Voices from the Field --- Sport Industry Professional Insights

Hosts Brian Avery and Shelley Lyle, with the University of Florida Department of Sport Management, Office of Engaged Learning, interviewed Scott Palanjian, Assistant Athletic Director - Marketing and Promotions for the University Athletic Association (UAA) aka the Gators. With a career spanning several decades in sports and marketing, Scott Palanjian shared his insights and experiences working with HBO, the Washington Wizards, and XFL football. Prior to Scott's time in Gainesville, Scott also worked in varying capacities at UCLA, UNC, and UCF, all within the realm of marketing and revenue generation. Please tune in to learn what Scott shared with #UFSPM​ students, alumni, faculty, and industry friends regarding her many professional accomplishments. #GoGators #UF

Hosts Brian Avery and Shelley Lyle, with the University of Florida Department of Sport Management, Office of Engaged Learning, interviewed Michelle Young, Director of Sports Analytics and Sports Business Initiative for the Wharton School. With a career spanning several decades in sports and events, Michelle Young shared her insights and experiences with the Philadelphia Eagles, Temple University, Wharton School, and as a tour manager. Please tune in to learn what Michelle shared with #UFSPM​ students, alumni, faculty, and industry friends regarding her many professional accomplishments. #GoGators #UF

Hosts Brian Avery and Shelley Lyle, with the University of Florida Department of Sport Management, Office of Engaged Learning, interviewed Will Kraus, Director of Operations at the University of Florida University Athletic Association. Will Kraus is an operations executive with over a decade of experience driving operational initiatives in sports. Please tune in to learn what Will shared with #UFSPM​ students, alumni, faculty, and industry friends regarding his many professional accomplishments. #GoGators #UF

Hosts Brian Avery and Shelley Lyle, with the University of Florida Department of Sport Management, Office of Engaged Learning interviewed Robert Stecklow, SVP Subscription Marketing, for the America's and Global Markets for DAZN Group. Rob Stecklow is Sports and entertainment marketing executive with over 20 years of experience driving global business and brand objectives. Rob's previous roles included the Head of Sponsorships & Event Activation for Verizon, the General Manager, for Sports Products, Sponsorship & Original Content Marketing for DIRECTV, the Vice President, Advertising & Media for the National Football League, and more. Please tune in to learn what Robert shared with #UFSPM​ students, alumni, faculty, and industry friends regarding his many professional accomplishments. #GoGators #UF

Hosts Brian Avery and Shelley Lyle, with the University of Florida Department of Sport Management, Office of Engaged Learning interviewed Kristi Dosh, a sports business reporter/analyst for ESPN, Forbes, The Washington Post, SportsBusiness Journal, and more. Prior to joining ESPN, Kristi was a practicing attorney and a sports business analyst for Forbes, Comcast Sports Southeast, and more. Kristi founded BusinessofCollegeSports.com in 2010 and started the Business of College Sports podcast in early 2020. The site has become a nationally recognized source for news and analysis of the business of college sports. Additionally, Kristi authored a book on the business of college football, Saturday Millionaires: How Winning Football Builds Winning Colleges. Please tune in to learn what Kristi shared with #UFSPM students, alumni, faculty, and industry friends regarding her many professional accomplishments. #GoGators #NIL #UFSPM #UF

Brandon Curran — Brandon is a NBA Player Marketing and Business Development executive that has worked with John Wall, Marcus Smart, Amar'e Stoudemire, De'Aaron Fox, RJ Hampton, Iman Shumpert, Romeo Langford, Jerami Grant, Lonnie Walker, Landry Shamet, and more. In addition to working with successful NBA players, Brandon has worked with the brands CashApp, Robinhood, Chipotle, Gap, Burberry, Mattel, GOAT, MTN Dew, The North Face, General Mills, and more. Brandon has held positions at Catalyst Sports, Relativity Sports, CAA Sports, Wasserman, IMG, the Golden State Warriors, and CBS Interactive. #GoGators #UFSPM #UF

Hosts Brian Avery and Shelley Lyle, with the University of Florida Department of Sport Management, Office of Engaged Learning interviewed Chris Park, Deputy Athletic Director at Washington State University. Chris received his bachelor's in business administration and master's in sport management from Texas A&M. He's worked in various collegiate athletic roles including Texas A&M's 12th Man Team Rewards Program Coordinator, Sam Houston's athletics external operations coordinator, and Texas State University's Assistant Athletic Director. Chris led the University of Texas-El Paso as Deputy Athletic Director before he moved to Washington State University where he is currently the Deputy Athletic Director- External Relations. Please tune in to learn what Chris shared with #UFSPM​ students, alumni, faculty, and industry friends regarding his many professional accomplishments. #GoGators #UF #UFSPM

Dr. Yong Jae Ko is a Professor and Interim Department Chair at the University of Florida's Department of Sport Management in the College of Health and Human Services. With a distinguished 20 plus year career researching and lecturing, Dr. Ko has been instrumental in the success of students seeking careers in academia. Dr. Ko's research interests are Sport consumer behavior and corporate sponsorship/athlete endorsement & branding. Dr. Ko has well over 100 refereed publications and dozens of refereed proceedings and presentations. Dr. Ko received his B.A. Physical Education from Seoul National University (SNU) Seoul, Korea, his M.A. in Physical Education (with an emphasis in Sport Management) from The Ohio State University, and received his Ph.D. Sport Management (with his Cognate Area in Business Marketing) from The Ohio State University (double buckeye). #GoGators #UFSPM #UF

Hosts Brian Avery and Shelley Lyle, with the University of Florida Department of Sport Management, Office of Engaged Learning, interviewed Dr. Doug DeMichele, Master Lecturer at the University of Florida's College of Health and Human Services Department(s) of Sport Management and Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management. Dr. DeMichele has a distinguished 36-year career in researching, lecturing, and guiding the next generation of students through professional development, Dr. DeMichlele has been instrumental in the success of students seeking careers in the fields of tourism/hospitality and sports. Doug received his Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from the University of Central Florida, his Master of Science in Recreational Studies from and his Doctor of Education from the University of Florida (double gator). Please tune in to learn what Dr. DeMichele shared with #UFSPM​ students, alumni, faculty, and industry friends regarding her many professional accomplishments. #GoGators #UFSPM

Joakim Noah, former basketball player, and Florida Gator, and Steve Stowe, VP of the Miami HEAT Charitable Fund interviewed on the topic of athletes at the intersection of culture, race, and influence by host Nathan Whitaker, a number one New York Times bestselling author, coach, and speaker. Susie and Tom Wasdin sponsor the Wasdin Speaker Series to highlight the cutting-edge research, education, and industry partnerships at the University of Florida within the College of Health & Human Performance, Department of Sport Management. #GoGators #UFSPM

Hosts Brian Avery and Shelley Lyle, with the University of Florida Department of Sport Management, Office of Engaged Learning, interviewed Christopher McLeod, an Assistant Professor at the University of Florida in the Department of Sport Management for the Faculty in Focus Series. Christopher received his Ph.D. in Sport Management, Florida State University (2017), M.S. in Sport Management, Florida State University (2013), and his B.S. in Physical Education, the University of Otago in New Zealand (2012). Christopher studies athletes, the ecosystems that invest in them, and the leagues that employ them. Please tune in to learn what Chris shared with #UFSPM​ students, alumni, faculty, and industry friends regarding his research, what sparked his interest, and what continues to drive his curiosity today. #UFSPM #GoGators

Hosts Brian Avery and Shelley Lyle, with the University of Florida Department of Sport Management, Office of Engaged Learning interviewed Kim Bastable, the Director of Professional Tennis at the University of Florida and president of Vital Leadership. Kim received her bachelor's in finance and business administration from the University of Florida and her master's in positive coaching from the University of Missouri. Her work experience includes being an Assistant Women's Tennis coach at the University of Kansas, a Head Boys and girls Tennis Coach at Kansas City Christian School, and an Elite Professional at the US Professional Tennis Association (for 22 years). Kim is currently the president of Vital Leadership and an Adjunct Professor and Director of Professional Tennis Management for the University of Florida. #UFSPM #UF #GoGators

Hosts Brian Avery and Shelley Lyle, with the University of Florida Department of Sport Management, Office of Engaged Learning interviewed Ed Buckley, Chairman, and CEO of Peerfit. Ed received his bachelor's in public relations, master's in public health management and policy, and doctorate of philosophy in digital health behavior from the University of Florida (triple Gator). While attending Florida he was a graduate research assistant for the UF department of health behavior and a group fitness instructor for Gainesville Health and Fitness. Ed is currently a contributing writer for Get Your Fit Together, the VP and Board of Directors for Balance 180, and Chairman and CEO of Peerfit. #GoGators #UF #UFSPM

David Fizdale (two-time NBA Coach) & Steve Stowe (VP Miami Heat Fund) joined host Nathan Whitaker (#1 NYT Bestselling Author, Coach, and Speaker) on the topic of Coaching at the Intersection of Culture, Race & Influence as a part of the Wasdin Speaker Series. Susie and Tom Wasdin sponsor the Wasdin Speaker Series to highlight the cutting-edge research, education, and industry partnerships at the University of Florida within the College of Health & Human Performance, and the Department of Sport Management. #UFSPM #UF #GoGators

Hosts Brian Avery and Shelley Lyle, with the University of Florida Department of Sport Management, Office of Engaged Learning interviewed Lee Davis, Director of Recruiting Operations for Florida Gators Football. Lee received her bachelor's degree in public relations and her masters degree in sport management from the University of Alabama. Her previous work experience includes being a student assistant for the Alabama Football Team and coordinator of recruiting operations for the Mississippi State University Football team for over six years. Lee is currently the Director of Recruiting Operations for Florida Football. #UF #UFSPM #GoGators

Hosts Brian Avery and Shelley Lyle, with the University of Florida Department of Sport Management, Office of Engaged Learning interviewed Taylor Wells, a Senior Coordinator for the MLS. Taylor received her bachelors from Concordia University Irvine and her masters of business administration from La Sierra University. Her work experience includes PR/Communications for the L.A. Clippers, Client Service Rep for Bank of America, Marketing and Global Outreach Coordinator for the Grover Corner Counseling and Community Center. Taylor has worked for the MLS for over 3 years serving as the Executive Assistant to Deputy Commissioner and Executive Vice President, Communications before taking on her current role as Senior Coordinator of Player Engagement. She is also attending Law school at Fordham University of Law. #UFSPM #GoGators #UF

Hosts Brian Avery and Shelley Lyle, with the University of Florida Department of Sport Management, Office of Engaged Learning interviewed Becky Burleigh, UF Head Women's Soccer Coach. Becky received her bachelor's degree in biology from Methodist University and her Master's degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science from Georgia State University. She was a head coach for Berry's Women's Soccer team before she took the Head Women's Soccer Coaching position at University of Florida. Becky has been with the Gators for 26 years. She has multiple SEC championships, coached several national team players and one National Champion. Becky is a public speaker, a part of the NCAA Women's Coaches Academy and Co-Founder of What Drives Winning. She is also a local DJ in the Gainesville area. #UF #GoGators #UFSPM

Hosts Brian Avery and Shelley Lyle, with the University of Florida Department of Sport Management, Office of Engaged Learning interviewed Tyler Stewart, VP of Brand + Experience and Sports WarnerMedia. Tyler received his bachelor's of Science in Sport Management from the University of Florida. After graduating he worked in communications for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He is the founder of i wear cool socks menswear and lifestyle platform and has held various sport marketing positions. Some of these positions include Associate Director of Integrated Marketing & Partnerships for GQ, Senior Director of Marketing & Partnerships for The Players' Tribune and Executive Director of Marketing + Experience for Bleacher Report. Tyler stepped into his current role as Vice president of Brand + ExperienceSports for WarnerMedia this month. #UF #GoGators #UFSPM

Hosts Brian Avery and Shelley Lyle, with the University of Florida Department of Sport Management, Office of Engaged Learning interviewed John Tull the Senior Account Executive at Florida Gators Sports Properties-Learfield IMG College. John received his bachelor's in History from DePauw University and his master's in Sports Management from Indiana University. John worked with various sports teams throughout his career. More recently he worked as the marketing manager for the Fresno Fuego Soccer Club, the CEO for the Fresno Falcons Professional Hockey Team, the Manager of Business Development for Penn State's Sports Properties, Associate General Manager for IMG College, and was on the Corporate Partnership Team for FOX Sports before taking his role as the Senior Account Executive for Gator Sport Properties. Please tune in to learn what John shared with #UFSPM​​ students, alumni, faculty, and industry friends regarding his many professional accomplishments. #GoGators #GatorNation #UF #UFSPM

Hosts Brian Avery and Shelley Lyle, with the University of Florida Department of Sport Management, Office of Engaged Learning interviewed Greg Stolt the Vice President of International Operations for the National Basketball Association (NBA). Greg received his bachelor's of Exercise Science from the University of Florida and his master's of Business Administration from the University of Hawaii. While at UF, Greg played basketball as a forward. He also played 6 years of professional basketball in Dominican Republic, Spain, Belgium, France, Japan, Australia, and the NBA G League. As Greg pivoted from being an athlete, his first professional role was as the assistant manager for Sumito Heavy Industries Limited. After a two-years with Sumito, Greg moved into his current role as VP of international operations for the NBA. He has been with the NBA for over 11 years. Please tune in to learn what Greg shared with #UFSPM students, alumni, faculty, and industry friends regarding his many athletic and professional accomplishments.

Hosts Brian Avery and Shelley Lyle, with the University of Florida Department of Sport Management, Office of Engaged Learning interviewed Jocelyn Moore, Draft Kings Board Member, Former NFL Executive, and currently an Open Access Executive Fellow. Jocelyn received her bachelor's in English and her master's in education from the University of Florida. Jocelyn was a Managing Director for the Glover Park Group, a young leader for the French-American Foundation, a Chief Communications Officer for the NFL, an Angel Investor for Pipeline Angels, and an Executive in Residence for The Gathering Spot. For more than two decades, Jocelyn has been a trusted advisor to bipartisan Members of Congress, CEOs, executive branch officials, and governors. With experience working across multiple disciplines, Jocelyn continues to help business executives successfully navigate the most daunting political, regulatory, and reputational challenges. Please tune in to learn what Jocelyn shared with #UFSPM students, alumni, faculty, and industry friends regarding her many professional accomplishments.

Hosts Brian Avery and Shelley Lyle, with the University of Florida Department of Sport Management, Office of Engaged Learning, interviewed Sean Gagnon, the CEO of The Abs Company. Sean received his bachelor's in Exercise Science from Trenton State College and his master's in Exercise Science from the University of Florida. He worked for the Nukkles Company for over 20 years and is currently the CEO of The Abs Company, a company he has been with for over 17. Please tune in to learn what Sean shared with #UFSPM students, alumni, faculty, and industry friends regarding his many professional accomplishments.

Hosts Brian Avery and Shelley Lyle, with the University of Florida Department of Sport Management, Office of Engaged Learning, interviewed Bennie Fowler an NFL Wide Receiver, Leadership Coach/Consultant, and Amazon Best Selling Author. Bennie received his bachelor's degree from Michigan State University. He has been a wide receiver in the NFL since 2014 and is currently playing for the New Orleans Saints. Fun fact: Bennie caught Peyton Manning's last pass in Super Bowl 50. Besides playing football Bennie is a leadership coach, keynote speaker, and author of Amazon's bestselling book Silver Spoon: The Imperfect Guide to Success. As an athlete and a professional Bennie is an inspiring person. Please tune in to learn what Bennie shared with #UFSPM students, alumni, faculty, and industry friends regarding his many professional accomplishments.

Hosts Brian Avery and Shelley Lyle, with the University of Florida Department of Sport Management, Office of Engaged Learning, interviewed Marcus Givens, a UF alum, former football player, and currently and Event Coordinator for ASM Global. Marcus Givens received his bachelor's degree in Tourism, Event, Recreation, and Sport Management from the University of Florida in 2019. Marcus previously worked in guest services for the University Athletic Association (UAA) as an operations assistant. He also interned with SMG Worldwide Entertainment in the convention show/venue management space before taking on his current role with ASM Global in Jacksonville, FL. Marcus provided exceptional insight regarding his transition from student-athlete to working in the fast-paced and challenging world of convention show/venue management. Please tune in to learn what Marcus shared with #UFSPM students, alumni, faculty, and industry friends regarding his experiences within the event space during COVID and his expectations regarding pathways forward.

Hosts Brian Avery and Shelley Lyle, with the University of Florida Department of Sport Management, Office of Engaged Learning, interviewed Tom Farrey, the Executive Director, Sports & Society Program at The Aspen Institute. Tom Farrey is a builder – of essential knowledge, vivid stories, pioneering ideas, original tools, shared strategies, and a cross-sector movement to grow the quality and quantity of sport activity in communities everywhere. Tom has a wealth of knowledge across many industry sectors, please tune in to learn what Tom shared with #UFSPM students, alumni, faculty, and industry friends regarding his many professional accomplishments.

Hosts Brian Avery and Shelley Lyle, with the University of Florida Department of Sport Management, Office of Engaged Learning, interviewed Justin Su'a, the Head of Mental Performance, Tampa Bay Rays. Justin helps athletes become elite decision-makers through mental skills training. He has worked with the NFL, PGA, elite CrossFit athletes, MLB, NCAA, the U.S. Army, and various corporations. Justin has also authored two books: "Parent Pep Talks: The 10 Must-Have Mental Skills Your Child Must Have to Succeed in Sports, School, and Life" and, "Mentally Tough Teens: Developing the Winning Mindset". He also hosts a daily podcast called, "Increase Your Impact”. Please tune in to learn what Justin shared with #UFSPM students, alumni, faculty, and industry friends regarding his many professional accomplishments.