Kean Alumna Christina Chiarella Scores Career with NJ Devils and Prudential Center

Christina Chiarella ’24 had a unique vantage point at this year’s Kean University Commencement ceremony. As a production coordinator for Prudential Center and the New Jersey Devils, she watched the ceremony from the arena control room — just one year after graduating herself. 

Chiarella, of Old Bridge, earned her bachelor’s degree in recreation administration-sport and event management, with a minor in marketing. During her senior year at Kean, she secured a marketing internship with the NJ Devils, which led to her current role — a job she describes as “thrilling and exciting.” 

“Working at Prudential Center for Kean’s Commencement was truly a full circle moment,” Chiarella said. As live production and digital display coordinator for the NJ Devils and Prudential Center, Chiarella manages LED content and graphics throughout the arena. Her role also includes control room operations for a wide range of events — from Devils games and NCAA basketball tournaments to concerts and commercial shoots. 

Her favorite part of the job is serving as camera director during Devils games, helping shape the experience for more than 17,000 fans by selecting which camera angles appear on the Jumbotron.  

“This position is nothing but thrilling and exciting,” she said.  

Chiarella entered Kean during the COVID-19 pandemic, spending her freshman year in online classes. It wasn’t until junior year that she declared a major. After that – in her senior year – she found the clubs, mentorships and other experiences that helped launch her career. 

She had two internships senior year, first with Kean Athletics and then, with the NJ Devils. She was also involved in the New York Red Bulls mentorship program through Kean, which helped her make sports industry connections, and she served as vice president of the Kean Sports Business Club. She also worked with the Kean Live crew, the production team that records and covers sports at Kean. 

After her NJ Devils internship ended, the team offered her a part-time job, which ultimately led to her full-time position. 

At her 2024 graduation, Chiarella decorated her cap with the NJ Devils logo. 

“All my experiences, especially the Kean Sports Business Club, played important parts in my success,” she said. “If I could give any piece of advice to younger students, it would be to get as involved as possible. Networking and creating relationships with your peers, teachers and advisors is extremely important, and I wish I knew that sooner. Keep an open mind, do your research and always try your best, and your passion will follow.” 

At Kean, Chiarella worked closely with Paul Casey, associate director of employer engagement at Kean’s Office of Career Services.  

Casey is the advisor of the Sports Business Club, and Chiarella said he provided crucial support and guidance that helped her land the internship with the NJ Devils. 

“I am very proud of her,” he said. “Breaking into the sports industry isn’t easy for anyone. Christina has put in the work and done a great job.” 

Chiarella’s boss, Ryan Bushey, the director of live production and digital display for the NJ Devils, said she is “very motivated and brings a positive energy with her every day.” 

“From day one, Christina has demonstrated a desire to learn and do as much as she can,” he said. “She took advantage of every opportunity she could to watch, assist and eventually lead tasks and projects. She shows up to work every day hungry and excited for whatever the day brings. She is a not-too-distant future expert and leader in our industry.”