The Foundation

YOUR STORY STARTS HERE

THE LAND

Welcome to Cleveland

CULTURE

Strong Work Ethic | Passion for your Craft | Openness to Learning | Leadership | Positive Attitude

The Foundation is an elite Inside Sales program that serves as a platform to launch your career in sports. While in this program you will receive all the tools needed to have a long successful career in sports and develop a skill set that will make you one of the sharpest salespeople in our industry. The Cavaliers organization has a reputation of producing some of the strongest leaders in sports.

THE 5 CHARACTERISTICS OF OUR CULTURE

PASSION FOR YOUR CRAFT

Obsessed with getting better everyday at what you do.

POSITIVE ATTITUDE

The biggest controllable, we can’t always control the outcome but we can control how we react to it.

STRONG WORK ETHIC

Continuously giving maximum effort while always holding yourself to the highest standard.

OPENNESS TO LEARNING

Positively responds to training while continually seeking out constructive feedback to get better.

LEADERSHIP

It doesn’t take a title to be a leader, lead by example by always doing the right thing.

WHO WE ARE

LEADERSHIP

Meet our Cavs Ticket Sales Leadership Team

Aj Bondi

VICE PRESIDENT, PREMIUM DEVELOPMENT AND CLIENT ENGAGEMENT

First Job

Corporate Partnership Seasonal Assistant – Cleveland Cavaliers

Why is The Foundation important to you and/or the ticket sales team?

When you look at who has come through the Foundation, what they have done and where they have gone (whether it be here or to other organizations) it’s incredible. If you were to take that away, finding success would be extremely difficult, if not impossible.

ALEX JOYNER

MANAGER, THE FOUNDATION

First Job

Account Executive, Organizational Business Development – Cleveland Cavaliers

What has been your favorite memory with the Cavs?

My favorite memory was when I was the top seller for a company-wide sales competition and I got to take my mom on the team plane to Indianapolis to cheer on the Cavs!

Allison Howard

Chief Commercial Officer

First Job

Engineer – Shell Oil Company

What advice would you give someone that wants to work in the sports industry?

Show up with a smile, a positive attitude and a willingness to learn and work hard. I believe you learn more with a positive attitude and a smile. Plus, the right attitude goes a long way in life.

ANGELO HRONIS

Director, Business Development

First Job

Account Executive, Organizational Business Development – Cleveland Cavaliers

What is the best part about working for the Cavs?

The people. Everybody in the organization are genuinely good people. They push you to be the best version of yourself while bringing positive energy every day!

BILL FAGAN

President, Business Operations

First Job

Sales Consultant – Phoenix Suns

What is something that separates the Cavs organization from the rest?

This is THE best place to start and develop a career.  You will receive all the tools and training to be your best self supported by a caring team that sets you up for success.

DOUG WISLINSKI

SENIOR DIRECTOR, TICKET SALES & SERVICE

First Job

Inside Sales Representative – New York Knicks/Rangers

What is the best advice you've received in your sports career?

In your career there will be things you can and cannot control. You can always control your attitude and effort.

Jordyn Kovolyan

Director, Membership Development

First Job

Account Executive, Organizational Business Development – Cleveland Cavaliers

What is your advice for incoming industry professionals?

Start early! Connect with as many people as possible and ask as many questions as you can think of. The more you know coming into the industry, the more prepared you will be. Everyone in the industry has been through it themselves, and are willing to lend a helping hand to those who reach out!

Josh Lins

Vice President, Ticket Sales & Service

First Job

Account Executive, Organizational Business Development – Cleveland Cavaliers

What is the best advice you’ve received in your sports career?

Anyone can work hard for a day, but consistency is what will separate you. If you strive to “win the day” every single day, you will be great.

KIERSTEN GREEN

SENIOR MANAGER, GROUP SALES

First Job

Game Night Staff, Membership Service at Washington Capitals

Why is The Foundation important to you and/or the ticket sales team?

The Foundation is important to me because it equipped me with the tools to be a successful sales rep and now a new leader. The amount of leaders who are “home grown” is a testament to the quality of the program we have here, and also to the leaders who are at the forefront of leading this program.

KYLE KAMINSKI

MANAGER, THE FOUNDATION

First Job

Account Executive, Organizational Business Development – Cleveland Cavaliers

What is the best part about working for the Cavs?

Hands down the people. We have the best team members that are all working together for a common goal. We want to be the best in the business and make each other better every single day.

MAX WEISENBACH

SENIOR MANAGER, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

First Job

Group Sales Account Executive – Florida Panthers

Why is The Foundation important to you and/or the ticket sales team?

Graduates of the Foundation have gone on to excel in leadership roles both within the Cavaliers organization and across the broader sports and business industries-a testament to the program’s quality and impact. The Foundation is truly where future leaders are developed, setting the standard for professional growth and achievement in sports sales.

MELA SCHLESINGER

SENIOR DIRECTOR, REVENUE OPERATIONS & EXPERIENCES

First Job

Inside Sales Account Executive – Cleveland Cavaliers

What is the best part about working for the Cavs?

I love how open and supportive this organization is. If you have a question, want to pick someone’s brain, or just simply learn more about what they do – everyone is willing to lend a hand. I’ve learned so much about other parts of our business simply by asking to tell me more.

SAM BERMAN

SENIOR MANAGER, PREMIUM SALES

First Job

Account Executive, Organizational Business Development – Cleveland Cavaliers

What is the best part about working for the Cavs?

Working in the sports & entertainment industry allows you to be present for some pretty unique events, that most people don’t get access to on a regular basis. Being able to attend events like the NBA All-Star Weekend, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, & NCAA Championships are things I will be able to tell people about for years to come!

Sharon Smith

Director, Premium Membership Development

First Job

Corporate Sales Executive – Wichita Thunder

What’s the best advice you’ve received in your sports career?

Adversity is the preparation for greatness!

Cavs Front Office Hall of Fame

The group of individuals below are amongst the finest in the sports industry. Below are a few examples of leaders who’ve come through our Foundation program:

AJ Bondi

Vice President, Premium Development – Cleveland Cavaliers

Previous Position: Account Executive

AJ Gioglio

Senior Manager, Business Development – Arizona Diamondbacks

Previous Position: Account Executive

Angelo Hronis

Director, Business Development – Cleveland Cavaliers

Previous Position: Account Executive

Ashley Galbraith

Vice President of Membership Service and Fan Loyalty – Los Angeles Dodgers

Previous Position: Account Executive

Austin Cook

Premium Sales Executive – FIFA World Cup 2026 at On Location

Previous Position: Account Executive

Brett Wallace

VP of Sales – Sphere Entertainment Company

Previous Position: Account Executive

Chris Schons

Senior Manager, Premium Club Hospitality – Cleveland Cavaliers

Previous Position: Account Executive

Dan Maret

Director, Premium Services – Crypto.com Arena

Previous Position: Account Executive

Dan Purdy

Senior Manager, Business Development – Gamecock Sports Properties

Previous Position: Account Executive

Dan Rosenthal

EVP, Property Sales and Experience – Elevate Sports Ventures

Previous Position: Account Executive

Dave Leutwyler

Director, Regional Sales – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Previous Position: Account Executive

David Aitken

Vice President, Tickets Sales and Corporate Partnerships – Worcester Railers

Previous Position: Account Executive

David Koné

Agent, Basketball – William Morris Endeavor

Previous Position: Account Executive

Erica Gallardo

Director, Membership Services – ???

Previous Position: Account Executive

Erica Slye

Manager, New Business – Arizona Diamondbacks

Previous Position: Account Executive

Erin Simmons

Director of Ticket Sales – Milwaukee Bucks

Previous Position: Account Executive

Grant Hesselbart

Vice President of Ticket Sales & Service – Cleveland Charge

Previous Position: Account Executive

Jessica Fisher

Senior Director, Group & Membership Development – Cleveland Monsters

Previous Position: Account Executive

Jordyn Kovolyan

Sr. Manager of Membership Development – Cleveland Cavaliers

Previous Position: Account Executive

Josh Chua

Sr. Manager of Ticket & Premium Sales – REG

Previous Position: Account Executive

Josh Lins

Vice President, Ticket Sales & Service – Cleveland Cavaliers

Previous Position: Account Executive

Kathleen Coyle (Waddell)

VP, Premium Sales – Minnesota Vikings

Previous Position: Account Executive

Ken Meredith

VP of Premium & East Coast Sales – Professional Bull Riders

Previous Position: Account Executive

Kiersten Green

Manager, Group Sales – Cleveland Cavaliers

Previous Position: Account Executive

Madison Curl

Manager, Corporate Partnership Strategy– Illitch Sports

Previous Position: Account Executive

Matthew Kalister

SVP, Sales & Service & Strategy –Franchise Properties

Previous Position: Sales Consultant

Meka White Morris

EVP, Chief of Business Officer – Minnesota Twins

Previous Position: Account Executive

Mela Schlesinger

Director, Revenue Operations & Experiences – Cleveland Cavaliers

Previous Position: Account Executive

Michael Drobnick

VP, Ticket Sales & Service – Philadelphia 76ers

Previous Position: Account Executive

Mike Ostrowski

President – Franchise Properties

Previous Position: Sales Executive

Scott Gordon

Sales Director – PGA Tour

Previous Position: Account Executive

Zach Harvey

Senior Manager of Partnership Development – Houston Texans

Previous Position: BDS

Leaders who’ve had their pathways cross with the Cavs Front Office in the past or are currently with the Cavs Front office:

Abbey Mathis

VP of Ticket Memberships Services & Ops – Houston Texans

Ade Ayodele

Manager of Partnership Development – Charlotte Hornets

Previous Position: Inside Sales Consultant

Alyssa Keen

Manager Premium Hospitality Development – Cleveland Cavaliers

Previous Position: Account Executive

Amanda Petrek

Sr. Enterprise Client Relations Manager – Key Bank

Bob Sivik

VP of Sales – Linder Health

Bob Wunderlich

Director of Membership Sales – Denver Nuggets

Previous Position: Account Executive

Brad Sims

President & CEO – New York City Football Club

Previous Position: Chief Revenue Officer

Brian Basloe

CEO – Concierge Live

Bruce Wimbish

Director of Professional Sports Partnerships – Advance

Bryan Ralston

Manager Group Sales – Miami Heat

Previous Position: Telesales Representative

Carl Manteau

VP of Ticket Sales – Minnesota Timberwolves

Previous Position: Group Sales Specialist

Chad Estis

EVP – Legends

Previous Position: President – Legends

Dan Purdy

Sr. Manager of Business Development – Gamecock Sports Properties

Previous Position: Account Executive

David Livingston

VP Partnerships – Oak View Group

Dionna Widder

Chief Revenue Officer – Nashville Predators

Previous Position: Vice President of Ticket Sales and Service

Doug Dawson

Vice President of Ticket Sales & Service – Dallas Cowboys

Previous Position: Director of Sales

Doug Roberts

Senior Director of Premium Sales & Events – Benz Stadium & Atlanta Falcons

Previous Position: Account Executive

Eric Clouse

Commercial Consultant – Legends

Previous Position: Chief Commercial Officer – Haslam Sports Group

Garin Narain

EVP & CCO – Atlanta Hawks

Hallie Yavitch

Sr VP of Booking & Marketing – Crypto.com Arena

Jaclyn Urda

Senior Marketing Manager – 76ers

Previous Position: Night Sales

Jeff Bowler

VP of Business Ops – Monumental Sports

Jeff Ryznar

Owner – 898 Marketing

Jentry Mullins

VP of Ticket Sales & Service – BSE Global

Joe Hamlin

Director of Partnership Strategy – Cleveland Browns

Previous Position: BDS

Joel Adams

VP of Ticket Sales & Service – Arizona Cardinals

Previous Position: Manager of Inside Sales

John Fisher

Senior Vice President of Ticket Sales and Marketing – Arizona Diamondbacks

Previous Position: Director of Group Sales

Johnny Greco

CEO – Shine Entertainment

Jordan Cannon

Senior Director of Ticket Sales – New York City Football Club

Previous Position: Manager

Josh Baker

CRO, SVP of Global Partnerships – Professional Bull Riders

Ken Meredith

VP of Premium & East Coast Sales – Professional Bull Riders

Previous Position: Account Executive

Kerri Stephen

Chief Development Officer – United Way

Kerry Bubolz

President, CEO – Vegas Golden Knights

Kyle Walker

Manager, Corporate Partnership

Mark Schoppe

Manager of Corporate Partnerships – The Superlative Group

Previous Position: Account Executive

Matt Fahr

Director of Engagement Center at Legends & The Ohio State University – Legends

Previous Position: Night Sales Manager

Matt Korte

Senior Vice President, Corporate Partnerships & Development

Matt Papatheodorou

Director of Marketing – Cleveland Browns

Meredith Scerba

Senior Associate Athletic Director – University of South Florida

Michael Tomon

Co-President & COO – Legends

Previous Position: Sales Consultant

Mike Behan

President – Legends College

Mike Maleski

EVP – Babcox Media

Mike Ondrejko

President of Global Sales – Legends

Mike Ostrowski

President – Franchise Properties

Previous Position: Sales Executive

Nic Barlage

CEO – Rock Entertainment Group

Previous Position: Manager of Premium Sales

Nicholas Long

Director of Retail Ops – Orlando Magic

Previous Position: Account Executive

Nick Batista

Manager of Premium Sales – New Orlean Saints & Pelicans

Previous Position: Night Sales

Olivier Sedra

Voice of the Brooklyn Nets

Pam Frasco

Vice President of Marketing and Communications – Cleveland Monsters

Previous Position: Sales Intern

Paul Bee

SVP of Ticket Sales and Service – Milwaukee Bucks

Previous Position: Account Executive

Regis Bane

Executive Director of Ticketing Technology and Ticket Operations – Detroit Lions

Previous Position: Account Executive

Robert Minter

Vice President of Business Ops for Pegula Sports & Entertainment– Rochester Americans

Previous Position: Account Executive

Ryan Caler

Director of Organizational Business Development and Client Retention

Previous Position: Account Executive

Scott Bailey

Director of Corporate Partnerships – Columbus Blue Jackets

Scott Gordon

Sales Director – PGA Tour

Scott Woodruff

Sr Director of Corporate Partnerships – Detroit Lions

Sezin Aksoy

SVP of Global Data Strategy and Analytics – AXS

Spencer Ambrosius

Vice President of Ticket Sales and Service – Detroit Red Wings

Previous Position: Manager of Inside Sales

Steve Kessen

CEO – Fathom

Steve Korey

Director of Sales – Top Golf Cleveland

Previous Position: Account Executive

Tad Carper

SVP of Communications – Dallas Cowboys

Tamzin Barroilhet

Global Sports Marketing – Under Armor

Taylor Laurer

Vice President of Ticket Sales and Service – Washington Football Team

Previous Position: Account Executive

Todd Fleming

Vice President & GM – Legends

Previous Position: Sales Executive

Troy Tutt

SVP of Ticketing & Hospitality – LIV Golf

Previous Position: Account Executive

Wendy Ross

Founder – Level-Up Strategic Marketing

Wes Warne

Director of Ticket Sales and Career Advancement – Milwaukee Bucks

Previous Position: Account Executive

FAMILY OF COMPANIES

Obsessed with Finding a Better Way, For Our Clients, for Our Communities, and for Our Team Members

DAN GILBERT

FOUNDER AND CHAIRMAN, QUICKEN LOANS AND ROCK VENTURES

CHAIRMAN, 2016 NBA CHAMPION CLEVELAND CAVALIERS

Dan Gilbert is Founder and Chairman of Quicken Loans, the nation’s largest mortgage lender. He is also Founder and Chairman of Rock Ventures, the umbrella entity for his portfolio of business and real estate investments, and Chairman of the Cleveland Cavaliers. For the past four consecutive years, the Cleveland Cavaliers have made appearances in the NBA Finals, and in 2016 won the NBA championship. Rock Ventures and its more than 100 affiliated companies across the country employ more than 30,000 team members, including more than 17,000 in Detroit’s urban core.
Dan is also an active investor in tech, sports-related and consumer direct companies. Dan is a Founder and Principal of Detroit Venture Partners (DVP), a venture capital firm that funds startup and early-stage technology companies and a Founding Partner of Detroit-based private equity group Rockbridge Growth Equity.
Dan began moving his Family of Companies to Detroit’s central business district in 2010 in an effort to help lead the transformation of a great American city. In 2011, Dan co-founded Detroit-based Bedrock, a full-service real estate firm specializing in acquiring, leasing, financing, and managing commercial and residential space. Since its founding, Bedrock and its affiliates have invested and committed more than $5.6 billion to acquiring and developing more than 100 properties, including new construction of ground up developments in downtown Detroit and Cleveland, totaling more than 18 million square feet.
Dan serves on the boards of the Cleveland Clinic and the Children’s Tumor Foundation. In 2015, Dan and Jennifer Gilbert established the Gilbert Family Foundation and in 2017, formed ‘NF Forward’ to fund cutting-edge research dedicated to finding a cure for neurofibromatosis (NF). Dan earned his bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and his law degree from Wayne State University.

NIC BARLAGE

CEO, ROCK ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

Nic Barlage is Chief Executive Officer of Rock Entertainment Group (REG), the entity behind Cavaliers Chairman Dan Gilbert’s Rock Family of Companies. The group encompasses the NBA Cleveland Cavaliers, the AHL Cleveland Monsters, the NBA G League Cleveland Charge, the Cavs Legion in the NBA 2K League, and the newly formed Rock Entertainment Sports Network (RESN). REG also manages operations of key venues such as the Cleveland Clinic Courts and Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse (RMFH), the epicenter of sports and entertainment in Cleveland.
Barlage joined the Cavaliers in 2017 as President of Business Operations, overseeing the 2019-2020 transformation of RMFH, solidifying its status the epicenter of sports and entertainment in downtown Cleveland and the largest driver of economic impact in Cuyahoga County. In 2021, he was named CEO of the Cavaliers and REG.
Before joining the Cavaliers, Barlage served as the Senior Vice President and Chief Sales Officer for the Phoenix Suns during the 2013-14 season, leading their premium and ticket sales and marketing endeavors. Earlier, Barlage spent five seasons with the Cavaliers, culminating in his role as Vice President of Sales and Service before his move to Phoenix. Prior to his time in Cleveland, he honed his expertise in suite and premium seating during stints with the Suns and the Charlotte Bobcats, totaling three seasons.
Fulfilling the vision of REG Chairman Dan Gilbert, under Barlage’s leadership REG has transformed from a regional force into a global catalyst for change. The Cavaliers have forged partnerships across all levels, from local neighborhoods to international communities, amplifying their impact far beyond Northeast Ohio. This expansive reach has translated into tangible results: over $48 million invested in community initiatives and more than 52,000 volunteer hours contributed by team members. REG’s support extends to organizations tackling critical issues such as education, food security, violence prevention and youth development. By creating safe spaces and enriching programs, REG isn’t just improving communities – it’s reshaping futures.
Barlage is member of Cosm’s board, a global technology company that creates immersive “shared reality” entertainment. He also serves on advisory boards for esteemed institutions such as the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, American Red Cross, Cleveland Leadership Center, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland Clinic Pediatrics Leadership Council, Greater Cleveland Partnership, Boys & Girls Club of Northeast Ohio and Hathaway Brown School.
A proud graduate of Saint John’s University (Minn.), Barlage earned a degree in Psychology in May 2006. He and his wife, Traci, have two daughters, Brooklyn and Kennedy.

BILL FAGAN

PRESIDENT, BUSINESS OPERATIONS

Bill Fagan is the President of Business Operations for Rock Entertainment Group (REG), the parent company encompassing the NBA Cleveland Cavaliers, the NBA G League Cleveland Charge, the AHL Cleveland Monsters, the NBA 2K Cavs Legion Gaming Club, Rock Entertainment Sports Network and Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. In this role, Bill oversees all business operation departments for REG including communications, marketing, franchise and commercial.
Prior to joining REG, Bill served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Playfly Aspire for Playfly Sports. His tenure at The Aspire Group was marked by extraordinary achievements, including generating over $1.5 Billion in revenue and maintaining 15 consecutive years of profitability. Bill’s leadership guided the company from its inception to serving over 300 sports organizations across 11 countries, hiring more than 1,300 employees, and developing over 100 sports business leaders from entry-level positions to leadership and executive roles.  Bill is recognized for developing peak-performing organizations on the business side of sports, taking people and teams to unprecedented success.
Bill’s prior roles additionally include senior positions at the Phoenix Suns, Charlotte Bobcats and Moncton Wildcats Hockey Club, where he drove substantial revenue growth and significantly enhanced operational effectiveness.
Bill holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Miami and an MBA from the Goizueta School of Business at Emory University. He was recognized as one of Sports Business Journal’s 40-Under-40 in the 2017 class and led The Aspire Group to be named one of the Best Places to Work in Sports by Forbes and Front Office Sports.
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Fathead
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Rocket Mortgage
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JOIN THE FOUNDATION

If you are interested in learning more about The Foundation, please reach out to Kyle Kaminski at kkaminski@cavs.com or Alex Joyner at ajoyner@cavs.com.