Heroes Work Here: Diane Larivee
Editor’s note: In March, the Walt Disney Company and President and Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger announced an important new initiative to recruit and hire military veterans across all segments of the company.
“Heroes Work Here. Employ excellence. Hire veterans” is Disney’s pledge to find career opportunities for 1,000 veterans over the next three years. The company has launched a national campaign to encourage all employers to hire veterans. Additionally, employees will be encouraged to serve veterans organizations through Disney’s VoluntEARS program.
In honor of ESPN’s Salute to Veterans Week, Front Row spotlights an ESPN employee who also is a military veteran. Today’s profile is Diane Larivee, a U.S. Navy veteran and an ESPN employee for nearly 10 years.
Larivee’s job description: “I am the Associate Director of Network Management for the Technology Division. My team provides monitoring of the corporate and broadcast network infrastructure and systems. We provide fault analysis, real-time alert notifications and capacity reporting on vital links. We work hand in hand with the Support Center in providing timely resolution to production related issues.”
Hometown: Plainville, Conn.
Branch of Service/Rank: U.S. Navy, Second Class Petty Officer, Electronics Technician
Where and when did you serve?: 1980-1986 NavCams WestPac, Guam.
Favorite sports team: Boston Red Sox.
Why did you march in the Connecticut Veterans Parade?: To honor fellow veterans.
How does your military experience help you in your current role?: The military taught me discipline and attention to detail. I try and apply this to every project I work on.
What does the military teach you that can be applied to civilian life?: Organizational skills and determination to succeed at even the smallest of things.
Closing thoughts?: I wouldn’t trade my experience in the Navy for anything. The friends I made along the way and the knowledge I gained have all played a critical role in my life. To be cliché: It wasn’t just a job, it was an adventure! I am very thankful to have had the opportunity to serve.
