Bess Barnes is vice president of programming at CBS Sports, a role she has held since 2017. She oversees golf programming and college basketball scheduling across CBS Sports platforms, managing key relationships with partners including the PGA TOUR, NCAA, Big Ten, and Big 12. Barnes has played a central role in major media rights deals and created events such as the CBS Sports Classic and Veterans Classic. She also serves on multiple boards, supports women’s sports initiatives, and mentors young athletes. Barnes holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Michigan and served as captain of the women’s golf team.

As commissioner of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), Jessica Berman oversees all operations of the league with a focus on supporting players on and off the pitch, working with NWSL clubs to continue to build on the positive momentum of the league’s growing audience, and collaborating with NWSL partners to create the most engaging and entertaining fan experience. She formerly served as deputy commissioner and executive vice president of business affairs at the National Lacrosse League (NLL), and was the first woman to hold this title at any professional sports league in North America. Prior to joining the NLL, Berman served as vice president, special projects & corporate social responsibility for the National Hockey League (NHL). She designed and executed the NHL’s strategic CR goals, initiatives, policies and programs in the areas of importance to the NHL, the NHL Foundation, the NHL Clubs, the NHL’s business partners, and the hockey community generally. Berman graduated from Fordham University School of Law where she was the editor-in-chief of the Fordham Sports Law Forum and an associate editor of the Urban Law Journal. She graduated from the University of Michigan School of Kinesiology with an undergraduate degree in sport management with distinction. In 2009, the University of Michigan School of Kinesiology awarded her the Early Career Achievement Award.

David Blumenfeld currently serves as principal of the Blumenfeld Development Group and has been the driving force behind many of the company’s high profile projects, including the acquisition and development of East River Plaza in Manhattan and The Arches at Deer Park. East River Plaza, home to the only Costco and Target in Manhattan, is an innovative vertical urban power center that is often cited as being the spark that ignited the revitalization of Upper Manhattan. In addition to this role, David also serves as president of BDG Construction Corp. He has two sons who recently graduated University of Michigan and his youngest is currently attending as a first-year student.

Carrie Brzezinski Hsu is Head of Disney Creative Execution & ESPN Creative Studio at ESPN, with 25 years of experience in the sports media and entertainment industry. She leads ESPN Creative Studio, the creative division at ESPN, unified to captivate sports fans and “elevate sports from game to experience.” In her expanded role, Carrie works with partners across the Disney enterprise to combine creative functions spanning Disney Experiences, Disney Studios, Disney Entertainment TV/Streaming, and ESPN. 

Carrie holds a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Studies from the University of Michigan. She has been recognized on the Adweek Creative 100 list, and her work has earned multiple Sports Emmys and a Cannes Lion. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and DJing.

Michael Cantor (PhD '14) is director for Sterling Project Development in New York City, focusing on real estate development. Cantor has consulted for a number of professional sport franchises, municipalities, and universities with regards to sports facilities, economic and real estate development. Select clients have included: the New York Mets, Detroit Red Wings, Green Bay Packers, the University of Nevada - Las Vegas, the City of Hamilton (ON), and the City of Edmonton (AB). Cantor holds his PhD in kinesiology, Master of Urban Planning (MUP), and BA from the University of Michigan, concentrating on the convergence of sports, real estate, urban planning, and economic development.

Steve Dubin is currently a sports agent and attorney agent at Los Angeles-based Yee & Dubin Sports LLC. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan in 1985 and his law degree from Loyola University in Chicago in 1992. Following law school, he practiced law for five years in Los Angeles. In 1997, he joined Donald Yee, an established sports lawyer and agent, in forming Yee & Dubin Sports. The company focuses on football, and includes players, coaches and broadcasters. They handle the players’ playing contracts, endorsements, marketing, public relations and legal matters. Among their clients are NFL players Tom Brady (New England Patriots), Julian Edelman (New England Patriots) and Sean Payton (Head Coach, New Orleans Saints). Steve’s wife, Brenda Ellerin, also graduated from Michigan, and their two sons (Matthew and Justin) currently attend U-M.

Tom Garfinkel began his career working for Miller Brewing Company in regional sales and marketing in the southeast. His career then took him to New York City to work for Texaco in corporate branding and sponsorships. After spending two years earning his MBA at the University of Michigan, Garfinkel took a job with Chip Ganassi Racing Teams in 2001, running business operations and revenue generation. He then made a switch to baseball in 2006 to the Arizona Diamondbacks as chief operating officer. Nearly three years later, he was named president of the San Diego Padres. In 2013, Garfinkel became president and CEO of the Miami Dolphins; in 2018, he became vice chairman.

Hayes Grooms IV is VP of global talent and instructor strategy at Peloton.

He was previously the head of athlete marketing at Dapper Labs and oversaw athlete, talent, and influencer marketing and athlete partnerships and relations across all of Dapper Labs’ sports portfolio (NBA/WNBA Top Shot, NFL ALL Day, La Liga, UFC) and on the Flow blockchain. Leveraging his experiences in deal making and storytelling, he championed the partnerships between the world’s best athletes and Dapper Labs from NIL athletes to world-renowned stars like Kevin Durant, Patrick Mahomes, Lisa Leslie, Magic Johnson, and more.

Prior to Dapper Labs, he held senior roles at MasterClass, the Ross Initiative in Sports for Equity (RISE), and French West Vaughan (FWV). He also started his own athlete management company Grooms Athletic Management and Entertainment (G.A.M.E.) that was later acquired by FWV. 

Additionally, Grooms devotes tremendous efforts toward philanthropic endeavors. He serves as a mentor with Buzzer’s Strive Mentorship Program which aims to foster meaningful connections between Black students enrolled in HBCUs and experienced industry professionals. 

He is a former University of Michigan athlete and holds a bachelor’s degree in sport management there.

Howard Handler is president of 313 Presents, Detroit’s premiere live event company. Inspired by the soul of Detroit, 313 Presents produces and promotes more than 350 concerts, theatrical productions, sporting events and family shows a year at six world-class venues across southeastern Michigan, including Little Caesars Arena, the Fox Theatre, Comerica Park and Pine Knob Music Theatre. Consistently ranked in Pollstar’s top 10 for year-end attendance, including Pine Knob as #1 Amphitheatre in the World in 2019, 313 Presents is a partner of choice for marquee artists, tours and productions.

Since earning his bachelor’s degree and Master of Business Administration from the University of Michigan, Howard has established himself as an entertainment and sports industry innovator with a track record of success across a range of world-class companies and institutions including Major League Soccer, Madison Square Garden, Virgin Mobile, The National Football League, MTV, and Saturday Night Live.

Samantha Holloway is the owner of the Seattle Kraken and chairperson of the executive committee. A tech entrepreneur and investor, Samantha earned an BA from the University of Michigan, and her master's in psychology and MBA from the University of Denver.

Samantha is also partner and co-founder of Hat Labs and 2nd & Fillmore, general partner of Wildcat Partner Holdings, and a minority investor in the WBNA’s Storm. She sits on the NHL Board of Governors, the board of the Space Needle, Cast, and is a member of the Pacific Northwest Chapter of the American Cancer Society’s CEOs Against Cancer.

Samantha works closely with the executive leadership team of the Seattle Kraken to create a world-class franchise and meaningfully invest in the Pacific Northwest community.

Samantha and her husband Greg have two children.

Andrew Howard is co-president, partner, and member of the executive committee of Shamrock Capital. He currently serves as a director of Nth Degree, Religion of Sports, Gate 52 (formerly SaveLive), Pixellot, and Branded Cities. Howard also oversees Shamrock’s investments in SpotOn, Canopy Spectrum, and Omega Wireless, and was actively involved with the firm’s investment in Excel Sports Management.

Previously, he served on the boards of Mobilitie, Appetize, Screenvision Media, Consilio, Questex, MarketCast, Wazee, K2 Towers, RealD, Publishing Group of America, Naylor Publications, PrimeCo Wireless, Liberation Entertainment, and BASE Entertainment, and was a board observer of MetroPCS and OpNext.

Andy serves on the board of the Ronald McDonald House of Charities of Southern California, the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Foundation Board of Trustees, Cedars Sinai Medical Center Board of Governors, the Board of Governors for the USC Annenberg School’s Center for the Digital Future, and the Advisory Board of the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research.

He was previously on the board of the Stanford University Alumni Association and served on the executive committee and board of the Independent School Alliance. Andy is a graduate of Stanford University.

Desmond Howard is a College Football Analyst at ESPN where he has been a key member of the Emmy Award winning College GameDay since 2005. The 1991 Heisman Trophy winner and Super Bowl XXXI MVP joined the network a few years after his remarkable 11 seasons in the NFL. He also contributes to a number of other ESPN/ABC programs and platforms, including Get Up, First Take, SportsCenter, College Football Live, Good Morning America and the NFL Draft.

Howard was selected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2011. He has also been inducted to the Gator Bowl Hall of Fame, the University of Michigan Hall of Honor, the State of Michigan Sports Hall of Fame and the Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame.

Howard graduated from Michigan with a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications in 1992.

David Ismailer is the president of 2K, where he is responsible for setting the culture, overall direction and strategy for 2K’s publishing organization and global development studios. David joined 2K – part of publishing giant Take-Two Interactive – as COO in 2005, the year it was founded. Under his leadership, 2K creates iconic, unforgettable franchises that turn players into fanatics. 2K’s timeless fan-favorites include Sid Meier’s Civilization, WWE 2K, PGA TOUR 2K, Mafia, NBA 2K, and Borderlands – all of which have recently launched new installments in the most exciting slate of games in 2K history.

Devin Johnson is president of The SpringHill Company, the athlete and artist empowerment company founded by LeBron James and Maverick Carter. Devin has P&L responsibility for all business lines including the studio, brand partnerships, ecommerce, and experiences. His prior roles were leading the launch and growth of UNINTERRUPTED, which remains a major brand within The SpringHill Company portfolio of brands. Devin also plays a vital role in original content development as an executive producer for The Shop, More Than an Athlete, Elite Youth, and many other UNINTERRUPTED original productions that reside on networks such as HBO, Fox, Netflix, and ESPN Networks. Previously, Devin was the SVP of digital media for Tribune Media ($1B revenue) where he led all digital efforts helping transform a legacy media business into a leading digital player, and prior to that, Devin held several digital executive roles at NBCUniversal where he was instrumental in developing the global company’s digital innovation efforts. Devin began his career working in finance working for media and consumer product companies. A Chicago native, Devin holds a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Michigan and an MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. In addition, Devin is the former board chair of USA Taekwondo, the national governing body recognized by the U.S. Olympic Committee, and serves on the boards of University of Michigan Sport Management and the Boys and Girls Club of Metro LA.

Kate Johnson is working to build Google's global partnerships, content, and sports media team from the group up. Kate has proven herself as a leader in the corporate partnership space, previously serving as global head of sponsorships at Visa, and looks to build value for brands in authentic and meaningful ways. Kate led the University of Michigan to its first Big Ten rowing titles in 2000 and 2001, and won a silver medal in the women’s eight at the 2004 Summer Olympic Games in Athens. She then followed a job with IMG consulting that took her from New York to Toronto for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, and then to London to work on the 2012 Summer Olympics, for brands including British Airways, Cadbury and GE. She started at Visa in 2013 as senior director/head of Olympics and became global head of sponsorships in October 2015. She was named to Sports Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 in 2017.

Matt Kauffman brings over 25 years of experience across sports and entertainment, helping premier brands and technology innovators develop enterprise-wide business strategies, foster strategic partnerships, and integrate technology to accelerate their growth. 

Prior to launching Insight Sports, Kauffman served as vice president at Wasserman and was responsible for leading strategic planning and business development on behalf of sports technology startups and brands. In his previous role as head of sports and marketing partnerships at Intel, Kauffman drove the transformation of the consumer experience using cutting-edge technology with the NFL, NBA, MLB, ESPN X Games, Olympics, and Grammy Awards. Intel’s technology integrations and award-winning marketing vaulted the company to Ad Age’s “Marketer A-List.” Prior to Intel, Kauffman was responsible for Visa’s brand partnership portfolio. Visa’s innovative sponsorship marketing with the Olympics, FIFA World Cup, NFL, MLB, NBA, NASCAR, and Disney is renowned for building the Visa brand and business, and Visa was recognized by the Sports Business Journal as the 2010 “Sports Sponsor of the Year.” Kauffman also worked for 10 years at General Motors EventWorks, where he served as Vice President of Sports and Entertainment Marketing.

Kauffman was recognized as one of the “Forty Under 40” most influential sports executives by the Sports Business Journal. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan and co-chair of its Sport Management Advisory Board.
 

Stephen Master is co-founder of Amaze Media Labs. Formerly he was the chief revenue officer at SimpleBet. He spent the last 10 years as the global head of sports for Nielsen. Prior to Nielsen, Master was VP of business development for the NFL. Prior to that, he was VP of marketing solutions at Octagon, and prior to that, was VP of international business development at the NBA. In addition to his work with SimpleBet, Master is currently an adjunct professor at the NYU Stern Business School and has been a guest lecturer on the business of sports at the Wharton School of Business, Northwestern University, and the University of Michigan.

Eryn McVerry is a distinguished strategic marketer and brand steward with a rich career history that encompasses agencies, brands, and professional sports franchises. As the founder of Maryn & Co., a strategic consultancy agency, Eryn collaborates with and advises sports, media, technology, and marketing organizations in crafting business plans, marketing efforts, and revenue-generating strategies. Before embarking on her entrepreneurial journey, Eryn served as EVP of brand for the Chicago Blackhawks where she led the charge in bringing the Blackhawks brand to life. Her efforts fostered cultural connections for the team and organization, which spanned the city of Chicago to a global audience through dynamic media, sports, and community initiatives.

Before her tenure with the Blackhawks, Eryn's marketing contributions were instrumental in the success of the back-to-back Stanley Cup champions, the Tampa Bay Lightning. Under her leadership, the Lightning's marketing efforts garnered 10 Clios and earned the prestigious distinction of "Team of the Year" by the 2021 Clio Sports Awards and Sports Business Journal.

Her journey into the world of professional team sports was preceded by a career in advertising, where she worked at renowned agencies such as TBWA\Chiat\Day, mcgrarrybowen, Ogilvy, and Momentum. Her vision helped shaped memorable campaigns for iconic brands within and adjacent to the sports industry, including NASCAR, Budweiser, Gillette, Sport Chek, the U.S. Army, and more.  

Eryn serves on the Sport Management Advisory Board at the University of Michigan, her alma mater. She holds a bachelor's degree from the university, and while she furthered her education with a master's in advertising from Michigan State University, her loyalty lies with the maize and blue.

Michael B. Melnitzky is a vice president of Allen & Company, a private investment bank based in New York City. Since joining the firm in 2009, he has worked on a variety of investment banking assignments with an extensive focus on advising sellers and buyers of professional sports franchises. In addition, he has significant experience in advising sports teams, leagues and conferences on media rights agreements including negotiations over rights fees and ownership interests in television networks. Prior to working at Allen & Company, Melnitzky worked for Credit Suisse in its investment banking division, focusing on media & telecommunications. Melnitzky graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan.

Sandy Montag is the president of The Montag Group. The industry veteran has 40 years of experience representing a wide variety of clients in sports and entertainment including John Madden, Bob Costas, Jim Nantz, Mike Tirico, Scott Van Pelt, Rebecca Lobo and Tracy Wolfson. 

Montag has been anexecutive producer on numerous documentaries, including Amazon's "All or Nothing: The Michigan Wolverines." Additionally, he helped develop Ari Fleischer Sports Communications. Montag serves on the advisory boards for several charities, including Madden Charities and Tom Coughlin's Jay Fund Foundation. He sits on the Sport Management Advisory Boards at Syracuse University and the University of Michigan. Syracuse University honored Montag with Newhouse's 2019 Marty Glickman Award for leadership in sports media. 

Most recently, Montag was named to *Sports Business Journal's* Influence 125 list, which recognizes the most influential leaders in the sports industry from the past 25 years. 

The Montag Group is based in Manhattan.

Jon is Founder & Principal of The Vault NYC, an agency that provides clients with a best-in-class, fully integrated resource for branded content and entertainment from concept development and copywriting through to production and post-production. This distinctive model was built on Jon’s experience in advertising agencies and production companies, and his belief that clients would benefit from a faster, more efficient approach that didn’t compromise the creative outcome. 

Jon’s die-hard sports fandom and keen interest in the way major brand wars played out in sporting events has made The Vault one of the most skilled and respected agencies in the world of sports. Clients and project partners include Amazon, BMW, Carnival, Disney, ESPN, Geico, IBM, Indeed, NBCUniversal, NFL, Paramount, Patron, PNC Bank, Snickers, Upwork, and Wayfair. 

Throughout his career, Jon has distinguished himself as a strategic leader, effective operator, innovative thinker, and long-term relationship builder. He has earned the respect of clients and competitors for his ability to see around corners and maximize opportunities to drive outsized awareness and relevance for brands. 

Before launching The Vault, Jon was a Partner & Principal at Curious Holdings and Managing Director of DCODE where he led that production company’s expansion into more comprehensive creative services. His early career experience includes Giraldi/Suarez Productions, Cliff Freeman & Partners, Ogilvy, and Saatchi & Saatchi. 

Jon has a degree in Sport Management & Communication from the University of Michigan (Class of 1995) and is Chair of the Sport Management Advisory Board, Chair of the School of Kinesiology campaign, guest lecturer, and past adjunct professor of Storytelling & Production. In 2025, he was awarded the Dean’s Medal from the University of Michigan’s School of Kinesiology.

A 20-year veteran of the sports and entertainment industry, Parker currently serves as the managing director of the New Directions Group, LLC. He has held executive positions at both the team and agency level including stints with Pegula Sports and Entertainment, Premier Partnerships, the Nashville Predators, Detroit Pistons, and the San Jose Sharks. A proven leader with a track record of success, Parker has distinguished himself as a growth and transition manager. Recently, Parker has focused his efforts on the areas of naming rights, business development, sales representation and corporate consulting. Throughout his career, Parker has successfully sold, serviced and activated close $500 million worth of sports related revenue across teams and properties in almost every major sport / league in America. His resume also includes the sale of several major facility and property naming rights including New Era Field, Bridgestone Arena, HP Pavilion (now SAP Center) and the Ford Ice Center. In 2007, he received the Early Career Achievement Award from the School of Kinesiology. His sports career began in 1994 as an intern with the International Hockey League in suburban Detroit. Parker is a graduate of the University of Michigan with a degree in sport management.

Estee Portnoy is a senior executive at Jump Management (Michael Jordan’s family office) and is the primary point of contact for the day-to-day marketing, branding, media relations, and philanthropic activities for the NBA Hall of Famer. In her more than 29 years with Jordan, she has helped to manage and grow Jordan’s brand, working with dozens of companies including Nike, Gatorade, Hanes, Upper Deck, Warner Bros., and 23XI Racing (Jordan's NASCAR team). In 1997, Portnoy was part of the team that advised Jordan on the launch of Nike’s Jordan Brand and today is a member of the Jordan Brand Advisory Board. She also served as a member of the Office of the Chairman for the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets when Jordan was a majority owner. 

Portnoy is an Emmy Award–winning producer of 2020’s The Last Dance, a 10-episode docuseries chronicling the Chicago Bulls and Jordan’s rise during the 1980s-'90s, and currently a minority investor in the NWSL’s Washington Spirit.

Portnoy is a graduate of the University of Michigan (LSA) and received her MBA from the University of Maryland. She serves as vice chair of Hillel International’s Board of Directors, is a past chair of the International Board of Directors of BBYO, and is the co-founder of KEEN USA, a sports program for children with disabilities. She and her husband, Elliott, reside in Colorado and Maryland with their three children, Joshua, Noah, and Daniela.

Anne Ristau is executive vice president for consulting at Navigate.

Previously she was head of global sponsorships at Dell Technologies. In this role, she managed a portfolio of highly visible marketing partnerships including the PGA TOUR, the Boston Red Sox, McLaren and many more. She led the development and structuring of new partnerships, with a focus on opportunities to showcase innovative uses of technology within the context of culture. Ristau and her team then worked with global stakeholders across Dell Technologies to activate each partnership and deliver measurable business results.

Anne holds a BBA from the University of Michigan and an MBA from the Harvard Business School.

Matt leads ROSSETTI’s framework for innovative thinking and developed the firm’s strategic design approach, called Return on Design™. This approach addresses client project investment by translating market data into design. He has grown the 50-year-old firm into an internationally-recognized architecture and planning firm with a portfolio of award-winning projects spanning sports + entertainment, hospitality, commercial and retail. Matt was elevated to the AIA College of Fellows for his work in the convergence of real estate with sports developments. He received both his Bachelor of Science and Master of Architecture degrees from the University of Michigan. Notable projects include The Miami Open; The Inverted Bowl; USTA National Tennis Center, home of the U.S. Open; the Green Bay Packers’ Titletown District sports anchored development; Ford Field, home of the Detroit Lions; and the LA Lakers Training Facility.

Bobby Scales is VP of baseball at Sports Info Solutions. He is also a color commentator for Detroit Tigers radio broadcasts.

Following a 14-year playing career that saw him log time in the Major Leagues with Chicago Cubs and with two clubs in Japan, Scales stepped directly into an executive role in baseball operations for the Los Angeles Angels. From 2012-2015 he was the director of player development where he developed and implemented organizational philosophy, managed relationships between Angels Baseball and seven minor league affiliates throughout North America and the Caribbean, directed staffing within the player development department and led minor league player acquisitions. During his tenure Bobby was also key in identifying, acquiring, and re-developing a new facility in the Dominican Republic for the Angels Latin American Academy. On the field, Bobby oversaw the development of 15 homegrown players that made their debut in an Angels uniform and four others that did so after trades to other organizations. In 2016 Scales was promoted to special assistant to the general manager where he evaluated professional and amateur players both internationally and domestically. In addition to talent identification, he served as an advisor to the GM and executive leadership on player acquisitions.

In 2017, Scales founded the Scales Sports Group, LLC. The Scales Sports Group is a sports consultancy specializing in the consultation of individuals, organizations and facilities on all matters related but not limited to operations, business development, culture and leadership development.

From 2018-2020, Bobby served as the Minor League field coordinator. In that capacity he was responsible for the efficient execution of organizational standards and the professional development of minor league coaches and players as they matriculate through the Pittsburgh Pirates minor league system. In 2021, Scales switched roles and became the coordinator of strategic initiatives for player development. In this role he was responsible for creating progressive path forward for the Pirates as a thought leader in baseball development. Furthering coaching and player development praxis by cultivating relationships with other sporting organizations and conventional business entities. He created content driving leadership and professional development opportunities for Pirate player development staff members. Currently Bobby has placed a renewed focus on the work with The Scales Sports Group with a renewed focus on the professional development of coaching staffs in all sport cultures. Bobby has conducted sessions and spoken numerous times on leadership development, talent acquisition, onboarding and culture development worldwide.

Aaron Seabron is currently the vice president and general manager of US & specialist sports at adidas. In this role, he is responsible for the football, baseball/softball, hockey, volleyball, swimming, tennis, and cycling categories. He directly oversees product marketing, merchandising, design, and brand communications and works in close partnership with sports marketing and product operations. He is a member of the North America senior leadership team and the 401K and Deferred Compensation Committee. Prior to his current role, Aaron was senior director of the global baseball and softball business unit. Aaron joined adidas in 2016 as director of North America wholesale strategy. Before adidas, Aaron worked at General Mills in Minneapolis, MN, across various brand marketing roles of increasing responsibility including Totino’s, Fiber One, Walmart, and Betty Crocker.

Aaron earned an MBA from The Samuel Curtis Johnson School of Management at Cornell University in 2012. During his graduate studies he was a Roy H. Park Leadership Fellow, chairman of the Johnson Student Council, and student liaison to the Consortium for Graduate Study in Management. Prior to business school, Aaron lived in New York City and held positions in non-profit and investment banking at Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT) and Lehman Brothers. At MLT, he was responsible for the activation and renewal of corporate partnerships across four industry sectors. During his tenure at Lehman Brothers, he led the execution teams for global communications, media, and technology debt financing transactions valued at $19.9 billion.

A native of Metro Detroit, Aaron studied sport management at the University of Michigan and graduated with distinction in 2006. He serves on the Michigan Sport Consulting Group Advisory Board, the U-M Sport Management Advisory Board, and the Board of Directors for Sport Oregon. Aaron’s personal interests include fitness and nutrition, fantasy sports, and he is a voracious reader. He lives in Portland, OR, with his wife Ashley, son Lucas, and dog Nilla.

Mark Silverman is president and COO of FOX Sports. Previously he was the president of national networks at FOX Sports and oversaw all programming, production, marketing, and digital for FOX, FOX Sports 1, and FOX Sports 2 live events and studio shows. Before that, Silverman served as the Big Ten Network’s first president, where he set the strategic direction and manages all aspects of BTN, a joint venture between FOX Sports and the Big Ten Conference. BTN is the first successful collegiate television network to be partially owned by a conference. Silverman guided the network to profitability within two years of launch, established and grew the BTN brand and led the network to achieve its distribution goals.

Ira Stahlberger began working at IMG Worldwide in 2009 and is now partner. Before, he acted as agent/brand steward for top clients, helping them build their personal brands. Before joining IMG, Stahlberger’s career included positions at Leo Burnett, Coca-Cola, and Intersport, where he led their business development efforts. With WME/IMG, Stahlberger has worked with a plethora of clients including Wayne Gretzky, Terry Bradshaw, Peyton Manning, Matthew Stafford, Scott Van Pelt, Terry Bradshaw, and many others. For each client, he handles endorsements, licensing, appearances, and events.

David Berson is President and Chief Executive Officer of CBS Sports, a role he assumed in April 2024, becoming only the seventh leader in the organization's storied history. He joined CBS Sports in 2011 and was named President in 2013, then the youngest executive ever to hold that position.

Berson is widely known across the sports industry for his leadership, infectious enthusiasm and passion, tireless work ethic and his strong relationships with CBS' partners.

Berson oversees all aspects of CBS Sports across broadcast, cable, digital, and streaming platforms, managing landmark partnerships with the NFL, NCAA, Masters, PGA, TOUR, PGA of America, Big Ten, UEFA, among others.

A 12-time Emmy Award winner, Berson previously spent 16 years at ESPN, where he co-led the programming department, overseeing content strategy across the company's networks and digital platforms.

The Sports Business Journal annually names Berson to its list of most influential leaders in sports. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan and is a board member emeritus on its Sports Management Advisory Board. He also serves as chair of the annual March of Dimes Sports Luncheon.

Paul Dolan is the chairman and CEO of the Cleveland Guardians. He was born and raised in Chardon, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland. A graduate of St. Lawrence University, Dolan earned his law degree from Notre Dame Law School in 1983. After law school, Dolan worked for the firm Thrasher, Dinsmore, and Dolan, where he became a partner in 1992. His father purchased the Cleveland Guardians in 2000 and Dolan was hired as vice president and general counsel. In 2004, he was promoted to president and took his current position in 2011.

Mark Fischer has enjoyed building sports, media, and technology businesses in Asia for more than three decades. Mark has long been recognized as one of Asia’s foremost sports marketers, having successfully led market entry, brand development, and commercial operations for a range of prominent sports entities in the region.

As managing director of Fischer Sports & Entertainment since co-founding the company in 2015, Mark and his team currently provide a range of services on a consulting basis to sports properties and related brands seeking to exploit growth opportunities in Asia.

Last year as chief commercial officer the East Asia Super League (EASL), Mark helped drive the successful completion of EASL’s inaugural season with a thrilling 2024 Final Four played to record-breaking audiences, while securing a dozen new brand partnerships and creating a visionary business plan to take the league forward to its next phase of growth.

Previously, Mark established regional operations for Zuffa LLC as the founding managing director for UFC Asia; the company’s first six events in the region, a Chinese version of The Ultimate Fighter reality show, and producing 10-fold increases in both audience and revenues over a four-year span.

Prior to joining UFC, Mark helped build the National Basketball Association (NBA) brand across Asia in a series of senior roles over a 12-year period, ultimately overseeing all business segments in the region. From 2003 to 2008 as the first MD and SVP of NBA China, Mark led the explosive growth of that entity from a two-man startup to a valuation of $2.3 billion.

Mark’s earlier work experience included stints in publishing, electronics manufacturing, investment banking, journalism, import-export trading, and two seasons as a semi-pro basketball player in Taiwan’s top league. Proficient in Mandarin, the Boston native earned a master’s degree in public administration (MPA) from the Harvard University Kennedy School of Government, and a bachelor’s in history from the University of Michigan.

Dan Griffis is president of global partnerships and chief commercial officer at Oak View Group, overseeing revenue across 400+ venues in 32 countries and major development projects worldwide. He has led OVG Global Partnerships to more than $6.8B in sponsorships, including 42 naming-rights deals and jersey-patch agreements across the NBA and NHL, and his team supports the Seattle Kraken and New York Islanders. Previously, he held senior marketing roles at Target and led marketing and sales for Chip Ganassi Racing. Dan holds a dual degree in history and economics from The College of Wooster and an MBA from the University of Michigan Ross.

Renowned architect and urban planner Janet Marie Smith was named as the Dodgers' executive vice president of planning and development, where she oversees upgrades and enhancements to Dodger Stadium. Smith is probably best known in the baseball world for her work on the influential Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Smith worked for the Orioles from 1989-94 as vice president of planning and development during the design and construction of the park. Prior to joining the Dodgers, Smith had a second tour with the Orioles as vice president of planning and development from September 2009-August 2012. In that role, Smith directed renovations and expansion of the Orioles' new spring training facility in Sarasota, FL, as well as upgrades and enhancements to Oriole Park at Camden Yards to celebrate the park's 20th anniversary. In 2023, Smith co-founded Canopy Team, a women-led, boutique sports consultancy specializing in venue development.