Sports Management Events
Past Events:
Tuesday, December 3, 2024
Sustainable Development Goals Competition 2024
Date: Tuesday, December 3, 2024
Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location: Lundring Events Center
The Sustainable Development Goals Competition is designed for students to comprehend how sport organizations’ brand value can drive sustainable innovation. Through a theory-driven, applicable project, students will have the opportunity to leverage exploratory research to create and implement a cause activation plan on behalf of an existing sport league or organization. Judged by sport industry executives, this event educates and transforms students, encouraging them to propose innovative solutions for a better world from a business perspective. Join us in-person to witness the next evolution of innovation through the minds of tomorrow's change agents.
Judges:
Nick Bermensolo
Vice President Security at SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park
Nick Bermensolo is currently the Vice President of Security and Safety at Hollywood Park (SoFi Stadium). HWP encompasses 300 acres which includes SoFi Stadium, home of Rams and Chargers, YouTube Theater, Commercial Spaces, Residential Buildings, Retail Stores, and many other entertainment options.
Nick has been in sports and entertainment for 20+ years with being on all sides of the operation, from vendor staffing, quality assurance testing, team operations and now building operations. He has been part of 14 Super Bowls, Final Fours, NBA All-Stars, and countless music festivals.
Nick is originally from Idaho and is an outdoor enthusiast, and has also received his MSA from Belmont University in Nashville, TN.
For Further Information: www.linkedin.com/in/nick-bermensolo
Edward Egros
Sports Analytics Expert for Bally's Sports West
Evan Flagg
Founder & CEO of Reach Capacity
As the Founder and CEO of Reach Capacity, I’m passionate about helping organizations achieve their full potential. Our solutions provide employers and organizations with tools to bring live events to their employees and members. By giving every employee access to these events, you can boost morale, improve company culture, and enhance overall productivity - all at zero cost to your organization.
Prior to founding Reach Capacity, I held leadership roles at the LA Kings and UCLA Athletics where I successfully led teams to exceed revenue targets and enhance customer experiences.
For Further Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/
Kaylee Guzman
Coordinator, Premium Service and Operations at Los Angeles Rams
Local to Ventura County, Kaylee Guzman grew up in Camarillo playing multiple competitive sports including softball and cheerleading. After starting her college journey at Maryville University in St. Louis, MO, Kaylee transferred to Cal Lutheran to continue her education closer to home. While at Cal Lutheran, Kaylee was one of the first students to join the Sports Management program and became the first to graduate with a degree in Sports Management from Cal Lutheran University. In addition to her degree in Sports Management, she also completed a second degree in Communications, with an emphasis in Sports Communications.
In 2022, Kaylee began her career with the Los Angeles Rams as an intern in Ticket Operations. Upon completing her time as an intern, Kaylee joined the Suite Services team as the Coordinator of Premium Services and Operations at the end of the 2022 football season. Now in her second season in her position, Kaylee services a variety of suites at Rams home games, while using her background in ticket operations to assist the Suite Services team.
For Further Information: http://linkedin.com/in/kaylee-
Zach Hedges
Manager, LUX Sales at Los Angeles Chargers
Zach has spent the early stages of his professional career sharing the experience of sports at almost every level. During his four seasons with the San Jose Sharks, he held four different titles, moving from entry level sales to Premium Sales Manager. Now in his first season with the Los Angeles Chargers, he leases the luxury suites at SoFi Stadium by building relationships with business leaders and decision makers looking for high-end experiences in sports and entertainment.
Zach received his BA in Economics and Accounting as well as Sports Management Certificate from UC Santa Barbara. His part-time experience prior to graduating included three years as intern with UCSB Athletics and an internship with the NBA League Office’s Global Events department.
For Further Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-hedges-9a9630113/
Aliyah Navarro
Digital Marketing Coordinator at Los Angeles Lakers
Aliyah Navarro is currently a Digital Marketing Coordinator with the Los Angeles Lakers. In her spare time she is a sports photographer and content creator, capturing moments from sport teams such as the Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Rams, and college sport teams.
Previously, Ms. Navarro spent time as a Digital Programming Coordinator with the NFL, overseeing daily content on NFL.com and the NFL App to implementing strategies and comprehensive programming plans for NFL’s tentpole events.
For Further Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliyahmariahnavarro
Steve Potts
Former Director of Athletics at Pepperdine University
Steve Potts, who has overseen one of the nation’s most successful Division I-AAA programs as Pepperdine University’s director of athletics, will retire at the conclusion of the 2023–24 academic year. Potts has led the Waves in this role since January 2011 and will conclude his tenure after almost 14 years in the position.
“Steve Potts’ legacy as an alumnus and administrator has left an indelible mark on the deep tradition of athletics at Pepperdine University,” says president Jim Gash (JD ’93). “Guided by his desire to develop exceptional student-athletes and his deep faith, Steve’s judgment and perseverance has led the Waves to victory both on and off the court. I am profoundly grateful for Steve’s wisdom and fortitude throughout his tenure at Pepperdine and wish him the very best in retirement.”
A Nashville native, Potts earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Tennessee-Martin in 1979 and went on to earn his juris doctor degree from the Pepperdine Caruso School of Law in 1982. Prior to his position as Pepperdine’s athletic director, Potts spent 17 years at the University as an administrator and a professor. He began teaching at the Pepperdine Caruso School of Law in 1983, and from 1990–99 served as the school’s associate dean of administration and an assistant professor of law. Potts returned to Malibu in July 2008 as the senior associate director of athletics after serving as the director of athletics at Lipscomb University from 2000 to 2008.
Under Potts’ leadership, Pepperdine earned the I-AAA Athletic Director's Association
All-Sports Award (given to the top-performing non-football school in Division I) three
times (2011–12, 2021–22 and 2022–23), while finishing second three times (2016–17,
2018–19 and 2020–21) and in third place twice (2014–15 and 2017–18). Throughout Potts’
tenure, the Waves won 65 conference regular-season or tournament titles (through the
2022–23 school year), captured the 2021 NCAA men’s golf national championship and
three other Waves teams participated in
NCAA Division I Final Fours.
Many Pepperdine teams have posted remarkable accomplishments during Potts' tenure. Under his guidance, Pepperdine began sponsoring the sport of women's beach volleyball, which won the inaugural AVCA national championship in 2012 and again in 2014. In addition to winning the 2021 national championship, the men’s golf team finished the shortened 2020 season at number one in the rankings and reached the NCAA semifinals in 2022.
In 2014 the baseball team advanced to a Super Regional for the first time, and in 2015 the men's basketball team made its first postseason appearance since 2002 and in 2021 won the postseason College Basketball Invitational. During the 2018–19 season, the women’s basketball team won 20 games for the first time since 2010 and won its first postseason game in the modern era.
Additionally, the women's soccer team matched its best-ever finish by reaching the NCAA Sweet 16 in both 2014 and 2021, the women’s swimming and diving team won back-to-back PCSC titles in 2022 and 2023, and the women's tennis team had its best-ever finish in 2021, making it to the national championship match. Pepperdine's various facilities have also been upgraded under Potts' leadership, which has provided student-athletes and coaching staff exceptional opportunities to excel in their respective sports and increased the level of recognition of the Waves' great athletic history.
Prior to Pepperdine, Potts began his tenure at Lipscomb as the school was in the midst of transitioning from the NAIA to NCAA Division I. He successfully guided the athletics department through four years of NCAA Division I provisional membership, and Lipscomb received active membership status in September 2003. He also led the institution through the 18-month NCAA Athletic Certification process, which was completed in 2005. Potts was also responsible for Lipscomb joining the Atlantic Sun Conference, and several of its teams won conference championships over the years. Several major improvements to the athletics facilities came under his watch, including the multipurpose, 5,000-seat Allen Arena, which was completed in October 2001.
In March 2020 an AthleticDirectorU study that identified the top Division I athletic director hires ranked Potts 14th out of 229 schools that had changed athletic directors over the past decade.
Potts and his wife, Jaimie, an elementary school teacher for 42 years, have two sons, Tyler, Senior Director of Partnership Sales for the Los Angeles Rams, and Tanner, Assistant Athletic Director for NIL and Strategic Initiatives at the University of Georgia.
Tyler Potts
Senior Director of Partnerships at Los Angeles Rams
Tyler is the Senior Director of Partnership Sales at the Los Angeles Rams, where he co-leads the partnership sales team, helping to position the Rams as the NFL’s #2 revenue-generating partnership department. Before joining the Rams, Tyler spent two seasons with Legends as part of the Las Vegas Stadium project team, where he was helped secure record-breaking partnership revenue for Allegiant Stadium and the Las Vegas Raiders. Tyler began his career with the Dallas Cowboys, spending five seasons in various roles on the corporate partnerships team. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Pepperdine University and lives in Porter Ranch with his wife, Jessica.
For Further Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-potts-32018926/
Josh Rosen
Founder and CEO at TRG Sports & Entertainment
Josh Rosen, the Founder and CEO of TRG Sports & Entertainment, has quickly positioned his Los Angeles-based agency as a powerhouse since its launch in 2021. Graduating from the University of Miami in 2019 with a degree in Business Management and Sports Administration, Rosen seamlessly blended his academic foundation with a passion for connecting with the next generation of leaders. In just two years, TRG has collaborated with major brands like Microsoft, PUMA, Hulu, DIRECTV, and Walmart on diverse marketing initiatives. Beyond business success, Rosen has demonstrated a commitment to education, serving as a Pillar Leader for The Player's NIL—an online resource for college athletes navigating NIL challenges. Recognized as a Front Office Sports Rising 25 honoree, Rosen stands as one of the industry's top young professionals, marking the two-year anniversary of TRG Sports & Entertainment with a legacy of vision, passion, and dedication.
For Further Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshrosen818/
Sierra Scali
Manager, FAST Programming & Content Distribution at the National Football League (NFL)
In 2019, her career began as a Digital Media Intern with the NFL, and she steadily advanced to a role as a Gameday Programming Associate responsible for cutting and editing gameday highlights. After graduating during the Class of 2020, she came back to the NFL as a Coordinator. After a couple of seasons, she was promoted to now Manager.
A proud first-generation college graduate, Sierra earned her degree in Communications from California Lutheran University in 2020, where she also competed as a collegiate softball player. Her background in athletics, combined with her studies in Communications, Film and TV, and a minor in Sports Management, provided a strong foundation for her career in sports programming.
Since stepping into her current role, Sierra has led key initiatives for the NFL Channel, our FAST platform (free ad-supported television), focusing on maintaining content accuracy, metadata, and ad placements on 24/7 livestreams. She manages partnerships with FAST, distribution, and syndication partners. Also, collaborating closely with NFL Media production, engineering, and product teams to ensure technical readiness for live shows across connected TV (CTV) and OTT devices.
For Further Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sierrascali/
Artis Twyman
Vice President of Communications at Los Angeles Rams
Artis Twyman serves as vice president of communications for the Los Angeles Rams.
In this position, Twyman oversees the media relations staff and directs the Rams’
communication efforts.
With more than two decades of experience, Twyman previously served nine seasons as
senior director of communications and three seasons as the team’s director of media
relations after spending six years as assistant director of football media.
Following the 2018 season, Twyman and the Rams communications department won the Pro
Football Writers Association’s Pete Rozelle Award. The award recognizes the NFL public
relations staff that consistently strives for excellence in its dealings and relationships
with the media. It marked the first time since 1997 the Rams have won the award and
only the second time in franchise history.
Prior to joining the Rams in 2003, Twyman spent two years as a public relations assistant
for the Seattle Seahawks. He broke into the NFL in 2001 as a public relations intern
for the expansion Houston Texans. From 1995-2001, he worked in the Tennessee State
University Public Relations Department, serving in many capacities, including three
years as public information officer.
In 2012, he was one of only two public relations officials throughout the 32-team
league chosen to work the Pro Bowl in Honolulu, Hawaii. He also received this honor
in 2011, 2009, 2008 and 2006. Twyman also was part of public relations staffs for
NFC Championship games, as well as several Super Bowls.
He serves as the chair of the Dean’s Advisory Council at California Lutheran University.
Twyman earned his undergraduate degree in speech communications from Tennessee State
University in Nashville, Tenn., and a master’s degree in mass communications from
Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro.
For Further Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/artis-twyman-0259556/
Adam Valencia
Director of Programs & Staff Development for Young Athletes for Christ (YAC)
Adam Valencia, MSE, is a seasoned expert in community and school-based prevention with over 25 years of experience in the field. He is a respected leader in evidence-based practices, specializing in Health and Wellness, Prevention, Intervention, and Family and Community Engagement.
Currently, Mr. Valencia serves as the Director of Programs & Staff Development for Young Athletes for Christ (YAC) in Camarillo, California. In this role, he leads professional development initiatives for staff and coaches, equipping them with evidence-based strategies to create supportive, empowering environments for youth. His leadership strengthens communities and promotes the well-being and success of students and families. Mr. Valencia is also the owner of Reconnecting Youth, Inc., an organization that implements the Reconnecting Youth (RY) and Coping and Support Training (CAST) programs, both recognized as "Legacy" Model Programs by the U.S. Department of Education and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). These programs have been successfully implemented across the U.S. and Canada.
Throughout his career, Mr. Valencia has held several key leadership positions, including Statewide Regional Lead for Safe Schools, After School Programs, and Mental Health initiatives, where he oversaw the implementation of federal and state programs and provided strategic guidance on school improvement. He has also contributed to Statewide Technical Assistance and Compliance teams, offering training, support, and consultation to school districts and community organizations across the United States and Canada.
In addition to his work in education and prevention, Mr. Valencia has over 25 years of experience as a head high school football coach and collegiate-level coach. He has mentored student-athletes, focusing on leadership, character development, and academic success. He has introduced impactful training programs such as Coaching Boys into Men and Athletes as Leaders, designed to help coaches build strong relationships with athletes and create positive environments both on and off the field.
For Further Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-valencia
More previous events
Contact
Director of Sports Management Program
Mark Orlando