speakers

Selected as Georgia Entertainment's 200 Most Influential of Georgia's Creative Industries Art/Animation director at Black Women Animate studios (bwastudios.com) Other positions: Operations Director, (former executive director x2 terms 6 years) ASIFA-South 501c3 international animation society Managing Director/Producer at Slothique LLC (Co-Owner)

Matt has been a leader in the esports industry since he founded UGC in 2005. His vision for the company emerged from his love of video games and competition. Under his guidance UGC has expanded to include three core businesses - online tournaments, live events, and content creation - and evolved from operating out of 625 square foot attic space to producing record-breaking events in global stadiums for some of today’s most popular video game titles with such strategic partners as Microsoft, Caesars Entertainment, Blizzard, the United States Army, Red Bull and more. In 2016 Matt partnered with Lineup Media Group to scale the company globally. Matt's entrepreneurial spirit coupled with the skillsets he obtained from earning an architecture degree, underscore his management of all aspects of UGC. In his role, Matt is responsible for business planning, budgeting, fundraising, new business, strategic partnerships, production services, original content, streaming and merchandising. Additionally, Matt has been hands-on with all patent/technical writing since the inception of the company. Prior to founding UGC, Matt earned a Master of Architecture from Southern Illinois University Carbondale with a focus on modular design, digital fabrication, 3D printing (rapid prototyping), and sustainable design. He also holds Manufacturing Skill Standards and OSHA outreach trainer certificates while instructing at Rend Lake College. Personal Research includes industrial design, manufacturing, electronics, mold creation/casting, CNC fabrication, 3D printing, graphic design, silk screening, and dye sublimation. Instructor at Rend Lake College focusing on Architecture, manufacturing, and Digital Fabrication. Interests include: Advancing architecture, manufacturing, and digital fabrication. Growth of competitive video gaming (esports) to a sustainable future for viewers/competitors. Creating innovative jobs for emergent technologies and industries.

Oversee digital, social, and broadcast for the premiere professional soccer team in the southeast.

Mac Dougan serves as the Assistant Director of Digital Initiatives for Special Olympics Illinois, where he strives to connect technology solutions with and for individuals with intellectual disabilities. He is a graduate of Indiana University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Special Education. After graduation, he joined Special Olympics Illinois to begin his career in serving individuals with intellectual disabilities through the power of sport, training, and competition. In 2020, Mac started the first ever Special Olympics Unified esports program, to provide continued competition for Special Olympics athletes during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Starting with just four athletes, his program has grown to over 300 athletes and Unified Partners across Illinois. This work, in tandem with an importance of teaching digital citizenship, has led to an increase of interactivity, safety and growth for athletes in online spaces. What began as an effort to bring athletes together virtually during the pandemic, has now grown to a successful statewide team with multiple championship titles, including the inaugural Special Olympics USA Games esports tournament in Orlando, Florida. Mac’s biggest passion is for working with and for individuals with disabilities and continuing to push for technology solutions that are equitable and inclusive for all walks of life.

Leading the creation, implementation and growth of varsity collegiate esports programs across the U.S. The NACE is the largest membership association of varsity collegiate esports for 156 colleges and universities (and growing!). 90% of all varsity programs in the U.S. are currently members!

Michael Park, D.O., graduated with a bachelor's degree from University of California, Los Angeles, and his Master of Medical Sciences from Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia. He earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine. He has been practicing at Piedmont since 2015 as a Primary Care Physician. In his spare time, Dr. Park is an avid PC gamer playing mostly MMOs (massive multiplayer online) and live service looter shooter games.

Executive with strong C-level relationships, P/L management, and a proven track record raising capital, building assets, creating culture and leading organizations. Focused on strategic growth and revenue generation initiatives across sponsorship, digital video/mobile and audio content, integrated media and analytics in both traditional sports and esports.

Michelle Davis is an associate in Arnall Golden Gregory LLP’s Corporate & Finance and Technology practices and a member of the Emerging Technologies and Entertainment & Sports industry teams. She represents buyers and sellers of technology, providing comprehensive legal support to protect and monetize their intellectual property in the digital age.

As a lifelong teacher, educator, coach & field instructor I have created environments for people to learn experientially about subject matter, the world around them, and about themselves. Seeing context as the classroom, curriculum can be lived when it is built around big-picture ideas that are worked through in practical, applied settings. Learning about ecological systems and human geography by traveling the landscape of rivers and watersheds with local farmers and fishers. Developing an understanding of health and human performance by working personally through general physical fitness and mental performance. Using the natural world to explore math and science using the power of observation and testing hypotheses. This is how education develops passion, sparks life-long-learning, and becomes a catalyst for personal growth and a desire to change the world around ourselves.

Monique Paes is a Special Education and Literacy Intervention teacher for Bronx River High School in New York City. Monique's journey into the world of Esports was unconventional but one of the best steps she took towards creating an inclusive community of like-minded student gamers at her school. She learned about the benefits of how creating an Esports team helped foster student's social-emotional skills as well as their communication skills while creating a sense of pride and belonging for those who don't fit into the traditional "sports" mold. Today, her school's teams in Valorant, Rocket League and Smash Bro's are approaching their 4th year and student's are always enthusiastic to learn that there is a place for them in school where they can just be kids and have fun while learning.

My name is Mykiah Bonhom and I am a Product Specialist at Spectrum Industries. In May of 2023 I graduated from Shenandoah University with a degree in Esports Management. I have a vast amount of experience in esports including working with the Washington Justice, Esports Engine, Esports Insider, and the International Esports Federation (IESF). I am passionate about gaming and esports and look forward to using my role at Spectrum to help push the industry forward.

Neil Duffy is the Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) at eFuse, a global platform for gamers to meet, compete and get discovered. eFuse launched in 2020 and has registered over 750,000 users and had 35,000 opportunities available on its site from scholarships, jobs, internships, pro teams etc… and recently acquired the College Call of Duty (CCL) and College Carball Association (CCA). His focus is on revenue generation through partnerships, advertising, sponsorships and publisher relations …Prior to that Neil was the Chief Commercial Officer at CSL Esports and WorldGaming, which was sold to a private equity firm in 2020. Neil has previously been a Professor at Durham College’s School of Business and has guest lectured across many North American schools including MIT, West Virginia University, UNLV, University of Florida and many more.

As a student at Spelman College, I am on an exciting journey to explore the intersection of technology, design, and entertainment. Currently pursuing a major in Computer Science, I am passionate about leveraging my technical knowledge to create seamless and visually engaging user experiences (UI/UX). Beyond the classroom, I embrace my creative side as a part-time content creator and Twitch Streamer. My love for graphic design allows me to blend aesthetics with functionality, always seeking to design experiences that leave a lasting impact. I thrive on the challenge of transforming ideas into captivating visuals. With a keen eye for design and a solid understanding of social media platforms, I enjoy experimenting with innovative ways to engage and connect with audiences. My skills in graphic design and social media management complement my aspirations in the world of UI/UX, providing a holistic perspective on crafting digital experiences. I'm eager to learn, grow, and collaborate with fellow professionals and creatives. Let's connect and explore how we can shape the digital landscape together!

PK "ch3m1st" Graff here, gamer extraordinaire and your Esports sensei by day, and by night, the strategic mastermind behind Ghost Gaming Academy's talent forge. When I'm not pwning noobs or racking up Victory Royales, I'm crafting the next level of game-centric brain fuel for K-12 legends-in-the-making at Forsyth Virtual Academy. I'm all about leveling up real-world skills through Esports and Python programming, pushing for epic wins in computer science equity, and managing FoCo Esports' mighty roster of 500+ players. So whether I'm in the classroom or the arena, I'm building an army of Spirited Gamers ready to take on the world. Remember, in the game of life and pixels, keep your HP high and your spirits higher—Stay Positive Out There Gamers! 🎮✨

Pamela Moreno has been an NYC educator for over a decade. She has dedicated her career to supporting struggling learners and helping them cultivate a passion for learning, while also guiding them to think outside of the box. Ms. Moreno has dedicated her time to forming relationships with her students and breaking down barriers that would hinder their social-emotional and academic growth. In her interactions with students, she works to demonstrate creativity along with proactive problem solving skills, particularly with regards to ensuring that students have spaces to explore and develop their own interests and passions. Creating one of the NYC’s first esports team that has facilitated her students with opportunities to prepare themselves with critical skills for the 21st century such as, strategizing, content creating, organizing and entrepreneurial. Thus, making her a Community Leader for the 2023-2024 school year with the Network of Academic Scholastic Esports Federation.

EdTech Digest Top 100 Global Leader in EdTech Charlotte 40 Under 40

Extensive B2B and B2C event management experience for a Fortune 500 company, emphasizing hands-on demo activities for media and consumers. Brandtastic understanding of your product’s core values and audience, brilliantly illustrated through blogposts, trailers, event booth design, and social media creative, all drafted and delivered with lightning-quick turnaround times. Crafter of authentic copy and playful prose designed to engage your readers and supercharge your CTR (while sneaking puns into every project I can get away with). Proficiency in people-management, be it brand ambassadors, contractors, company charity livestreams, or marketing and social media internship programs. I enjoy retro video games, travel, electric bicycles, cooking, dad jokes, cartoons, and cats!

I am the co-founder of the*gameHERs, media platform and social network for women who game. the*gameHERs celebrates women in gaming industry and works to advance the role, voice, image, and power of all the*gameHERs in the gaming world. I was the Managing Director of Advertising and Strategic Partnerships at @mommybites, which we sold in 2016. 20+ years in advertising, marketing, brand partnerships, event planning, building authentic and engaged communities. Mother to three gaming content creators.

Regina Schaffer Carr is an accomplished educator with extensive experience in teaching and educational leadership. She has authored two influential books in the "Closing the Gap" series, focusing on digital equity in schools. Additionally, Regina holds central roles in the field of scholastic esports, serving as the Vice President of Garden State Esports where she has produced events, written curriculum and developed an esports leadership program for coaches and advisors, a student leadership program and a NJ based scholastic esports parent’s information and advocacy coalition. She is also on the advisory board of the New Jersey chapter of the Esports Trade Association and Stockton University's BS in Esports Management program. She has been a NASEF Fellow and mentor and is currently a community leader. Regina is dedicated to advancing the intersection of scholastic esports and education, addressing issues of equity, access and opportunity. You can connect with Regina on Twitter and Linkedin.

My least favorite subject, in this world, is talking about me….I prefer conversations that start with “how can I help?”, but I guess you are reading this because you want to learn about me. With a career spent working in the gaming industry, entertainment and business consulting, I have developed internal businesses from nothing but passion and influence to become exponential revenue and engagement drivers. I have built and executed new programs and major events which have exponentially grown revenue and market engagement. I bring strong leadership skills, business acumen, high-energy and approach all challenges with unending enthusiasm. I am dedicated to the success of others and have worked with incredible people that have been key to these achievements. A born networker, relationships are key to me and I continually seek ways to cultivate meaningful connections, identify win/win opportunities and build long-term partnerships. I love to present and welcome the opportunity to share my passion and knowledge at events and conferences. I have been extraordinarily fortunate and equally grateful for multiple once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. I am ever-mindful to pay it forward and seek ways to contribute to my community and the causes I believe in. Things I love doing include: Building things, getting the right people on board to create new businesses and opportunities Designing engaging and entertaining content, events, and experiences Public speaking, educating, informing and connecting with audiences Working for good, fulfilling my personal “mission to serve” Discussing the entire Star Wars Expanded Universe (or Star Trek, if you are more of a warp speed than lightspeed/hyperspace person. I take my faster-than-light travel either way)... or we can go down the rabbit hole of comics, movies, and games.

Sari Kitelyn is the Director of Esports for Full Sail University and the owner of Greater Orlando XP League. For the past 18 years, she has successfully developed brand initiatives for Full Sail, including brand campaigns, community outreach projects, new business development, and strategic planning. Since 2016, Sari has been building Full Sail’s award-winning esports ecosystem. Under Sari’s leadership, Full Sail Armada has been recognized as a finalist for the Collegiate Award at the annual Esports Awards, Collegiate Esports Program of the year by the Tempest Awards, and Most influential Gaming Community by Women in Games Global Awards. In 2022, Armada was recognized for their support of marginalized genders in gaming when they won the award for "Up and Coming Collegiate Team" by the *gameHERs awards. Sari has received recognition for her efforts as well, including: Most Impactful Women in Collegiate Esports - eFuse, 2020 Powerhouse Women Making a Difference - Femme Gaming, 2023 Women Who Mean Business Award - Orlando Business Journal, 2023 Diversity Game Changer Award - Orlando Magic, 2023 Director of the Year - National Association of Collegiate Esports, 2023 Woman of Inspiration Award - Greater Orlando Sports Commission, 2023 Best DEI Initiative - the *gameHERS, 2024 Outstanding Leadership Award - the National Association of Esports Coaches and Directors, 2024 Director of the Year - National Association of Collegiate Esports, 2024 Sari is also the co-founder of Esports and Coffee - a Twitch show and online community dedicated to supporting marginalized voices throughout esports and gaming, which she developed with other women advocating for more diversity in those spaces. A graduate of the University of Central Florida, Sari holds her bachelor’s degree in Political Science/Pre-Law and her MBA. She has also earned her Project Management Professional Certification (PMP). Sari is a member of WISE (Women in Sports and Events) and serves as the Vice Chair for the Wise Within Mentorship committee. She is also the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the National Association of Collegiate Esports, and serves in mentorship roles for marginalized genders and communities.

With over seven years of experience in tech strategy, workplace experience, and real estate, I am passionate about making Atlanta a top five tech city in the U.S. As a Tech Strategist at the City of Atlanta, Office of the Mayor's Technology and Innovation, I work with cross-functional teams to design and implement solutions that enhance the city's tech ecosystem, digital services, and civic engagement. I also leverage my skills in Office 365 administration, design thinking, and scrum to facilitate workshops, manage projects, and improve workflows. In addition, I am a licensed real estate professional at Village Premier Collection, where I help clients find their dream homes and invest in the booming Atlanta market. I have a MBA from the University of Maryland College Park and a MSW from the University of Connecticut, with a focus on social justice and urban issues. I am fluent in French and enjoy traveling, volunteering, and learning new things.

C. Scott Votaw, an entertainment arts and academic industries global expert, serves as the Assistant Vice Chancellor for the University System of Georgia, where he leads the Georgia Film Academy. With over 25 years of experience working for production companies including Saban, Fox, Lucasfilm Ltd. and others, Scott has a deep knowledgebase of film production, 2D/3D animation, special FX, motion capture, post-production. Through 10 years of education experience, he also holds expertise in current and trending production needs, training and educational circular creation and workforce development. Most recently, as an international consultant with CSV-Consulting, Scott worked for studio infrastructure providers, workforce development and emerging technology companies within the film and entertainment production sectors in the Asia-Pacific region. Prior to this, Scott supported efforts to grow the film and TV production industry in Georgia through maintaining a highly trained and industry standard workforce by creating/advising some of the most successful educational programs globally. Votaw also served as vice president of production and development for Classic Entertainment for seven years and president of KidzVid Entertainment for six years, overseeing creation of programing for the U.S. and global markets.

Sinclaire Hoyt is a dynamic force in the world of esports and gaming, making significant strides as a student at Spelman College. With a passion for both technology and social impact, Sinclaire has dedicated herself to bridging the gap between black girls and the gaming industry. Currently pursuing a degree at Spelman College, Sinclaire has demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovation in her efforts to create more inclusivity within the gaming community. As the founder and president of the Spelman Esports program, she has actively worked to challenge stereotypes and foster a more diverse and welcoming environment for black girls in the gaming world. Sinclaire's commitment to education and empowerment is evident in her advocacy for STEAM programs tailored to young black girls, encouraging them to explore opportunities in gaming and technology. She has organized workshops and seminars providing invaluable resources and guidance to aspiring black female gamers. Beyond her activism, Sinclaire has leveraged her skills in game design and development to create projects that resonate with underrepresented communities. Her innovative game designs not only entertain but also address social issues, aiming to spark meaningful conversations and promote positive change. In addition to her academic pursuits, Sinclaire has collaborated with industry leaders and organizations to amplify the voices of black girls in gaming. Through her engaging talks and presentations, she shares insights on the importance of diversity in the gaming industry, challenging the status quo and inspiring others to follow suit. Sinclaire Hoyt is undoubtedly a rising star in the esports and gaming industry, using her platform as a Spelman College student to make lasting contributions towards a more inclusive and equitable future for black girls in gaming. With her unwavering dedication and visionary approach, Sinclaire is poised to continue shaping the landscape of esports and leaving an indelible mark on the industry.

Strategic business leader with direct experience in building businesses from early stage to successful exit. Worked directly with the C-suite in developing strategic plans, executing business plans and financial analysis. Consistently demonstrating strong analytical skills, creative problem solving and adaptability focused on driving enterprise value. Currently focused in areas of eSports, commercial real estate and digital marketing.

I have a passion for Electric transportations and Esports. 20+ years of experience in the motorcycle and bicycle industry in Europe and North America in leadership roles. Managing Director of Init Sports Management. Init Sports focus on developing athletes and brands in the Motorsports industry with particular attention to the Electric Off-road motorcycle market and the Ebike industry. Init Sports recently launched Init Esports Agency to develop the Esports arena in the motorsports industry. Mentor of young women interested in the world of motorcycling.

Stephen is also the Chief Executive Officer at ESIC, bringing the spectrum of his knowledge of forensics, technology and growth strategy for the benefit of the commission and it’s members. Stephen is also an experienced forensic accountant with accompanying legal qualifications. He founded Corporate Advantage Group in 2016 and has successfully completed several multi-million dollar forensic engagements. Aside from his forensic expert practice, Stephen owns and operates a range of businesses in a variety of industries including tech, education, esports, and construction. His understanding of business growth strategies and business automation technology has allowed him to successfully create, scale and maintain several brands. As a by-product of this success, Stephen regularly consults to external businesses on growth strategy, technological automation, and business process outsourcing.

Sue Bohle has a long history in the game world. She founded her own PR agency in 1979, after 10 years with two national public relations firms. The Bohle Company initially focused on tech clients. She was Microsoft’s first public relations agency. She helped Bill Gates launch MS-DOS, launched Epson America and built Packard Bell into the No. 1 manufacturer of the PC. But In 1983, Sue was invited to pitch Atari. At the time, any PR for game companies was done in-house. The Bohle Company became the first PR firm serving videogame clients. Over the next two decades her agency helped ID make Doom the top selling first person shooter; launched products like NEC America’s TurboGraphix-16 ; Trip Hawkins’ 3DO system and Alienware. The Bohle Company also helped grow IGN into the largest online gamer site, helped make GDC the industry’s leading developer gathering and pushed Penny Arcade to expand into a series of gamer events around the world. During this period the agency also launched The Matrix for Warner Brothers and promoted many Sega, Paramount and DreamWorks games. In the early 2000’s, Sue started the Serious Play Conference, to leverage the power of “play” in training and education. Serious Play Conference helps instructional designers and teachers create games to teach k-12 And higher ed students and to train workers and professionals in government, the military healthcare and business. She has long been a promoter of education. In the early 90’s, she championed the development of a standardized curriculum for a game development major in higher ed.

TC Ogletree is an associate in Arnall Golden Gregory LLP’s Litigation & Dispute Resolution practice and a member of the Emerging Technologies and Entertainment & Sports industry teams. He is interested in the intersection between copyright and AI and enjoys writing articles about how the development of AI affects creative industries.

TJ Stephens is a young but accomplished leader and speaker on the topic of esports. As a sophomore at The University of Georgia, TJ leads a program of 2,000 student club members, while also working with brands and schools around the state to promote scholastic esports. He also works with Ghost Gaming as an Ambassador and he coaches Ghost Gaming Academy students to help position the state of Georgia as a leader in esports.

Tammy is a veteran teacher in Suwannee County, Florida. She currently teaches computer science and broadcasting at Suwannee Middle School. After school, she is the head coach of the SMS Esports Club, which she helped found in 2019. Since that time, she has worked to connect other middle school esports programs to allow middle school students a safe environment in which to explore the amazing industry of esports. Her school was the first middle school to have a live student broadcast team (called shoutcasters). Her passion and drive to bring Florida esports together is evident in her dedication to the Sunshine State Esports League. In addition to her esports endeavors, she also supports educators through a variety of social media platforms including Twitter chats and Facebook groups.

erial FinTech entrepreneur ● Dares to imagine, and implement, the transformational possibilities of emerging technology ● Successful at managing the risk portfolio of institutions exceeding $1.2 trillion in assets during one of the most tumultuous financial markets in history ● Track record of building and growing successful businesses ● Subject matter expert & key opinion leader in the following disciplines: -M&A, Investments & New Products Development -FinTech Integration, Development, UI, and UX -Financial Services Innovation & Business Development -Product Strategy, Executive & Board Reporting -OpRisk/Regulatory/Compliance Program Design -Cybersecurity Program Design & Implementation

I believe that I can always be a positive influence on others, which I feel I do everyday in my personal and professional life. My primary goal is to help others reach their dreams through Esports, production, commentary, community, game development, sales, marketing, videography, photography, and more within the video game space. When you create a business you hire employees. When you create an industry you give purpose and change lives.

Todd is an accomplished entrepreneur who has been leading video game and esports businesses for 15 years and involved with technology product startups for 25 years. After leading product development at FinTech companies Radiant Systems and BlueCube Software, Todd co-founded Hi-Rez Studios, one of the largest video game studios in the Southeast with 120 million players of their games. Todd is currently Founder & CEO of Skillshot Media, a leading esports production company, CEO of esports professional org Ghost Gaming, Chair of the Network of Academic and Scholastic Esports Federations (NASEF), and Chair of the Atlanta Esports Alliance. Skillshot connects leading brands to engaged esports fans. The company has produced thousands of esports events and live-stream productions, paid out over $10M in prizing for competitive video games, and delivered over 1 billion views of esports content. Ghost Gaming is an Atlanta-based professional esports team and gaming lifestyle brand that has won 15 tournament championships and cultivated a fan base of over 20 million. NASEF is the leading scholastic esports solution for K-12 students, providing opportunities for all students to use esports as a platform to acquire critical communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. Atlanta Esports Alliance is a division of the Atlanta Sports Council with a mission to establish Metro Atlanta as a global esports capital.

Providing expert insight into the field of Health, Nutrition, Eye Health, Circadian Rhythm (Sleep-Wake Cycle), Blue Light’s effect on Sleep Working with Gamers & Esports athletes to improve their overall health & performance via : Sleep, Nutrition, Physical & Mental Health and Lifestyle.

I am a digital learning specialist experienced in providing leadership and technology integration training that directly affects instruction and improvement in student achievement. I collaborate with various district and school based teams, coordinators, Superintendent, Associate Superintendents Executive Directors, Principals, instructional coaches and teacher as needed meeting the needs of students at all levels, creating rigorous and engaging learning opportunities, conducive to high levels of achievement.

Tram is the IT Manager and Esports Director at Cannon School. With over 20 years IT experience working in Ad agency and K12 education. He fell into building the esports program at Cannon School. Currently competing in HSEL, UFEA, and NCISAA Leagues. Cannon has over 7 esports teams competing in League of Legends, Overwatch, Rocket League, Smash Bros, and Valorant.

Tyler Hahn is a Library Director in Northwestern Iowa with a diverse background. Having previously served as a college librarian and youth services librarian, he brings a wealth of experience to his current role. Tyler is recognized for his dedication to library services, as the midwest representative for the Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL) as well as the Iowa Governor's STEM Council and being recognized as one of the state's "STEM Gems". His research interests focus on leveraging education technology to enhance library services and emphasizing connected learning and collaboration within the libraries and beyond.

My current work is largely focused on leveraging computational techniques typically used to characterize visual regions of the brain to better understand information processing in higher-order brain areas thought to be critical for executive control. My goal is to develop a biologically-plausible theoretical model that approximates how complex networks of brain regions interact to support cognition. Once we are armed with such an understanding we can devise better strategies to treat and prevent the wide range of psychiatric and neurologic disorders (such as autism, ADHD, and schizophrenia) thought to be the direct result of impaired executive control.

General Manager and Head Coach in the NBA 2K League with eleven years of production experience, Five years of brand activation experience, and several years of social media experience.

Wim Stocks has been a progressive leader, pioneer, and industry authority in gaming, esports, and web3/metaverse businesses since 1990. From 2001 to 2006, Wim was Executive Vice President of the “new” Atari Inc. (a roll-up and amalgam of Hasbro Interactive, Infogrames, and GT Interactive), leading and managing one of the broadest-reaching interactive entertainment publishing networks in the world. In 2006, Wim started an entrepreneurial online gamingpublishing business named Elephant Entertainment, assuming the role of President and COO. In March 2008, the leading games publisher THQ purchased Elephant and Wim assumed the role of EVP and leader of the Online Gaming division and related digital gaming initiatives. In 2010, Wim was recruited to join the executive management team of Virgin Gaming (nowWorldGaming) as Executive Vice President. In this role, Wim helped launch the company and platform in 2010, as well as developed strategic investor, technology, game publisher, retailer, and other brand partnerships. In April 2016, Wim was named CEO of WorldGaming & Collegiate StarLeague, which was acquired by Cineplex in the Fall of 2015, a leading movie theater operator with diversification into gaming, location based entertainment, and other aligned entertainment and digital media businesses. As of July 2020, Wim led the acquisition of Collegiate StarLeague & WorldGaming Network by Playfly Sports, a combined traditional sports, esports, and broadcast management/rights management company, and was responsible as Chairman for leading the esports business, strategy, sponsorship/partnership sales, and cultivation, and other investor and partner relations for the Company. In late 2020, Wim joined the executive management team of Belong Gaming & Vindex (founded in 2019 by esports industry pioneers and leaders Sundance DiGiovanni, Mike Sepso, and Martyn Gibbs), leading allCommercial, Partnerships, Sponsorships, and Business Development initiatives in esports, gaming, web 3 & blockchain gaming, and the emerging metaverse space. Wim currently serves as an Advisor to the Special Olympics International; an Advisor to Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) and Ryerson University’s ‘Future of Sports Lab’; Advisor and part of the ownership group of NYXL, (parent company of the New York Excelsior, the professional NYC-based franchise in the Overwatch League, and the NY Subliners, professional NYC-based franchise in the Call of Duty League); Strategic Advisor to The GG Group (Rivalry,the publicly traded online esports betting platform); Board Member of Gamerji, an online mobileesports platform operated in India; Board Member of Slang Worldwide, a cannabis products company based in Toronto; is a Board Member of National Public Radio’s ‘Marketplace’ programming; and is also a Trustee and on the Board of Directors of the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis. Wim recently joined the faculty of the University of New Haven as an Adjunct Professor of Gaming & Esports in the Pompea School of Business, teaching classes and coursework for ‘Investments in Esports’ (Winter/Spring of 2022). Wim has also served on the boards of Allina/Abbott Northwestern Hospital, the Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute in Minneapolis. Wim is very proud of his two smart, savvy, and accomplished daughters (both attorneys) living in Minneapolis.

I've worked 22 years for in the computer and gaming fields for Dell, Inc and Blizzard in Customer Experience and Operations roles. I owe most of my early career skills to my passion for gaming and working to enable the same opportunities for the youth of today.

After graduated from University in Japan, I have studied Kinesiology in California. Then I have worked as an athletic trainer and physical education teacher at a Japanese high school in New York for about 10 years. I was involved in the launch of NASEF JAPAN and now work as an Esports Scholastic Director. In particular, I am working to connect with high school teachers and expand e-sports in Japan.