Pro Sports Assembly Introduces Class of 2026 Governing Board Members
New Directors Elected to Prepare Members to lead the next trillion-dollar Industry
Austin, TX | January 20, 2026 — Pro Sports Assembly (PRO), the association for professional sports business organizations and leaders, has elected seven new governing board members for the 2026-2028 term. The Governing Board will meet for their annual retreat hosted by LAFC prior to the organization’s first quarter Leadership Summit, Navigating Politics in Leadership: When to Expend Political Capital hosted by Hollywood Park where senior executives who shape business strategy, workplace culture, public trust, and long-term organizational impact will convene for a full day.
With the professional sports industry employing 150,000+ individuals across the US (driving over 650B in total valuation in 2025), this influential workforce contributes economic, cultural and political capital in meaningful ways. As the professional sports industry continues to evolve into a trillion-dollar industry, PRO is proving the value of informed and inclusive leaders by equipping members across tenure, rank, and discipline with the relationships and resources needed to succeed.
These newly elected Directors join veteran Board members to guide the strategic priorities of PRO and strengthen its role in guiding the industry into a strong, healthy and fair future.
Dr. Chris Busey, Vice President of Inclusive Performance and Club Engagement at Major League Soccer, leads leaguewide strategy to drive inclusive business growth and performance across MLS and its Clubs, including MLS Advance, the league’s talent identification and development platform. Previously, he led League Advancement & Development Strategy, helping launch the USL’s inclusive coaching pathway and first comprehensive inclusion and social impact strategy. Dr. Busey serves on the boards of the Polis Institute and Common Goal USA and holds a B.S. from the University of Florida and a Ph.D. from the University of Central Florida.
Morgan currently serves as Executive Vice President of Player Operations for the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA). A Brooklyn native raised in the New York area, she brings a people-first leadership approach shaped by her Caribbean-American heritage and family background in education. She has built a diverse career across nonprofit, banking, and consulting, including roles with Lehman Brothers and Ernst & Young in London, where she led advisory and consulting recruiting efforts for the New York City market. A lifelong athlete with a passion for basketball, Morgan earned both her bachelor’s degree in business management and master’s degree in human resources management from Stony Brook University. She transitioned into Sports & Entertainment in 2012, joining the NBA as Team Lead for Early Career Development in Human Resources, with a focus on talent development, culture, and long-term organizational impact.
Travis Dillon, Senior Vice President of Marketing for the Texas Rangers, brings more than 20 years of agency experience working with global brands including AT&T, General Motors, PepsiCo, Taco Bell, and FedEx. Since joining the Rangers in 2018, he has led a cross-functional marketing organization responsible for stewarding and evolving the club’s brand while driving fan engagement and revenue across traditional, digital, and emerging platforms. Travis applies a balanced approach of marketing art and science to connect with fans authentically and effectively.
Jeff Fong is in his 12th season with the San Francisco 49ers and currently serves as Executive Vice President, Finance, overseeing finance, accounting, payroll, and procurement, and reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer.He joined the 49ers in 2014 as its first financial planning and analysis hire and has since built and led a high-impact finance function focused on long-term strategy, people development, and enterprise innovation.Jeff has played a central role in developing the 49ers’ budgeting and forecasting framework and leading major enterprise transformations across finance, accounting, and payroll to support scalable, sustainable growth.
Starr Jemison, Senior Vice President of Content Development & Private Events at Oak View Group, leads a division focused on driving content bookings, non-traditional touring, and private events across OVG’s network of more than 400 venues. A seasoned commercial leader with two decades of experience across sports and entertainment, she is known for scaling business units, fostering high-impact partnerships, and delivering year-round, innovative venue experiences. Starr has been recognized as a Connect 40 Under 40 honoree and a VenuesNow All-Star for her impact in live entertainment and events.
Karen Lorenzo serves as Chief Legal & Business Affairs Officer and Corporate Secretary for League One Volleyball (LOVB), the U.S. professional volleyball league building a new pro platform from grassroots clubs nationwide.She brings 30+ years of legal and business leadership across industries including sports, entertainment, tech, and publishing. Before her current role with LOVB, Karen was General Counsel & Secretary for the organization and has also worked as a strategic advisor and founding member of various ventures. Her experience includes senior legal and business affairs roles in major media and sports companies.
Karen holds a Bachelor’s degree from The Johns Hopkins University and a Juris Doctor from New York University School of Law, and is committed to advancing women’s opportunities in the sports ecosystem.
Samantha Simmons, Chief People & Internal Operations Officer at the LPGA, oversees People & Culture, Facilities, and Internal Operations for the global organization. She brings extensive senior people leadership experience from roles at Spurs Sports & Entertainment, HubSpot, Wayfair, and across the nonprofit and education sectors, with a focus on building high-performing and inclusive teams. Sam also serves on the boards of Pro Sports Assembly and Visible Hands, a venture fund supporting overlooked entrepreneurs.
“We proudly welcome these seven new board members whose stewardship, principled leadership, and valuable perspective will actively shape the progress of the professional sports landscape and strengthen the contributions of our association to this special industry.” - Marina Carpenter, Board Chair - Pro Sports Assembly
2026 Pro Sports Assembly Executive Committee and Officers
Chair: Marina Carpenter, Senior Vice President, Legal, Arizona Cardinals
Chair-Elect: Nicolas Somoano, Director of Finance, Legends Global
Immediate Past Chair: Oracio Galindo, Head of Employee Experience, Los Angeles Rams
Treasurer: Jeff Fong, Executive Vice President, Finance, San Francisco 49ers
Secretary: Crispus Gordon III, Vice President, Government Relations
Officers:
Zach Abaie, Vice President, Corporate Communications, Cleveland Cavaliers
Chioma Atanmo, Senior Director of Community Impact for Sporting KC
Tyler Beadlescomb, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Content, Pacers Sports & Entertainment
Dr. Chris Busey, Vice President of Inclusive Performance and Club Engagement, Major League Soccer
Morgan Cato, Senior Vice President of Player Development, National Basketball Players Association
Travis Dillon, Senior Vice President of Marketing for the Texas Rangers
Kim Francios, Vice President, Sponsorship Activation, Dallas Mavericks
Liz Geist, Executive Vice President of People and Culture & CHRO, Chicago Bears
Asia Gholston, Senior Vice President, Brand Marketing, Detroit Tigers and Red Wings
Allison Gordon, Executive Vice President, General Counsel & Head of People Operations, United Football League (UFL)
Elle Hagedorn, Sr. Director, Curry Brand Communications, Under Armour
Starr Jemison, Senior Vice President of Content Development & Private Events, Oak View Group
Stacy Johns, Chief Business Officer, LAFC and President, Grasshopper Club Zurich
Karen Lorenzo, Chief Legal & Business Affairs Officer, League One Volleyball (LOVB)
Samantha Simmons, Chief Legal & Internal Operations Officer, LPGA
Inky Son, Chief Operating Officer, Rebel Girls
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About Pro Sports Assembly
Established in 2019, Pro Sports Assembly (“PRO”) is the association for professional sports organizations and business leaders. PRO organizations drive value for the industry by creating economies of scale and scope around leadership development, research and advocacy. The power of Pro Sports Assembly comes to life because PRO members champion their individual development, organization and industry. Collectively, PRO members set the standard for leadership excellence in professional sports. For more information on Pro Sports Assembly, please visit www.prosportsassembly.org and connect on LinkedIn.
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