Friday, April 10th

Keynote Speaker

  • Drew Hawkins

    CEO of Edyoucore

    Drew Hawkins is the founder of Edyoucore Sports & Entertainment and a 30-year veteran of the financial industry. Formerly the first African American Managing Director in Wealth Management at Morgan Stanley, he launched the firm’s Global Sports & Entertainment Division before founding Edyoucore in 2018. Drew is a leading authority on financial education for athletes and entertainers, featured on CNBC, Fox Business, NFL Network, and in major publications. A Maryland native, he serves on multiple boards and is passionate about mentoring, financial literacy, and mental wellness.

Saturday, April 11th

Session #1

9:00 AM-9:45 AM

  • "How Teams Cultivate a Strong Gameday Environment"

    Jimmy Greene

    VP of Marketing & Community Affairs

    The Saginaw Spirit named Jimmy Greene as Vice President of Marketing and Community Relations ahead of the 2024–25 season. Greene joined the organization in 2023 as Special Event Sales Director and played a key role in preparations for the 2024 Memorial Cup. Known for his strong work ethic and passion for serving the community, Greene continues to elevate the Spirit’s impact both on and off the ice.

  • "NIL: Now Impacts Later"

    Drew Hawkins

    CEO of Edyoucore

    Drew Hawkins is the founder of Edyoucore Sports & Entertainment and a 30-year veteran of the financial industry. Formerly the first African American Managing Director in Wealth Management at Morgan Stanley, he launched the firm’s Global Sports & Entertainment Division before founding Edyoucore in 2018. Drew is a leading authority on financial education for athletes and entertainers, featured on CNBC, Fox Business, NFL Network, and in major publications. A Maryland native, he serves on multiple boards and is passionate about mentoring, financial literacy, and mental wellness.

  • "Consistency: Why the Best Organizations Look and Feel the Same Everywhere"

    Joshua Reasoner

    Marketing, Network, and Development Professional

    Joshua Reasoner is a seasoned leader in sports operations, marketing, and athletic administration with over 20 years of experience. He currently serves as a board member for the Northern Michigan Alliance for Children, Director of Collegiate Development at GO Fitness, Inc., and owner of Elevate Sports Consulting LLC. His career includes work with organizations such as adidas, International Motor Sports Association, CBS Sports, and Central Michigan University Athletics. Earlier, he served as President of the Port Huron Pirates, leading the team to an undefeated championship season.

Session #2: Block A

10:00 AM-10:45 AM

“Developing Organizational Culture in an Ever-Changing Sports Environment”

  • Jacob Sakk

    Director of Player Personnel - Central Michigan Football

    Jacob Sakk begins his first year as a member of the Central Michigan football staff as its Senior Director of Player Personnel. After serving as Duquesne’s Director of Player Personnel, Sakk arrives at Central Michigan after working the past five years on the Duquesne University staff, where he served in a variety of roles. Sakk had direct oversight of the Dukes’ recruiting operation and played a key role in helping Duquesne sign 29 all conference players since 2022. His many roles at Duquesne included Director of Player Personnel (2024), Recruiting Assistant (2024), Offensive Quality Control Coach (2022-24) and Video Assistant (2020-21). He was hired full-time as the Director of Player Personnel in July 2024.

  • Mike Longyear

    PGA General Manager - Pohlcat Golf Club

    A PGA professional and club executive, he currently serves with Troon at Pohlcat Golf Club. He previously held General Manager and Head Professional roles at Sand Creek Country Club, South Bend Country Club, Lost Dunes Golf Club, and El Macero Country Club, leading golf operations, financial performance, and membership experience.

  • Tyler Parsons

    President and General Manager - Columbus Clippers

    A graduate of Central Michigan University, Parsons previously served as GM of the Durham Bulls and has led organizations across multiple Minor League Baseball levels since 2013. In 2024, Durham was honored as Triple-A Organization of the Year and received a Golden Bobblehead Award for Most Unique Partner Activation.

Session #2: Block B

10:00 AM-10:45 AM

“Crisis Management: What Happens When Things Go Wrong?”

  • Paige Kopczyk

    Executive Director at First Tee Eastern Michigan

    Paige is the Executive Director of First Tee Eastern Michigan, beginning her role in June 2024. She earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Central Michigan University and previously served as a Graduate Assistant for the Sarah R. Opperman Leadership Institute. In 2023, she completed a PGA WORKS Fellowship, where her work with PGA HOPE strengthened her passion for making a difference through the game of golf.

  • Mark Uyl

    MHSAA Executive Director

    Mark Uyl joined the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) staff in 2004 and oversees nearly 10,000 officials while also serving as director of baseball. During his time with the MHSAA, he has helped expand training and support for officials and played a key role in launching the Association’s concussion care insurance for student-athletes. He has also worked to improve championship experiences, including moving the MHSAA Baseball and Softball Finals to Michigan State University in 2014.

  • Emily Dickerson

    Detroit Lions Stadium Operations Coordinator

    Emily graduated from Central Michigan University in May 2023 with a degree in Sport Management and Event Management, where she spent three years working with the Facilities & Event Operations team for CMU Athletics. After graduation, she joined the Operations department as an intern with the Detroit Lions and has been working full-time with the organization since January 2024, supporting credentialing, event operations, and game-day logistics.

  • Maddison Carlock

    Manager of Ticket Operations at NASCAR

    Maddison is an experienced ticket operations professional with four years of expertise in managing ticketing systems and delivering seamless event experiences. She is proficient in platforms such as Provenue, Paciolan, and Ticketmaster, where she has developed strong skills in ticket resolution and operational efficiency. Maddison is passionate about using technology to enhance organizational processes and elevate the customer experience. She embraces a growth mindset and is committed to continuously learning and adapting within the evolving sports and entertainment industry.

Session #2: Block C

10:00 AM-10:45 AM

"The Future of Sports is Female"

  • Gillian Lee

    Video Producer/Editor - Big Ten Network

    A graduate of Central Michigan University, Gillian Lee is a multimedia video producer and sport management professional currently working with the Big Ten Network. During her time at CMU, she served as Head of Creative Video as a student, leading content creation and helping shape the visual storytelling efforts of the program.

  • Ashley Jetzer

    Director of Football Operations - CMU Football

    Ashley Jetzer is in her sixth year with the Central Michigan Chippewas football program and currently serves as Assistant Director of Football Operations under head coach Matt Drinkall. She previously worked as the program’s football administrative assistant and spent four years as an assistant video coordinator, contributing to video production and graphic design.

  • Krista Plummer

    Senior Associate Athletic Director at Northwood University

    Krista Plummer is now in her 15th year as a member of the Northwood University athletic staff.  She is the Associate Athletic Director for the Timberwolves, overseeing student-athlete development.  Plummer also serves as Northwood’s senior women’s administrator and is the SAAC Director. Previously in her time at Northwood, Plummer worked as the Compliance Director. Plummer has been working in college athletics since her graduation from Central Michigan in 1993.  She worked as a sports information director at both Arkansas and East Tennessee State for two years before moving on to the Mid-American Conference.  Plummer was at the MAC for 12 years, finishing her time as the Director of Sport Programs. She earned her Master’s Degree from Tiffin in May of 2010.

Session #3

11:00 AM-11:45 AM

  • "Developing Tomorrow's Leaders"

    Josh Chaffin

    Chaplain - CMU Football and Men’s Basketball

    With two decades of experience mentoring college students, Josh has dedicated his career to supporting the growth and spiritual well-being of young adults during some of their most formative years. His ministry at Central Michigan University includes serving as the football chaplain for 15 years, along with recently stepping into the role of men’s basketball chaplain. He is passionate about relational discipleship, believing that the most profound spiritual growth happens through intentional, authentic connections. Outside of his work with student-athletes, he is a devoted husband and the proud father of three boys, who continually inspire his commitment to building a lasting legacy through faith and family.

  • "Data-Driven Decision-Making"

    Nolan Jones

    Director of Analytics - CMU Football

    Nolan Jones is in his second year as Director of Analytics for the Central Michigan football program. He previously spent three years at Kansas Wesleyan, his alma mater, where he served as Defensive Run Game Coordinator, Recruiting Coordinator, Defensive Line Coach, and Strength and Speed Coach. Jones also gained experience at Highland Community College and Northwest Missouri State. A former defensive lineman at Kansas Wesleyan, he was part of two conference championship teams and earned multiple academic and character honors.

Session #4: Block A

12:30 PM - 1:15 PM

“Coaching in Today’s Climate”

  • Jim Chapin

    Offensive Coordinator / QB Coach - CMU Football

    Jim Chapin is in his second season as Central Michigan’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, bringing 17 years of experience. He previously led high-powered offenses at Eastern Washington and the University of Sioux Falls, consistently ranking among the nation’s best. Chapin has developed numerous standout players, including NFL talent, and began his coaching career in Michigan after graduating from the University of Michigan.

  • Christian Dukes

    Cornerbacks Coach - CMU Football

    Christian Dukes joined the Central Michigan University football program coaching staff in 2024 as cornerbacks/nickels coach, bringing nine years of experience. He previously spent three seasons at Youngstown State football program, where he developed all-conference defensive backs and helped lead the team to an FCS playoff appearance. Dukes has also coached at Tiffin University football program and North Park University football program. A former four-year starter at University of Toledo football program, he earned his degree in sports management in 2015.

  • Keith Murphy

    Special Teams Coordinator - CMU Football

    Keith Murphy enters his sixth season as the special teams coordinator with the Central Michigan Football program and first on head coach Matt Drinkall’s staff. Murphy was originally a member of Jim McElwain’s staff.

Session #4: Block B

12:30 PM-1:15 PM

“The Changing Landscape of Sports Media”

  • Craig Custance

    Head of Creative Development - The Athletic

    Craig Custance is the Head of Creative Development at The Athletic. He previously served as an Editorial Director, overseeing the NHL, MLB, and college football coverage. Before that, he was a Senior NHL Writer at ESPN.

    He is the author of The Franchise: The Business of Building Winning Teams (2024) and Behind the Bench: Inside the Minds of Hockey's Greatest Coaches (2017).

  • Andrew Kolly

    Coordinator/Football Creative Content - CMU Football

    Andrew Kolly was named Director of Football Creative Content for the Central Michigan University football program in 2026 after contributing during Head Coach Matt Drinkall’s first season in 2025. He leads the program’s creative content strategy and oversees all promotional and digital media, supporting recruiting, branding, and visibility. Previously, Kolly spent three years as a creative videographer with Central Michigan University Athletics, producing content across multiple sports and covering conference and NCAA events. He earned his degree in Broadcast and Cinematic Arts in 2025, with minors in Multimedia Design and Advertising.

  • Max Bultman

    Red Wings Beat Writer - The Athletic

    Max Bultman is the Detroit Red Wings beat writer at The Athletic, where he has worked since 2017, previously covering the Detroit Tigers and University of Michigan football. Bultman is a 2017 graduate of the University of Michigan, where he studied Public Policy and was the managing sports editor of The Michigan Daily. He is a native of Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Session #4: Block C

12:30 PM-1:15 PM

“Storytelling as a Sales Tool”

  • "Storytelling as a Sales Tool"

    Dominic Teoli

    Manager of Inside Sales at Illitch Sports

    Dominic is the Manager of Inside Sales at Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, previously serving in Premium Sales and New Business roles. A former leader at Towson University, he began his career in ticket sales and athletic operations, building a strong foundation in sports business and team leadership.

  • "Storytelling as a Sales Tool"

    Reggie Woods

    Senior Manager and Partnership Sales at NASCAR

    Reggie Woods is a sales and partnership leader at NASCAR, known for building strategic relationships and driving global business growth. Recognized as one of Central Michigan University’s “10 Within 10,” he is passionate about mentoring future sport management professionals while blending strong performance with purpose-driven leadership.

  • "Storytelling as a Sales Tool"

    David Acord

    Director of Group Sales & Service at USPBL

    David Acord is a sports industry professional and a Central Michigan University graduate with a degree in Sport Management. He began his career with the USPBL as an intern and quickly transitioned into a full-time role, growing with the organization ever since. Now serving as Director of Group Sales & Service for the USPBL and UWM Field, David leads group sales initiatives, builds strong client relationships, and delivers exceptional fan experiences. He also oversees the USPBL Sales Department Internship team.