Alumna takes center stage as executive vice president of productions at MSG Entertainment

January 26, 2024

Headshot of Jessica Tuttle

With more than 25 years of experience in live entertainment, beginning as an intern while at Quinnipiac, Jessica Tuttle ’99 takes on new leadership roles becoming the executive vice president of productions at Madison Square Garden Entertainment.

From graduating from Quinnipiac to assuming a predominant role at a world-leading organization, Tuttle’s journey to success in the entertainment industry serves as a testament to her passion and dedication.

Earning her bachelor's degree in management with a marketing minor, Tuttle was given the opportunity to take advantage of her education, strengthening her desire to work in live events.

While pursuing her degree at Quinnipiac, Tuttle participated in the Walt Disney World College Program as well as internships at Madison Square Garden and the Bridgeport Bluefish. Through her work with these organizations, Tuttle was able to solidify her desire to build a career in live events.

As she began her professional career, Tuttle went on to work in sales and marketing for the New York Islanders where she continued to develop her leadership skills. After seven years with the NHL team, Tuttle joined MSG Entertainment.

Since joining MSG Entertainment, Tuttle has had the opportunity to grow and evolve her career in roles of increasing responsibility across various areas of the company. Now as executive vice president of productions, Tuttle leads the company’s production business which includes the “Christmas Spectacular,” the Radio City Rockettes and venue tours at both Madison Square Garden and Radio City Music Hall.

With this extensive experience, Tuttle reflects on the key projects and achievements that she is most proud of during her time at MSG Entertainment.

“I am especially proud of the initiatives I’ve led that are focused on creating a dancer development program that’s committed to increasing diversity, equity and representation on the Rockettes line,” said Tuttle. “We turned our previous model on its head and have created a training program, Rockette’s Conservatory, that expands access to the Rockettes and removes barriers to entry for prospective dancers.”

In addition to these initiatives, Tuttle served as an executive producer on Hallmark’s “A Holiday Spectacular,” the first feature about the Rockettes alongside some of Hallmark’s fan-favorite actors.

“Bringing the movie to life with the Hallmark team was a career highlight and brought the magic of the Rockettes to so many people,” she said.

As MSG Entertainment approaches its 100th anniversary of the Rockettes, Tuttle said she feels grateful to play a role.

“I’m excited for everything we have planned this year and next to celebrate the dance company’s incredible legacy and evolution,” said Tuttle. “As we honor the tradition of the Rockettes with this anniversary, we also continue to grow the brand and look to the future.”

As an esteemed leader in live entertainment, Tuttle reflects on her education journey at Quinnipiac and the role that her education played in shaping her career today.

“With the more personal environment that Quinnipiac fosters, I was able to really immerse myself in the experience on campus and gain the confidence to step out into the world and pursue the career that I wanted for myself,” said Tuttle. “Participating in activities like the yearbook and the Student Programming Board provided me with the skills and space to step up and become a leader.”

While on the clock, Tuttle is a top executive, but off the clock, she dedicates her time to motherhood, making her accomplishment all the more impressive.

“As a woman, mother and executive, I often get asked, ‘How do you balance it all?’” she said. “And the answer is, I don’t, but that’s okay. Balancing everything in life is difficult but I always try to maintain perspective and understand what is most important in life.”

As she continued to thrive in her career, Tuttle provides advice for Quinnipiac students looking to pursue a career in live entertainment.

“Get out of your comfort zone and diversify your skillset to be as well-rounded as possible,” she said. “But remember to give yourself grace as you figure out your strengths and weaknesses.”

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