ESPN's chairman to discuss network's goals

George Bodenheimer, ESPN executive chairman, will address the Senior Men's Club of New Canaan in Morrill Hall at St. Mark's Church on Friday, Oct. 5, at 10 a.m. and give a behind-the-scenes look at what drives the network and what the company is doing to continue to fulfill its mission of serving sports fans.

The 30-plus-year veteran of ESPN will share insights into how it started as one small cable network. On Jan. 1, Bodenheimer assumed the newly created position of executive chairman, and in that capacity, he provides strategic direction for ESPN's global business and leads the board of directors. He said his leadership style is simple but effective: Empower all employees to proactively take charge of their careers and to base decisions on the company's stated mission: "Serve Sports Fans. Anytime. Anywhere."

Bodenheimer began his ESPN career in the administration department as a driver in the mailroom and became president 17 years later. He learned the company from the ground up by taking positions in the affiliate sales and marketing department throughout the country.

He was recognized by the National Cable & Telecommunications Association with a Vanguard Award, was inducted into the Cable Hall of Fame, serves on the boards of the National Cable Telecommunications Association, Cable in the Classroom and the Cable Center. In 2010, he was named to the board of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

The Senior Men's Club of New Canaan is open for new members. For information, visit www.smcnc.org or call Membership Chairman Jerry Transue at 203-966-6050.