The Foundation

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 current leaders in the sports industry who’ve come through our Foundation program:

AJ Bondi

Vice President, Premium Development and Client Engagement – Cleveland Cavaliers

AJ Gioglio

Senior Manager, Business Development – Arizona Diamondbacks

Angelo Hronis

Director, Business Development – Cleveland Cavaliers

Ashley Galbraith

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

Austin Cook

Premium Sales Executive – FIFA World Cup 2026 at On Location

Brett Wallace

Vice President, Sales – Sphere Entertainment Company

Chris Schons

Senior Manager, Premium Club Hospitality – Cleveland Cavaliers

Dan Maret

Director, Premium Services – Crypto.com Arena

Dan Purdy

Senior Manager, Business Development – Gamecock Sports Properties

Dan Rosenthal

Executive Vice President, Property Sales and Experience – Elevate Sports Ventures

Dave Leutwyler

Director, Regional Sales – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

David Aitken

Vice President, Tickets Sales and Corporate Partnerships – Worcester Railers

David Koné

Agent, Basketball – William Morris Endeavor

Erica Gallardo

Senior Director, Membership Services – Tennessee Titans

Erica Slye

Manager, New Business – Arizona Diamondbacks

Erin Simmons

Director, Ticket Sales – Milwaukee Bucks

Grant Hesselbart

Vice President, Ticket Sales & Service – Cleveland Charge

Jessica Fisher

Senior Director, Group & Membership Development – Cleveland Monsters

Jordyn Kovolyan

Director, Membership Development – Cleveland Cavaliers

Josh Chua

Director, Ticket Sales and Revenue – Rocket Entertainment Group

Josh Lins

Vice President, Ticket Sales & Service – Cleveland Cavaliers

Kathleen Coyle (Waddell)

Vice President, Premium Sales – Minnesota Vikings

Ken Meredith

Vice President, Premium & East Coast Sales – Professional Bull Riders

Kiersten Green

Senior Manager, Group Sales – Cleveland Cavaliers

Madison Curl

Manager, Corporate Partnership Strategy – Illitch Sports

Matthew Kalister

Senior Vice President, Sales & Service & Strategy – Franchise Properties

Meka White Morris

Executive Vice President of Revenue, Chief Business Officer – Minnesota Twins

Mela Schlesinger

Senior Director, Revenue Operations & Experiences – Cleveland Cavaliers

Michael Drobnick

Vice President, Ticket Sales & Service – Philadelphia 76ers

Mike Ostrowski

President – Franchise Properties

Scott Gordon

Sales Director – PGA Tour

Zach Harvey

Senior Manager, Partnership Development – Houston Texans

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

Vice President, Strategic Business Development & Special Projects – Charlotte Hornets

Ade Ayodele

Manager of Partnership Development – Charlotte Hornets

Alyssa Keen

Marketing Director – The Coca-Cola Company

Amanda Petrek

Senior Enterprise Client Relations Manager – Key Bank

Bob Sivik

Vice President, Sales – Linder Health

Bob Wunderlich

Director, Membership Sales – Denver Nuggets

Brad Sims

President & CEO – New York City Football Club

Brian Basloe

CEO – Concierge Live

Bruce Wimbish

Business Development Sales Manager – ASM Global

Bryan Ralston

Inside & Group Sales Director – Hall of Fame Resort & Entertainment Company

Carl Manteau

Vice President, Ticket Sales – Minnesota Timberwolves

Chad Estis

Executive Vice President – Legends

Dan Purdy

Senior Manager, Business Development – Gamecock Sports Properties

David Livingston

Chief Commercial Officer – World Long Drive

Dionna Widder

Chief Revenue Officer – Nashville Predators

Doug Dawson

Senior Vice President – Dallas Cowboys

Doug Roberts

Vice President, Stadium Events & Premium Sales – AMB Sports + Entertainment

Eric Clouse

Senior Vice President, New Stadium Team – New York City FC & Etihad Park

Garin Narain

Executive Vice President and Chief Communications Officer – Atlanta Hawks & State Farm Arena

Hallie Yavitch

Senior Vice President Booking & Marketing – Crypto.com Arena, Peacock Theater, and L.A. LIVE

Jaclyn Urda

Marketing Manager – Carolina Panthers

Jeff Ryznar

Owner – 898 Marketing

Jentry Mullins

Vice President, Ticket Sales & Service – BSE Global

Joel Adams

Senior Vice President of Ticket Sales & Service – Arizona Cardinals

John Fisher

Vice President, Sales – Cirque du Soleil

Jordan Cannon

Vice President, Sales & Marketing Operations – Lehigh Valley Phantoms & PPL Center

Josh Baker

Chief Revenue Officer – Professional Bull Riders, LLC

Ken Meredith

Vice President, Premium & East Coast Sales – Professional Bull Riders, LLC

Kerry Bubolz

President, CEO – Vegas Golden Knights

Mark Schoppe

 Senior Business Development Manager – Exit Planning Institute

Matt Fahr

Senior Director Business Development & Premium Partnerships –   Detroit Lions

Matt Korte

Senior Vice President, Corporate Partnerships & Development – The Superlative Group, Inc.

Matt Papatheodorou

Director, Marketing – Cleveland Browns

Meredith Scerba

 Senior Vice President – National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics

Mike Behan

Chief Business & Revenue Officer – Charlotte Hornets

Mike Maleski

Co-President – Babcox Media

Mike Ondrejko

President, Global Sales – Legends

Mike Ostrowski

President – Franchise Properties

Nic Barlage

CEO – Rock Entertainment Group

Nicholas Long

Director, Retail Ops – Orlando Magic

Nick Batista

Director, Premium Sales – United Center

Pam Frasco

Vice President, Social Impact & Foundation – Cleveland Cavaliers

Paul Bee

Senior Vice President, Ticket Sales and Service – Milwaukee Bucks

Regis Bane

Executive Director, Ticketing Technology and Ticket Operations – Detroit Lions

Robert Minter

Senior Vice President, Business Operations – Buffalo Sabres

Ryan Caler

Senior Director of Service, Retention & Franchise Foundation – Cleveland Monsters

Scott Gordon

Sales Director – PGA Tour

Scott Woodruff

Senior Director, Corporate Partnerships – Detroit Lions

Sezin Aksoy

Senior Vice President, Global Data Strategy & Analytics – AXS

Spencer Ambrosius

Vice President, Ticket Sales & Service – Detroit Red Wings

Steve Korey

Director, Sales (Cleveland Market) – Topgolf

Tamzin Barroilhet

Director, Global Sports Marketing – Under Armor

Taylor Laurer

Vice President, Ticket Sales, Service & Operations – Washington Commanders

Troy Tutt

Senior Vice President, Ticketing & Hospitality – LIV Golf

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.

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.