supporting multimillion-dollar revenue goals.
- Led project managers responsible for end-to-end execution of advertiser-sponsored creative campaigns, including RFP submissions, kick off calls, timelines, shoots, approvals, post production, delivery, and archiving.
- Spearheaded workflow consolidation across pre-sale and post-sale operations, driving efficiency and cross-functional alignment to execute hundreds of projects annually.
- Managed newly centralized production team through cross-training and best-practice integration to support 13 networks, increasing efficiency, flexibility and responsiveness to multi-network demands.
- Supervised up to 10M in vendor activity, including contract negotiation, bid estimate and billing reviews, onboarding, and coordination with Legal, Procurement, and AP to ensure timely, compliant execution and payment.
- Managed contingent workforce, ensuring staffing alignment with production needs while controlling overhead.
- Reviewed hundreds of RFP estimates across teams, ensuring consistency and accuracy in pricing and presentation for client-facing material.
- Partnered with Ad Sales & IT to build a new Appian portal and workflow for several hundred turnkey deliverables, reducing manual workflows and improving fulfillment speed by 2 weeks.
DIRECTOR, PRODUCTION & OPERATIONS
Discovery/WBD
01.2010 - 01.2023
- Led Production & Operations team to deliver award-winning campaigns across on-air, streaming, print, social, and international platforms for HGTV, DIY and GAC networks.
- Collaborated with advertisers to develop and produce sponsored content and integrated partnership initiatives.
- Managed high-profile talent relations and served as production liaison for celebrity talent appearances and shoots, including mondo shoots with as many as 25 talent.
- Led production for large experiential activations, including Comic-Con, SXSW, and CMA Fest, partnering with iconic partners such as Disney and Paste Magazine to target fresh demographics and create unforgettable consumer experiences
- Led negotiations for all vendor partnerships; managing RFPs, budget approvals, delivery milestones, and payment processes to ensure optimal terms and timely execution.
- Managed $6M production operating budget, balancing creative ambition with financial oversight
- Negotiated licensing for music, custom scoring, clip clearances, and commissioned photography to support multi-platform campaign needs.
- Notable campaigns: Barbie Dreamhouse Challenge, A Very Brady Renovation, HGTV Dream Home, Celebrity IOU.
PRODUCTION MANAGER, CREATIVE SERVICES
Scripps Networks Interactive
01.2006 - 01.2010
- Built and led production arm of Creative Services, creating operational infrastructure and scalable processes to support high-volume, multi-platform marketing campaigns for rapidly growing HGTV brand.
- Supported launch of network's social media channels.
- Developed and implemented comprehensive workflows integrating Legal, Business Affairs, Post-Production, and vendor management, ensuring seamless campaign.
- Collaborated in development of proprietary project management system to track work requests, deliverables, approvals, and network traffic workflows for thousands of deliverables.
- Conceived and launched annual 2 day in-house media summit, bringing together over 20 media, creative, and technology leaders to showcase innovation, foster collaboration, and spark creativity.
- Oversaw production schedules to optimize resource allocation and meet delivery targets.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Communications and Spanish
Flagler College
St Augustine, FLSkills
- Multi-Platform Marketing Campaign Production
- Budget Management & Forecasting
- Cross-functional Project Leadership
- Creative Operational Efficiency & Workflow Optimization
- Vendor Sourcing & Contract Negotiation
Languages
Spanish
Limited Working
Core Expertise
- Multi-Platform Marketing Campaign Production
- Budget Management & Forecasting
- Cross-functional Project Leadership
- Creative Operational Efficiency and Campaign Workflow Optimization
- Vendor Sourcing & Contract Negotiation
Recognition And Affiliations
- Promax, BDA, and Clio Awards
- Scripps Networks Chairman’s Award – Media Summit
- Harvard University Program on Negotiation, Certificate
- WICT Rising Leaders Program Graduate
- WBD Language Learning Resource Group – Chair
- Member, PMI; PMP certification in progress
Timeline
DIRECTOR, PRODUCTION & OPERATIONS
Warner Brothers Discovery (WBD)
07.2023 - 06.2025
DIRECTOR, PRODUCTION & OPERATIONS
Discovery/WBD
01.2010 - 01.2023
PRODUCTION MANAGER, CREATIVE SERVICES
Scripps Networks Interactive
01.2006 - 01.2010
Bachelor of Arts - Communications and Spanish
Flagler College
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