Jerry McKenna
Jerry McKenna is a versatile senior executive with extensive experience in the world of mass media and entertainment. He brings a depth and diversity of executive talent ranging from operations management, strategic planning, sales, marketing, strategic account management, business development and regulatory compliance. Jerry has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to develop a clear strategic path and vision, and he has a track record of success in recruiting talented individuals that have successfully progressed in their careers. Most significantly, he is known for combining his management generalist abilities and broad array of skills and experiences as a transformational change leader, turnaround specialist, imaginative problem solver, digital evangelist and sales expert to increase ratings, grow revenues, improve profitability and strengthen operational performance.
Jerry continued to advance in multiple leadership assignments during his career tenure in the media/entertainment industry, beginning at Infinity Broadcasting Company. As the vice president and general manager of the Sacramento division, he led initiatives during periods of dynamic change associated with the wave of radio consolidation and the merger of the company's seven acquired radio stations from three different companies – successfully establishing a single, high performance operating unit with more than 300 employees. He also launched the nation’s most successful modern AC station, KZZO, which achieved exceptional ratings and generated $10M revenues in the first 12 months. In the year 2000, the Sacramento division experienced outstanding market and financial results – revenues grew to $37 million, EBITDA increased to $14.5 million, operating margin improved from 35 to 39 percent, and revenue share increased from 35 to 40 percent. The division became and continues to be the market’s number one ranked revenue producing cluster.
At Citadel Communications, Jerry was instrumental in increasing revenues, ratings and profits for the California and Nevada markets. Through his efforts in reducing operating expenses and driving changes in formats, staffing, and sales strategies, the Reno division exceeded 2002 YTD budgeted EBITDA by 167 [ercent and the Modesto division’s ranking improved from the seventh to the fifth highest in the company with 51.5 percent operating margin in 2001.
In 2002, Jerry joined Entercom Communications as the vice president and general manager of the $250 million Denver station cluster. He managed the operations of four Denver radio stations that were acquired from two different companies and successfully merged them into a cohesive operating unit that delivered strong performance in net revenues, EBITDA and operating margin – despite the challenges of a zero growth market. He also led a $3 million relocation and build-out project of new facilities and division headquarters – coming in $600,000 below budget.
Most recently as the vice president and general manager of Entercom Seattle, Jerry led the turnaround of the $500 million, seven-station business from among the company’s worst performing divisions to the best performing division in less than two years. Through his efforts in programming, marketing, sales and expense, operations, and talent management, the cluster produced exceptional results in net revenues, EBITDA and operating margin – net revenues grew 10 precent to $39 million, EBITDA increased 37percent to $15 million, and operating margin improved from 40 to 46 percent during 2005-2008 in a zero growth market. Jerry introduced five new morning shows, launched two new formats that attained top rankings and negotiated a five-year, multimillion-dollar deal for KISW’s top rated morning drive show. He also established one of the company’s top-producing digital divisions as reflected by audience and metrics for 2007 and 2008 – digital revenues grew from zero to $1 million in two years.
Never overwhelmed by challenges, Jerry aims for excellence in running operations that are growing, dynamic and profitable. He has won three Overachiever Awards from Entercom Communications as well as the Chairman’s Award/Spirit of Radio and the Station of the Year Award (KZZO) from American Radio Systems. He also received a California Senate Resolution for exceptional public service in the field of radio broadcasting.
Jerry co-founded the Sacramento Area Radio Broadcasters Association and was elected by his peers to the position of president of the California Broadcasters Association. Additionally, he was appointed by then Governor Pete Wilson of California to a task force designed to direct a statewide marketing campaign to educate consumers about teen pregnancy. He was a board trustee at the Seattle Chamber of Commerce and a board member of the Seattle Community Development Roundtable for several years, and also served on the board of directors of the Colorado Broadcasters Association. Jerry studied Business Administration, Marketing and Finance at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles.
