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DJ Wilson | CV

Executive 
Summary

Accomplished executive with deep experience in leading transformation in publicly traded media companies experiencing significant secular changes in a highly disrupted and regulated industry. Continual career progression with extensive multi market experience over nearly four decades often recruited by former colleagues or companies in an industry that has experienced profound changes in technology, essential skill sets and workflow. My focus has been on leading our business to be relevant to a radically changing customer base, growing market share and delivering outstanding financial performance by opening new markets. Strong negotiator resulting in key strategic partnerships with high stakes decisions and agreements. A natural collaborator with outstanding critical thinking skills.

Professional 
experience​

President and CEO DJ Wilson Consulting

Whitefish, MT & Portland, OR (2018 – Present)
 

Strategic Communications, and Leadership training consulting firm specializing in building top performing teams, highly functioning business cultures, strategic planning, Executive coaching and leadership training and mentoring. Frequent keynote speaker.

 

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President and General Manager, KGW Media Group, TEGNA

Portland, Oregon (2007-2018)
 

Promoted by the Belo Corporation to the top job in Portland, OR, leading a business unit of the NYSE Company in the 22nd largest market. Acquired by Gannett in 2013 (broadcast and digital division spun off in 2015 and are now TEGNA Corporation). Assets include the NBC affiliate and aligned digital products on multi-platform distribution channels.


Accomplishments:

  • Oversight for sales, content, marketing, technology and finance

  • Delivered #1 local market share every year over the past decade

  • Voted the #1 Broadcast station in the state by the Oregon Association of Broadcasters 9 of the last 10 years

  • Negotiated the broadcast rights for the Portland Trail Blazer NBA Team over multiple contract cycles spanning a decade

  • Successfully managed through multiple open union contracts over the past ten years (three unions in our enterprise, 50% of employee base)

 

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President and General Manager, KREM TV, KSKN TV, BELO Corporation

Spokane, WA (2005-2007)
 

Top executive for the NYSE Belo Corporation business unit in eastern Washington including a CBS affiliate and a CW affiliate duopoly. Transferred to run my own business unit from being in the #2 position at KING Broadcasting in Seattle.

 

Accomplishments:

  • Led the launch of an internet media business in the market expanding the portfolio of product offerings creating multiple revenue streams

  • Managed an innovative revenue producing cross border business leveraging reach into Canada resulting in growing the business to over 20% of total revenue and far exceeding EBITDA goals

  • In a market with scarce talent offerings in our sector, retained several key executives with innovative compensation packages and financial performance incentives

  • Crafted and sold the largest (six figure) and only multiyear contract in its history resulting in driving #1 share growth, exceeding profitability targets and creating a long term new product offering

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VP Assistant General Manager, KING Broadcasting, Belo Corporation

Seattle, WA (2002-2005)

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#2 in a top 15 market and a key driver for the Belo Corporation. Portfolio of assets included the NBC Affiliate, (KING TV) and Independent station (KONG TV) ; a duopoly, a 24 hour news cable operation (NorthWest Cable News), PAX TV, and Belo Marketing Solutions; a Biz-Dev unit 

 

 

VP Sales, KING Broadcasting

Seattle, WA (1998-2002)

 

Recruited by the President of Belo Broadcast Division, (an executive I had worked for in the FOX Owned and Operated Company and also years before in the Gillett Broadcasting Company). Managed sales across five revenue teams in the Seattle operation with over 60 Account Executives reaching our goal of $100 million in revenue with a commanding #1 market share delivering a 50+ margin.

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VP Sales, FOX Owned and Operated Station, WBRC TV

Birmingham, Alabama (1997-1998)

 

Transferred from Atlanta to a VP position in the company responsible for sales at the FOX owned and operated station.

 

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National Sales Manager WAGA TV, FOX Corporation 

Atlanta, GA (1995-1997)

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Responsible for national sales in a top 10 market, setting pricing records

 

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Local Sales Manager, KING TV, Providence Journal Company

Seattle, WA (1991-1995)

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Local Sales Manager, WAGA TV, CBS, Gillette Broadcasting

Atlanta, GA (1989-1991)

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Transferred in the company to a higher revenue producing market. Responsible for all local sales in a top 10 market.

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Local Sales Manager, WJBK TV CBS – Gillette Broadcasting

Detroit MI (1988)

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Recruited out of the Seattle Market. Offered position in San Diego or Detroit and opted for market rank #6 Detroit, the epicenter of the automotive business representing 27 – 32 cents out of every broadcast dollar in the industry. Within one year, transferred to Atlanta.

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Regional Sales Manager, KIRO TV, Bonneville Broadcasting

Seattle, WA (1981-1988)

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Responsible for sales in a four state Northwest Region.

 

 

Director of Marketing, Micom Data Systems

Las Vegas, NV (1980-1981)

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Financial services company to the gaming industry; race tracks and casinos managing a new financial technology in advancing funds through immediate credit card authorization.

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Account Executive, IBM Education Subsidiary, SEI

Washington, DC (1979-1980)

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Sales territory of 200 colleges and universities in a five state mid-Atlantic region in the education sector, won top sales award in the division.

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Account Executive. KIRO TV, Bonneville Broadcasting

Seattle, WA (1977-1979)

 

#1 New Business Seller three years in a row.

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Masters of Communication Leadership, Gonzaga University,

Completed 12 credits with a 3.875 GPA, promoted and transferred disrupting the continuation of coursework

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Bachelor of Arts in Communications, Washington State University, Edward R. Murrow College of Communications

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Education
Professional & Civic Affiliations

  • Board of Directors, The Bates Group, Current

  • National Board of Directors, Friends of the Children, Current

  • Board Chair, Portland Business Alliance, 2016-2017

  • Board Chair, Oregon Association of Broadcasters, 2015-2016

  • Executive Board Member SMART, (Start Making a Reader Today) Portland 2010-
    2016, Emeritus Board 2017-2019

  • Community Leadership Council, All Hands Raised, Portland, 2016-2018

  • Concordia Leadership in Education Awards Committee with keynotes including Sal
    Khan, Viola Davis and Dr. Jill Biden, 2014 - 2018

  • Wells Fargo Community Board, Portland 2015-2018

  • International Women’s Forum, Oregon Chapter 2010 – Present

  • Pioneer Courthouse Square Board, Portland, 2009-2018

  • Trustee Portland Art Museum, 2011-2017

  • Board Chair Classic Wines Auction 2015-2016, co-chair event (Top 10 Wine
    Spectator     wine auction) 2014, 2015, Board of Directors 2010 - 2020

  • Regence Blue Cross/Blue Shield Oregon Community Board, 2015-present

  • Executive Board Citizen’s Crime Commission, Portland 2011 – 2015

  • Board Chair Edward R. Murrow Professional Advisory Board,

  • Washington State University, 2008-2010

  • Board Member, United Way of Spokane 2005-2006

  • Board of Governors, Washington State University, 2000-2006

  • Board Chair Farestart, Seattle, WA 2002-2004

  • Board Chair MCEI (Mktg. Communications Executives International) Seattle, 2002-
    2003

  • Board Member for the ten-state Pacific Mountain Affiliate of the American Heart
    Association    , Seattle, National Communications Committee, 2003-2004

  • Television Bureau (TVB) Sales Advisory Board, NY 2001-2004

  • Boys & Girls Clubs Foundation Board, Seattle, 1999-2002

  • Board Chair, Institute for Family Development, WA, 1991-1994

  • Member of Rotary Seattle, Rotary 21 Spokane and Rotary 15 Portland, OR

Honors

Recipient Marie Lamfrom Women of Distinction, Girl Scouts, 2017

 

Inducted into WSU Edward R. Murrow Hall of Achievement, 2013

 

Recipient of the “No Glass Ceiling” Leadership Award, PBA, Portland 2012

 

Recipient “Women of Influence” Award Portland Business Journal, 2011

 

IBM President’s Club – top 5% of sellers in the company

Skills

  • Managing Transformation

  • Big Picture Leadership Skills

  • Strong Fiscal Management

  • Building High Performing Teams

  • Highly Adaptive Skills

  • Strategic Planning and Execution

  • Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

  • Ideation and Innovation

  • Skilled Communicator

  • Effective Conflict Resolution

  • Managing Union Shops

  • Developing highly functioning Corporate Cultures

  • Strategic Advisor

  • Managing Compliance

  • Corporate and Community Relations

  • Cross-functional Management

  • Strategic Partnerships

  • Business Development

  • Extensive non-profit board governance, some leading to for profit businesses

  • Proficient Mediator, Problem Solver and Disruptor

Executive Training Programs

Executive Leadership Program, Wharton, University of PA, 1987

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NAB General Management Program, Northwestern, Kellogg School, 2003

 

Belo Executive Leadership Institute, 2002 – 2004

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