LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION:
July 5, 2016
Dear Sir or Madam,
Jeff Rivet and I have worked together since 2012 when I was hired on at KTUU as the Digital Sales Manager, and since have worked together on countless projects and special tasks together. I would say that I know him very well and believe him to be a great fit for the position he is applying for.
Jeff has always been the calm and level-headed person that you go to when you need something created or sometimes invented on our numerous digital platforms. I can say that KTUU’s ability to grow our digital revenues was hinged on Jeff’s willingness to build or accommodate all kinds of ideas. He is the resident life saver for my staff and me. Many times I’ve run to him with what sounds like a crazy idea to turn into a digital sales opportunity and he’s been the one to make it a reality. One project that we’ve recently worked together on is our annual “Viewers’ Choice Awards” which required a website to be created to host the content and then pulled that site into KTUU.com. It was a big undertaking to get the branding to look correct and to make sure that the winners in each of our categories were correctly represented, all of which was on a very tight deadline. Jeff did an amazing job and was an important player in that program’s success over the last two years.
I am a big believer that a positive attitude is paramount to success on the job. It’s not always an easy thing to maintain, but Jeff has always been one of those guys that is always approachable, and will always be willing to help with a positive attitude. I have had tight deadlines with poor timing numerous times, and Jeff has always delivered. The sales crew and I always run into challenges around special events with last minute changes and features to add. Our Fur Rendezvous festival each year requires a lot of flexibility and is an intensive project requiring a web build, content sharing, and special publication online. Jeff has been an absolute rock star with this and other projects, making sure that all the details are covered and keeping cool under pressure when tight deadlines are looming.
Jeff is a highly capable and technical individual that knows how to work on his own, or as part of a team to complete highly complex products. It has been a pleasure working with him over the last 4 years, and I know that he will become a valuable member of your team should you choose to hire him. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me at any time.
Thank you very much,
Tony Freije
KTUU Local Sales Manager
907 762-9210
tfreije@ktuu.com
June 29, 2016
To whom it may concern,
I am the digital director and a managing editor at KTUU-Channel 2, and have worked as Jeff Rivet’s supervisor for the past two years. Jeff has helped grow the station’s website from a minor news site to, in 2015, arguably the most successful media website in Alaska.
Jeff has proven himself to be a knowledgeable developer and problem solver capable of spear-heading new products and projects while teaching others the necessary skills to succeed online. Jeff is a consummate team player, adept at training employees of all skills levels and translating the requests of journalists for new features, web sites and initiatives into highly successful content.
Specialty news web sites that Jeff built from scratch – including sites centered on specific sporting events and state politics -- have won statewide and regional awards. His overnight redesigns of the KTUU home page to display election results and highlight interactive maps are a hit with readers, as are enterprise efforts like a ticking clock that shows the ever-growing cost of Alaska’s overtime Legislative session.
Jeff’s good-natured professionalism and dedication have been instrumental in our rapid online growth. While I hate to see him leave our newsroom, I would love to see him stay within the Gray family where we can still benefit from his expertise.
Feel free to email me at khopkins@ktuu.com or call (907) 854-8540 with any questions.
Best,
Kyle Hopkins
KTUU Digital Director
June 29, 2016
Greetings,
Jeff is a multi-talented employee with a vast array of digital skills. Since I have worked with Jeff over the past several months I have been amazed by his depth of knowledge about social media, website design and functionality, analytics, and all-things-technical related to operating a high-performance news website.
In addition to his technical knowledge, Jeff is a very kind and patient person too. He has trained me on two separate content management systems, and has taught me how to use a range of platforms to be a successful digital reporter. He always displays patience and respect towards whomever he is engaging with, from seasoned professional to college intern. He is also very calm regardless of the newsroom stresses he often faces.
Jeff is a hard worker who is reliable and a team player. I highly recommend that you give his application serious consideration. I am confident that he will bring a wealth of skills, enthusiasm for the job, and a great attitude to your team.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me at 907-762-9242 or a pdobbyn@ktuu.com.
Best regards,
Paula Dobbyn
KTUU Digital Producer