Bullano Ridgley is recognized as part of the Sports Business Journal's 11th annual class of "Game Changers: Women in Sports Business", honoring the women who are leaders, trailblazers and innovators in the sports industry. Bullano Ridgley was profiled in the Sports Business Journal on September 27 and will be recognized during the annual Game Changers Conference on October 20 in New York City.
The Pittsburgh Business Times' 'Women of Influence' Award honors the region's most influential business women at for-profit companies, nonprofits and government entities. The award recognizes women with a strong record of performance in business or at nonprofits who have made a difference in their communities and are leaving their mark on the western Pennsylvania business community.
"Jen has been a game changer at the Penguins since her very first day on the job," said Penguins chief experience officer James Santilli. "It is wonderful to see her be recognized both locally and nationally, and is well deserved. We are proud to have her as a member of our dynamic front-office staff. "
Bullano Ridgley, 40, joined the Penguins in 2005-06 as a graduate intern and spent the following two years as manager of media relations before being promoted to director of communications in 2008. Bullano Ridgley was promoted to vice president of communications in 2019, and is currently one of two females to hold her position in the NHL.
Bullano Ridgley, who is entering her 16th season with the Penguins, oversees the daily operations of the Penguins communications department and is responsible for coordinating all player, coach, management and business executive interviews. Bullano Ridgley maintains and enhances relationships with the media partners, including national, regional and local outlets, while also implementing communications strategies to favorably position the Penguins and proactively leverage media to promote various storylines. She serves as the official team spokesperson and travels with the team. Bullano Ridgley was a part of the Penguins' Stanley Cup championships in 2009, '16 and '17.
Prior to working for the Penguins, Bullano Ridgley worked for The Walt Disney Company at Disney World in Orlando, FL from 2002-05 in Guest Relations and as a VIP Tours Hostess.
Bullano Ridgley earned a B.A. in public relations from Penn State University in 2003. She also received an MBA in Sports, Arts, and Entertainment Management from Point Park University in 2007.
Bullano Ridgley has previously served as an adjunct professor at her alma mater, Point Park University, teaching media relations in sports. She also serves as a WISE (Women in Sports and Events) Pittsburgh Board Member.
The New Castle, PA native resides in Wexford, PA with her husband, Eric, and her six-year old daughter, Harper.