Forty Under 40: Jennifer Irwin

Jennifer Irwin, 30, grew up in Dallas and earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Arkansas in 1994.

The week after she graduated, she started work at Arkansas’ NBC 24/51 and has remained at the television station ever since.

Irwin has worked her way from an entry-level position to her current title of promotions manager. Her duties include writing and producing promotional segments for the station as well as researching and buying radio and newspaper advertising.

After investing about $5 million in new Fayetteville offices and equipment and increasing the staff to about 100 (in Fayetteville and Fort Smith combined), NBC 24/51 resumed its newscast in August 2000 after an eight-year hiatus.

Though the year has been hectic, Irwin has found time to serve as a volunteer with the American Heart Association and Make-a-Wish Foundation of America, which grants wishes for terminally ill children.

She also represented the station June 3 at the Children’s Miracle Network Telethon in Little Rock. Money from the telethon was donated to Arkansas Children’s Hospital.

Irwin is a member of the Fayetteville Rotary Club and is a board member of the city’s Community Access Television station.