Alumni Spotlight is a website series that highlights College of Hospitality, Retail, and
Sport Management graduates.
To submit an outstanding graduate for recognition in Alumni Spotlight, or for any alumni-related questions, please contact Tina Weaver, Director of Alumni Relations, at 803-777-6721.
graduation year: 1998
degree/department: SPTE
tell us about your current job I am the Director for Corporate Sales with AEG. AEG is one of the leading sports and entertainment presenters in the world.
what do you do on a "typical day?" Corporate Sales for AEG-owned and -operated sports teams, events, music tours and facilities.
what led you to this job/career choice? Passion for matching partners with the right opportunities. And meeting new people!
do you feel that the College of HRSM prepared you for your current position? If so, in what way? Absolutely! Practical experience in SPTE curriculum, knowledge of the professors and vast resources helped me to land a quality internship.
what was your favorite/most useful class while at USC? SPTE 101. The class was led by the general manager of the Capital City Bombers. He taught the first and last classes and had guest speakers from all different sports fields in between. It really gave me an insight to the sports-related careers available.
tell us about your family We are all proud Gamecocks, as are my two brothers and one sister, who also attended USC. My sister, Gianna, is a SPTE alumni and is currently working in Corporate Sales and Servicing with the Arizona Football Club. One day I will be working for her for sure! My parents live in Hilton Head and try to attend at least one USC football game each season.
what is the proudest moment of your career? in your life? Being a part of the 2002 World Champion Angels Baseball Team and attending the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino, Italy. Both experiences are what working in sports is all about -- achieving the ultimate success and priceless experiences!
how did you find out about the university/college? My dad and my uncle attended USC. And USC is one of the best SPTE majors available.
is there anything you would change about your college experience? I would have double majored in Spanish.
what advice do you have for students going into your field? Follow your passion(s) and success will follow. Work ethic and passion are two characteristics that will set you apart from the competition.
where did you complete your internship/practicum? My internship was with Anaheim Sports Inc. (Angels Baseball Club and Mighty Ducks Hockey Club). I did my practicum with Bear Foot Sports on Hilton Head Island.
what other jobs did you hold before your current position? Various marketing and corporate sales positions for more than seven seasons with the Angels. Director of Business Development for Telemundo Owned Stations Group and Director of Sports Sales for NBC Stations Group.
who has served as a mentor(s) or role model(s) to you personally and/or in your career? Personally: my parents for always putting their kids first. Career: Phil Noto in high school, Dr. Regan in college, Mark Weisner of Bear Foot Sports, Richard McClemmy of the Angels during the first 5 years of my sales career, and Lisa Manning, who truly taught me all I know in this business and is a true great friend andmentor to this day!
what are your favorite Columbia spots? Tallyho and Gamecock football! Bar None in Five Points! And the Coliseum where I practically lived for SPTE classes and basketball practices/games with the Women's Basketball team (I was the manager for three years).
where would you like to travel? I'd like to go back to Italy and Australia. And I'd like to attend the Kentucky Derby!
anything else that you would like to share about yourself/your family/your career/your time at USC? Thanks for all of the memories! It was truly the best four years ever. The SPTE department, led by Dr. Guy Lewis and Dr. Regan, gave me the direction to succeed in the sports business world from day one. Thanks so much.