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Jen Simons
EVP, Head of Production, Development, and Programming at Barstool Sports
Professional Background
Jen Simons is a highly accomplished producer with a remarkable career spanning over 21 years in the entertainment industry, focusing primarily on commercial, film, television, and digital production. After starting her career as a production secretary, Jen has diligently evolved within the competitive field of media, ultimately rising to the prestigious role of EVP, Head of Production, Development, and Programming at Barstool Sports. Her extensive experience encompasses not only the development and launch of innovative television shows but also strategic creative decision-making throughout both pre-production and post-production phases. Jen's commitment to excellence and her leadership skills have allowed her to cultivate, guide, and inspire diverse teams, ensuring that production goals are not only met but surpassed.
Education and Achievements
Jen Simons laid the foundation for her successful career by pursuing a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Media Studies at Penn State University. This educational experience enriched her understanding of media dynamics and equipped her with critical analytical and creative thinking skills needed in the fast-paced entertainment landscape. Throughout her career, she has been involved in various impactful projects, showcasing her versatility and dedication to the craft of production. Her notable earlier roles include serving as Executive Producer and Showrunner on prominent shows like Garbage Time with Katie Nolan (Fox Sports 1), Running of the Bulls (Esquire Network), and The Men In Blazers Show (NBC Sports Network). Each of these projects not only highlights her capacity for leading production teams but also showcases her talent in curating engaging content that resonates with audiences.
Career Milestones
Jen's remarkable lineup of executive and production roles spans several high-profile networks and platforms. She notably held the role of VP, Sports & Digital Programming at Embassy Row/Sony Pictures Television, where she played an essential role in shaping the programming strategy and fostering creativity in sports-related content. In addition, Jen's work as a supervising producer on shows like The National Bible Championships (CMT) and Crowd Goes Wild (Fox Sports 1) has further solidified her reputation as a driving force behind captivating, audience-driven programming.
Her history of production success extends to both reality and scripted formats, illustrating her wide-ranging skill set. For instance, Jen coordinated the creation of engaging content for audiences as a producer on fan-favorite shows such as Ellen's Really Big Show (TBS) and the iconic game show, The Newlywed Game (GSN). This breadth of experience reflects her ability to adapt to various genres while maintaining high production standards.
Additionally, Jen has taken on various leadership positions that underscore her commitment to nurturing the next generation of producers and creators. Through mentorship and sharing invaluable industry insights, she contributes to a collaborative and innovative environment that encourages creativity and growth in her teams. With her captivating blend of leadership, creativity, and extensive experience in the media landscape, Jen Simons continues to leave an indelible impact on the world of entertainment, paving the way for the future of captivating storytelling in television and beyond.
