Staff Directory
- Title:
- Director, Broadcast and Video Production
ASSIGNMENT–ACC Network
- Email:
- Phone:
- 412-715-3503
Sara Johnson joined the University of Pittsburgh Department of Athletics in July of 2021 as Coordinator of Broadcast & Video Production. In April 2022, she was promoted to her current position as Director of Broadcast & Video Production. In her role, Johnson serves as a producer, graphics producer, and associate director for ACC Network broadcasts.
Johnson and the Pitt Studios staff are responsible for the live television broadcasts of Pitt Athletics that air on ACC Network, ACC Network Extra, and the ESPN App. These productions include coverages of home sporting events for men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s soccer, volleyball, baseball, softball, lacrosse, wrestling, and gymnastics. In preparation for these events, Johnson spends time organizing crews, researching teams, communicating with coaches and SIDs, gathering video, and building graphics. In the winter of 2021, Johnson started producing live linear broadcasts that air nationally on the ACC Network, managing ACCN-branded graphics package, replay, announcers, and a crew of 25-30 event workers.
Johnson oversees a group of over 100 part-time and student event workers and staffs every home event with production personnel. She also leads these freelancers and student workers throughout the season in areas such as production and game management, one-on-one and group trainings, and skill development.
As one of Pitt’s main broadcast contacts, Johnson communicates with ESPN personnel on a weekly basis on programming selections and changes, broadcast guidelines and specialty game-related content. She also manages departmental operations such as payroll, crewing, interns and communication with other athletics personnel both at Pitt and other universities across the country.
A 2018 graduate of Point Park University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Broadcast Reporting and a minor in Spanish, Johnson began her time with Pitt’s athletic department as a volunteer production assistant in the Broadcast and Video department in 2018 during her final semester at Point Park. Johnson continued to work as a freelancer on Pitt broadcasts as a graphics operator while working her way up to associate producer. While freelancing at Pitt, Johnson worked as a graduate assistant in the Point Park Athletic Department, handling student-athlete eligibility and compliance for 17 varsity sports – all while working towards earning her MBA. She graduated in December 2020 with a Master’s Degree in Business Administration and began working at La Roche University as a coordinator in the Registrar’s office prior to her most recent arrival at Pitt.
Johnson grew up south of Pittsburgh and attended Thomas Jefferson High School. She now resides in Castle Shannon with her husband, Cole, and two dogs, Hazel & Rookie.
Beyond the Bio
Favorite place on the University of Pittsburgh campus?
Schenley Park. I lived in Oakland during my senior year of college at Point Park and used to run/walk my dog, Hazel, there almost every day. They have a path that loops down into the woods and around a pond, making for a great walk almost any time of the year.
What is one thing everyone should do when they visit the city of Pittsburgh?
Visit Mt. Washington. Nothing beats the views of the city whether it’s daytime or at night.
Favorite sports moment at Pitt?
I did not grow up a Pitt sports fan (my apologies), but my favorite sports moment has been the 2022 Pitt baseball season. I am a huge baseball fan and produced our Pitt baseball games this season, including our ACC Network broadcast on Easter Sunday. In a period of a month, we won three-straight home series vs ranked opponents, which made for an enjoyable time as a producer, Pitt employee, and baseball fan.
Favorite Pittsburgh restaurant?
This is a tough one because I am a big foodie. However, I love Las Velas in Market Square. I went there a few times as a student at Point Park and it is one of my husband and I’s go-to spots for a night out.
