Minorities in Sports Board Members
The Minorities in Sports Business Network was created to provide opportunities and access to sports professionals of color.
To ensure that we continue to serve our community efficiently and effectively, we formed an internal collective of leaders in the sports and business industries across various mediums.
Each board member will represent their particular expertise to help build MiS and our members into a more diverse, stronger, and more connected sports business industry. The vision for this advisory board is to further provide resources and invaluable insight to our members to excel in their careers.
With this advisory board, we hope to not only advance MiS to the next phase, but we hope to redefine and reimagine sports business as a more equitable industry.
MiS ADVISORY BOARD
Courtney Jeffries
COO, Satisfi Labs
Courtney Jeffries is the COO of Satisfi Labs, overseeing all daily operations of the company in addition to maximizing profitability and ensuring consistent processes for growth and scalability. Previously, Courtney served as VP of Business Operations for the New York Rangers and VP of Retention for the Knicks, Rangers and Liberty at Madison Square Garden from 2013-2017, in addition to roles with the (formerly) Oakland Raiders (2005-2012), and Pac-12 Conference in Ticketing (2012-2013).
Cristina Ackas
VP, Inclusive Diversity, Octagon
Cristina Ackas started as Vice President, Inclusive Diversity for the Octagon Sports & Entertainment network in November 2020. In the role, Ackas oversees key internal and external DE&I initiatives for Octagon, R&CPMK, and OSEN’s formidable family of agencies specializing in marketing, talent management, communications, and production.
Additionally, as Vice President of Inclusive Diversity, Ackas will be responsible for continuing to grow OSEN’s DE&I strategy across its global footprint, as well as create and execute diversity, equity, and inclusion partnerships and programs that further connect OSEN with diverse talent, communities of color, the LGBTQ+ community, and female-driven initiatives.
Boris Gartner
CEO, LaLiga North America
Boris is a sports and media executive currently serving as Chief Executive Officer of LaLiga North America, a joint venture between Relevent Sports Group, the premier international soccer events and media business in North America and Asia, and LaLiga, Spain’s top-flight soccer competition and professional association.
Boris has been recognized by Leaders in Sports 2020 Leaders Under 40 (2020), NAMIC Luminary by the National Association for Multi-ethnicity in Communications –NAMIC (2016), Cynopsis Digital’s 2016 IT List (2016), and Variety’s Hollywood’s New Leaders: TV Executives (2013).
Lou Kovacs
President North America, Octagon
Lou Kovacs was named Octagon’s President for North America in December of 2019. In the role, Kovacs oversees the agency’s North American marketing and events business, including sponsorship consulting, experiential marketing, analytics, digital, content, creative and technology offerings. He leads the agency’s relationships with some of the biggest brands in sports sponsorship and some of the most innovative rights holders. He also leads a team that produces award-winning golf and culinary events.
Roman Oben
VP, Football Operations, NFL
Roman Oben is currently a Vice President in the NFL’s Football Operations department where he drives the league’s football development strategy with new platforms to encourage participation in tackle and flag football. He has also helped reshape the way the collegiate student athlete is educated on NFL preparedness both on & off the field.
After retiring from the NFL, Oben held business development roles and had an extensive media career covering the Giants as well; Oben also served as a recurring guest on several MSNBC shows discussing sports and their larger societal impact.
Oben has been a leader and advocate for sports enrichment, receiving countless awards for community service both as an NFL player and off the field.
Sam Adeyemi
Director, US Sports, Orion Innovation
Sam Adeyemi is a Technology Executive with extensive experience leading IT initiatives in large corporations that provide measurable ROI and consistently reduces operating costs. He combines his passion for technology and sports in his current role as the US Head of Sports at Orion Innovation, a global technical services and solutions company.
Sandra Lopez
Vice President, Intel Sports
Sandra E. Lopez is VP for Intel Sports and is responsible for partnering with the sports and media industry to provide future fans with the next generation of immersive media experiences. In her role, the team is focused on leading the business, marketing and market development efforts of Intel Sports and Studios. Lopez is also the co-chair of the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on VR/AR/XR.
Wendell Scott
Senior Vice President, Agency Partnerships, Disney Ad Sales
Wendell Scott is Senior Vice President, Agency Partnerships, Disney Advertising Sales. In this role, Scott oversees advertising sales for various holding company partnerships across Disney’s portfolio of brands including ABC, Hulu, Disney Channels Worldwide, Disney Digital Network, ESPN Networks, Freeform, FX Networks and National Geographic Networks. Leveraging Disney’s linear, digital and social offerings, Scott leads sales and marketing efforts for Disney’s College Sports Networks and Multicultural properties to deliver audiences of all backgrounds.
