Gary Quinn (M.S. SM 1996) was recently promoted to vice president of programming and owned properties at NBC. He believes that his background as a CPASS student was an extremely influential step in advancing in his career.
Quinn says that a typical day for him consists of overseeing the owned and operated properties that NBC has created in recent decades. He also manages programming partnerships with organizations such as the PGA tour, NHL, Notre Dame Football, and Olympic governing bodies.
“I have been with NBC Sports for 18 years and if you would’ve told me back then I’d have this job, I would’ve hugged you. I’m so grateful and blessed to have this career path as I get to work with some amazingly talented and wonderful people. I have to pinch myself sometimes that I actually get paid to do this,” said Quinn.
“More than anything else, Dr. Branch and the Sport Management program provided me with an invaluable vehicle to get my internship opportunity with NBC. It was an opportunity that would’ve never existed had it not been for Doc and the program,” he explained.
“The decision to go WVU and enter this graduate program truly changed my life and, next to marrying my wife, was the best decision I ever made. It’s afforded me a career that’s so rewarding and enjoyable. I thank God every day that he’s blessed me with this amazing opportunity,” Quinn added.
Through hard work and dedication, he has achieved goals he never imagined possible. He believes all CPASS students are equipped with this opportunity to succeed.
“Seek opportunity in your desired field and drive as hard and as passionately as you can to seize it. Stay focused on finding a path in your career where you will enjoy what you do and the rest will take care of itself,” he advised.
“I’m living proof you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to have a successful career. My goal from day one here at NBC was to make myself indispensable, treat people the way I would want to be treated, build great relationships and bring passion and a smile to work every day,” said Quinn.