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HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | APRIL 6, 2026 21 POWE R 50 | ADVERTISING, MARKE TING & MEDIA J ill Adams co-founded Adams & Knight more than 25 years ago and now leads the integrated marketing agen- cy as CEO. The firm has grown into one of the larger agencies in the region, providing branding, digital, media and public relations services to clients across industries. In 2025, Adams said the company sustained top-line revenues and improved bottom-line efficiencies despite market uncertainty. She cited work helping clients launch technolo- gy-driven offerings, generate national media coverage, deploy revenue-focused websites and integrate marketing technology tools to support sales efforts. J immy Pitaro was named chairman of ESPN in February 2023 and oversees the company's portfolio of sports content, products and experiences. In 2025, ESPN launched its first all-encom- passing direct-to-consumer streaming service and reimagined app, allowing fans to access all 12 ESPN networks and more than 47,000 live events in one destination. The company also executed new agree- ments with major leagues, including an NFL partnership that will integrate NFL Network, RedZone and Fantasy into ESPN's offerings. ESPN closed 2025 with its most-watched Looking ahead, she identified artificial intelligence as both a challenge and opportunity. The firm is integrating AI across departments to improve efficiency while emphasizing training, security and maintaining strategic and creative talent. What qualities are most essential for effective leadership today? The ability to optimize both techni- cal and human resources is more in demand than ever. That's going to take honing a more unique combination of leadership skills. We need leaders who can inspire commitment and contribu- tions from five generations of work- ers — and continually enhance their performance with an ever-evolving suite of AI-driven technologies. Not an easy skill set to master! What do you value most about living or doing business in Connecticut? I love so much about living and working in Connecticut. This is my adopted home and our chosen location for building a business. I so appreciate Connecticut's quality of life, its commitment to public education, its abundance of arts and culture. I take comfort in being sur- rounded by smart, talented people who care about the world — and their com- munities. And I wake up grateful every day for its natural beauty. For me, that's what makes Connecticut a great place to build a life and a business. year in more than a decade across ESPN and "ESPN on ABC," and reported leading positions across digital, app and social categories. Looking ahead, Pitaro said the di- rect-to-consumer launch marks the beginning of a more interactive streaming future, including expanded offerings in sports betting, fantasy and commerce. ESPN is also preparing to broadcast its first Super Bowl in February 2027. What qualities are most essential for effective leadership today? My core leadership philosophy is 'discuss, debate, decide, align.' As a leader, I try to prioritize team input by encouraging open communication and providing an opportu- nity for diverse perspectives. Then, once the final decision has been made, it's crucial that everyone comes together. It's like a team breaking the huddle. Every player on the team needs to run the same play. What do you value most about living or doing business in Connecticut? Connecticut is a wonderful place to live and work. I appreciate the public school system, the sports, the theater and arts community, the people and so much more. From a work perspective, Bristol has been home to ESPN since the very beginning (1979) — and that's not an accident. We love it here, and our employees love it. The com- munity is very supportive, and our headquar- ters has the feel of a college campus. Jill Adams CEO Adams & Knight Industry: Marketing No. of employees: 60 Education: Bachelor's degree in English, Catholic University of America; master's degree in com- munications, Boston University Birthplace: Sedalia, Missouri Jimmy Pitaro Chairman ESPN Industry: Media No. of employees: 5,400 Education: Bachelor's degree in economics, Cornell University; Law degree, St. John's Law School Birthplace: Westchester County, New York SECURE YOUR SEAT TODAY! Join Hartford Business Journal as we recognize the outstanding contributions of women leaders in the business world who are making a difference throughout Connecticut! WEDNESDAY APRIL 29, 2026 AQUA TURF CLUB | 5-8 PM SCAN HERE TO VIEW HONOREES AND TICKETS OR VISIT: HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM/HBJ-EVENTS BRIAN AMBROSE PHOTOGRAPHY EVENT PARTNERS