Stephanie is one of the most prominent people in the Philadelphia sports landscape, but you won't find her on the court, field or rink. You will find her, however, in her office overlooking the South Philadelphia sports complex. As President of Comcast SportsNet, Stephanie is the woman behind the cable home to the Philadelphia Flyers, Philadelphia 76ers, Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles.
In her role of President, Stephanie oversees the day-to-day operation of the multi-million dollar network including the marketing, sales and news departments. As a result of her leadership, CableWorld Magazine named Stephanie one of the "100 Most Influential Women in Cable" in November 2005 and she was featured in Main Line Today's "Women to Watch" last year. Under her management, Comcast SportsNet has received 56 regional Emmy awards in nine years.
The Philadelphia native joined Comcast SportsNet in 1997, when it was still being established, was still un-named, and basically while staff were still working out of a strategically placed trailer on a South Philadelphia parking lot. Today, thanks in large part to her leadership, the network is consistently among the most viewed cable channels in the Delaware Valley, and heralds a 3 million-household audience.
WOTW: Stephanie, for whom do you work?
Stephanie: I report to Jon Litner, President Comcast SportsNet
WOTW: How did you get started in your field?
Stephanie: I started with Comcast SportsNet as director of marketing on July 1, 1997. This was 90 days before the launch of the network that had no name, no programming schedule, no logo and the on-air talent was in the process of being hired.
WOTW: What do you like best about your position?
Stephanie: Every day is game day. Sports cuts across all barriers – it is the unifying force that people are passionate about and Philadelphia is the ideal sports town.
WOTW: What is the hardest thing for you to accomplish?
Stephanie: Keeping Comcast SportsNet's edge in a highly competitive sports environment.
WOTW: Of what are you most proud?
Stephanie: My children, Comcast SportsNet and my daughter Alexandra.
WOTW: Describe your philosophy and how you utilize it with your responsibilities at work.
Stephanie: I learned from Comcast SportsNet Chairman Jack Williams to know what you don't know and hire good people and let them do their job.
WOTW: If you could change one thing in our world, what would it be?
Stephanie: That every child grows up in a loving environment, with proper medical care, a good education, no fear and … a sports championship for Philadelphia!
WOTW: What (if any) is your guilty pleasure?
Stephanie: People Magazine and my two favorite guys (other than my husband) Ben&Jerry.
WOTW: What CD or book would you want to have with you on the deserted island?
Stephanie CD – Anything by the Rolling Stones or Rod Stewart.
Book – Anything by Nelson DeMille
WOTW: What advice would you share to someone starting out in your business?
Stephanie: Sports is no longer a man's world. There are many opportunities for women. I pride myself on mentoring women in the sports broadcasting field.
WOTW: What's next for you and Comcast SportsNet?
Stephanie: High Definition is here and the future of sports television. Comcast SportsNet is committed to delivering as much HD coverage as possible for our viewers.
Stay tuned… the sky is the limit.
Given her interaction with people from all walks of life, it is only natural that Stephanie is also a great supporter of cause-related organizations and events, including serving as a Board Member of the Ronald McDonald House and her service with American Cancer Society's Coaches vs. Cancer, American Heart Association Home Run for Heart and Cystic Fibrosis. Stephanie holds a B.A. in English from Alfred University, a small liberal arts college in upstate New York and lives in Radnor, Pennsylvania with her husband, Larry and daughter, Alexandra.
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