Diana Payan

Glendale

Summary

Dynamic operations coordinator with extensive experience in supervising teams, optimizing workflows, and delivering high-quality service in fast-paced environments. Skilled in developing and implementing operational standards, coordinating daily assignments, and fostering positive relationships with staff and community partners. Expert in aligning the newsroom’s visual content strategies to meet audience interests while overseeing enterprise and breaking news video production for major social platforms. Directed visual coverage for tier-one events, including Super Bowls, NCAA tournaments, presidential and election-related events in a politically competitive state; lead editor on the award-winning video series, The Gridiron. Maintain rigorous journalistic standards while nurturing my team's strengths at all experience levels, consistently producing high-value storytelling.

Overview

years of professional experience

Work History

Multimedia Video Strategist and Visuals Manager

Arizona Republic and azcentral.com

Phoenix, AZ

01.2018 - Current

Teams & Operations Management: Lead and manage a team of 9 staffers; establish operational objectives, oversee workflows, and coordinate daily assignments to ensure efficient facility and program operations, consistent with organizational goals.
Content Strategy & Production: Oversee the daily creation and scheduling of high-volume video content across brand and social channels; identify, pitch, and execute visual opportunities from daily assignments, breaking news and live events.
Major Event Direction: Spearheaded visual production and documentary projects and led high-profile events including the Super Bowl, NCAA tournaments, major political events, and breaking news events.
Leadership & Policy Implementation: Collaborate with senior management to develop and implement operational policies, procedures, and goals.

Video Editor and Content Producer

01.2013 - 01.2018

Supervised operations across multiple community sections by collaborating with Editors and reporters on event coverage.
Assigned and managed staff to ensure each area was properly supported, collaborating with teams to deliver high-quality storytelling.
Coordinated and executed live events and facility operations, ensuring smooth logistics, customer service, and adherence to operational standards.
Created and launched the award-winning sports docu-series Beyond The Gridiron.
Adapted strategies to evolving digital and video trends across social platforms.
Oversee day-to-day video assignments, from breaking news to large-scale projects, ensuring consistent, high-quality content delivery.
Led the planning and production of live streams and live events, including in-studio debates and real-time coverage.

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts - Photography

Arizona State University

Tempe, AZ

Skills

Microsoft 365, Excel, Teams, Zoom, Streamyard, Spanish (fluent) Video & Photo Editing: Adobe Creative Suite (Premiere Pro, Photoshop, some After Effects, Lightroom)

CORE COMPETENCIES

Staff Supervision & Training: Managing, mentoring, and developing staff; assigning tasks, preparing work schedules, and conducting performance evaluations to ensure efficient operations.
Operational Process Coordination: Directing daily operations, optimizing workflows, and implementing procedures to ensure consistent and high-quality service delivery across programs and facilities.
Major Event & Breaking News Coverage: Structuring on-the-ground visual operations for high-profile breaking news, sports, and political events.
Operations & Resource Management: Overseeing facility and process management, budget monitoring, and records management to ensure compliance and operational excellence.
Public Relations & Interorganizational Communication: Building and maintaining effective communication channels with partner organizations, facilitating information exchange, coordinating joint initiatives, and ensuring clear, consistent messaging to support collaborative goals and positive working relationships.

Awards & Honors

Hispanic Leader under 40 - Individuals who demonstrate exceptional commitment to Arizona’s Hispanic community through their professional achievements, volunteer service, and advocacy efforts.

Three time Emmy Award winner - Developed and produced the docu-series "Beyond the Gridiron," showcasing diverse communities by exploring the powerful intersections of family, faith, and football.

Timeline