Sport Management Hall of Fame

The year listed indicates the year of induction into the Robert Morris University Sport Management Hall of Fame.

Mark Acerni (2008)

Mark Acerni (2008)

Club Management Executive

1970 NCAA Division II National Champion, Westminster College
United States Army veteran
General Manager & COO, Montour Heights Country Club
General Manager & COO, The Club at Spanish Peaks
Club Manager of the Year (1993)
CMAA Chapter President (1996)

Albert “Skip” Applin (2010)

Albert “Skip” Applin (2010)

Founding Chair, RMU Sport Management

Founding Department Chair of Sport Management at Robert Morris College
Developed one of the nation's first sport management programs housed within a business school
Helped lead RMU Athletics' transition to NCAA Division I
Played a key role in the formation of the Metro Conference (now the NEC)
Held leadership roles including Dean, Vice President, and Professor at the United States Sports Academy

Artemisia Apostolopoulou (2021)

Artemisia Apostolopoulou (2021)

Professor of Sport Management & Scholar

Professor of Sport Management at Robert Morris University since 2006
Former Department Head of Marketing, Rockwell School of Business
Earned M.S. and Ph.D. from the University of Massachusetts Amherst
Recognized scholar in sport marketing, sponsorship, branding, and consumer behavior
Former Associate Editor of Sport Marketing Quarterly

George Babish (2009)

George Babish (2009)

YMCA Consultant & Community Sport Leader

RMU Sport Management graduate (M'85)
Consultant with YMCA of the USA serving Southern Georgia, Florida, and Puerto Rico
Leader in youth development, community health, and nonprofit sport programming
Longtime member of the RMU Sport Management Advisory Board
Mentor to students and advocate for industry engagement
Recognized for professional leadership and service to community sport

Tom Berl (2020)

Tom Berl (2020)

Sporting Goods Executive

More than 35 years in the sporting goods industry
Territory Manager with Wilson Sporting Goods since 1996
Represents Wilson, DeMarini, Louisville Slugger, ATEC, and EvoShield
RMU graduate in Sport Management and Industrial Marketing (1988)
Former independent sporting goods representative with Maloney Associates
USA Hockey youth coach at RMU Island Sports

Alyssa Blumling (2020)

Alyssa Blumling (2020)

Sports & Entertainment Marketing Executive

Vice President of Marketing, PPG Paints Arena
Nearly 20 years in venue marketing, guest services, and event promotion
Leadership roles with AEG, ASM Global, and Oak View Group
Led marketing for concerts, sporting events, and major entertainment programming
RMU Sport Management graduate (2006)
Career progressed from stadium operations to executive leadership

Scott Branvold (2011)

Scott Branvold (2011)

Sport Management Educator & Mentor

Professor at Robert Morris University for 31 years
Served as RMU Sport Management internship coordinator
Longtime Faculty Athletics Representative at RMU
Former Sport Management professor at the University of Oklahoma
United States Air Force veteran
Mentored generations of RMU Sport Management students

Dan Cardone (2013)

Dan Cardone (2013)

Interscholastic Athletics Leader & Educator

Director of Athletics & Activities at North Hills for two decades
Authored more than 100 articles on interscholastic athletics
Former part-time professor in RMU Sport Management
NIAAA Distinguished Service Award of Merit recipient (2006)
Served on the WPIAL and PIAA Boards of Control
Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, Western Chapter induct

Angela Churchill (2015)

Angela Churchill (2015)

Marketing, Operations & Analytics Executive

Senior leadership career spanning sports, events, and corporate marketing
Managed 50+ athlete-branded product launches with PLB Sports
Led major event and commercial growth initiatives at WESCO and Fastmarkets
Senior marketing, operations, and analytics leadership roles at Comcast Business
RMU graduate in Sport Management and Marketing
Connected Comcast Business with major sports partnerships and events

Murray Cohn (2007)

Murray Cohn (2007)

Sport Ticket Sales & Training Executive

President, MC Sports Sales Training & Consulting
Worked with more than 200 sports and entertainment clients
Former Vice President of Team Ticket Sales, NBA
Led record-setting ticket sales growth with the Orlando Magic
Ticket sales leadership experience across the NBA, NHL, and MLB
Advisory board member for RMU Sport Management and Baylor S3

Kevin Colbert (2007)

Kevin Colbert (2007)

NFL Executive & Talent Evaluator

RMU Sport Management graduate (1979)
Led Pittsburgh Steelers player personnel operations for more than two decades
Two-time Super Bowl champion executive (XL and XLIII)
Oversaw NFL Draft, free agency, trades, and scouting operations
Former Director of Pro Scouting, Detroit Lions
Earlier scouting roles with the Miami Dolphins and BLESTO

Michael Doherty (2010)

Michael Doherty (2010)

Sports Marketing & Brand Partnership Executive

Principal, Sherpa Resources, L.L.C.
Managed the Heinz Red Zone promotion with the Pittsburgh Steelers and other NFL teams
Managed Heinz partnership initiatives with the Steelers and Heinz Field
Former General Manager of Communications for Heinz North America
Helped secure athlete and celebrity brand partners including Tony Hawk and Larry Bird
Former Principal at The Birmingham Group

Brad Downs (2017)

Brad Downs (2017)

NFL Marketing Executive

Senior Vice President of Marketing, Baltimore Ravens
More than two decades with the Ravens organization
Leads brand strategy, fan engagement, digital initiatives, and gameday entertainment
Former Regional Marketing Manager, Adelphia Business Solutions
RMU Sport Management graduate (1999)
NFL League of Leaders Program, Stanford Graduate School of Business (2025)

Robert Erwin (2016) *

Robert Erwin (2016) *

Founding Sport Management Educator & Coach

Former Director of Sport Management at Robert Morris University
U.S. Navy veteran who served during the Korean War
Head coach of RMU baseball, men’s soccer, and women’s volleyball
Compiled a 105–61 (.633) record as baseball coach from 1969–1977
Recipient of RMU’s Susan Cobb Award as Outstanding Faculty Member (1971)
Member of the Robert Morris University Athletics Hall of Fame

Buffy Filippell (2025)

Buffy Filippell (2025)

Sports Recruiting Pioneer & Entrepreneur

Founder of TeamWork Online
Built the first recruiting company dedicated to sports executive search
Helped more than 200,000 people secure roles in sports and live events
First female agent at IMG
Early sports business recruiter with Korn/Ferry International
Sports Business Journal Champion and WISE Woman of the Year

John Fisher (2011)

John Fisher (2011)

Sports & Live Entertainment Sales Executive

Vice President, Revenue Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
More than 25 years in sports and live entertainment sales
Former Vice President of Sales, Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group
Former Senior Vice President of Ticket Sales and Marketing, Arizona Diamondbacks
Sales leadership roles with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Cleveland Monsters
RMU Sport Management graduate (1998)

Jeff Garner (2017)

Jeff Garner (2017)

Professional Soccer Executive

President, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC and Riveters SC
Oversees Highmark Stadium, Riverhounds Development Academy, and AHN Montour complex
Former President, Orange County SC and San Diego Fleet
Helped generate more than $65 million in ticket-related revenue at Penn State
RMU Sport Management graduate (1999)
USL Championship President of the Year (2024)

Vic Gregovits (2006)

Vic Gregovits (2006)

Professional Sports Executive

President & Partner, Lake Erie Crushers
Former President of Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC and Louisville Bats
Former Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Cleveland Indians
Helped secure a $58 million naming rights agreement in Cleveland
Leadership experience with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Philadelphia Eagles
RMU alumnus and member of the University Board of Trustees

Stephen Hardy (2006)

Stephen Hardy (2006)

Sport Management Scholar & Educator

Former Chair of Sport Management at Robert Morris College
Professor at the University of New Hampshire from 1988 until retirement
Co-author of the widely used textbook Sport Marketing
Fellow of the American Academy of Kinesiology and Physical Education
Founder, Seacoast United Sports Club
Founder, Charles Holt Archives of American Hockey

Jennifer Heppel (2015)

Jennifer Heppel (2015)

College Athletics Commissioner

Commissioner of the Patriot League since 2015
Former Associate Commissioner for Governance, Big Ten Conference
Served as the Big Ten's first men's ice hockey commissioner
Former Associate Athletics Director for Administration, Georgetown University
Began career at the NCAA National Office
Extensive service on NCAA Division I committees and governance groups

Susan Hofacre (2008)*

Susan Hofacre (2008)*

Former RMU Director of Athletics and Faculty Member

RMU Athletic Director from 2000–2005
Added six varsity sport programs during her tenure
Led development of the RMU Island Sports Center track & field facility
Played a central role in planning Joe Walton Stadium
Oversaw RMU's first Academic All-Americans
Namesake of the Susan Hofacre Scholarship in Sport Management

Chaz Kellem (2016)

Chaz Kellem (2016)

Community Leadership & Inclusion Advocate

Program Manager, Highmark Health
Commissioner, Pittsburgh Commission on Human Relations
Former Chair of the Board of Trustees, Achieva
Leadership roles with the Pittsburgh Pirates, University of Pittsburgh and YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh
RMU master's graduate in Organizational Leadership
Advocate for accessibility, equity, and inclusive opportunity

Chris King (2017)

Chris King (2017)

Collegiate Athletics Executive

Founder & CEO, CK1, LLC - an executive advisory and sports technology firm
Two-time NACDA Athletic Director of the Year
Former Vice President & Director of Athletics, Robert Morris University, with over 25 years in collegiate athletics
RMU Sport Management graduate (1994)
Former Director of Athletics, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Former Associate AD, University of Alabama and Assistant AD, University of Central Florida

Jason Kobeda (2022)

Jason Kobeda (2022)

Venue Operations & Event Management Executive

Director of Stadium Infrastructure, Logistics & Operations, NFL
Former Senior Director of Venue Logistics & Planning, NBA
Managed operations for NBA Global Games and Basketball Africa League events
Major event experience with MLB All-Star Game and World Series
Former stadium operations leader with the Pittsburgh Steelers
Founder, Man in the Arena, LLC

Michael Marchinsky (2025)

Michael Marchinsky (2025)

Pittsburgh Steelers Alumni & Youth Football Executive

Senior Manager of Alumni Relations & Youth Football, Pittsburgh Steelers
More than 25 years with the Steelers organization
Created and launched the Steelers Youth Football program in 2007
Helped hundreds of RMU students gain professional sports experience
Credited with introducing “Renegade” as a Steelers game-day anthem
Helped advance girls flag football to sanctioned status in Pennsylvania

Patrice Matamoros (2014)

Patrice Matamoros (2014)

Community & Event Leadership Executive

President, Junior Achievement of Western PA
Former CEO of P3R
Helped rebuild the DICK'S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon into a major regional event
Grew P3R to more than $8 million in annual revenue
Built partnerships with Nike, Brooks, GNC, and DICK'S Sporting Goods
Recognized for innovation, women's leadership, and community impact

Bill Miller (2013)

Bill Miller (2013)

NHL Events Executive

Vice President of Events, National Hockey League
Nearly three decades leading major NHL events
Oversees NHL Draft, All-Star Weekend, Winter Classic, and Stadium Series
Former Director of Event Marketing, Pittsburgh Penguins
Began hockey career with the Adirondack Red Wings
RMU Sport Management graduate and United States Army veteran

Luke Mohamed (2024)

Luke Mohamed (2024)

Sports Partnerships Executive

Vice President of Partnership Sales, Pittsburgh Penguins
Worked with Fenway Sports Management on sponsorship and partnership strategy
Former Senior Director of Corporate Partnerships, D.C. United
Adjunct teaching experience at Georgetown and John Carroll
RMU graduate in Accounting and Sport Management
Serves on RMU's Scholarship Review Board

Bernie Mullin (2012)

Bernie Mullin (2012)

Sport Business Executive & Entrepreneur

Founder, The Aspire Sport Marketing Group
Former President & CEO, Atlanta Hawks, Atlanta Thrashers, and Philips Arena
Former Senior Vice President, NBA
Helped drive more than $200 million in annual NBA ticket sales revenue growth
Former Vice Chancellor of Athletics, University of Denver
Co-author of the textbook Sport Marketing

Bill Nielsen (2009)

Bill Nielsen (2009)

Sports Business & Technology Executive

Leadership roles with Legends, StellarAlgo, and Carbon Arc
Focused on fan engagement, predictive analytics, and partnership solutions
Business development experience across NFL, NHL, MLS, and NCAA properties
Built strategic partnerships with teams, leagues, and major brands
Member of the RMU Sport Management Advisory Board
Recognized for connecting data, technology, and revenue strategy

Joe Onderko (2018)

Joe Onderko (2018)

College Athletics Commissioner

Commissioner, Presidents' Athletic Conference
First full-time executive in PAC history
Grew the PAC to 13 members and 24 NCAA Division III sports
Served on multiple NCAA Division III committees
Former President, Division III Commissioners Association
RMU graduate in Communication Management

David Perricone (2009)

David Perricone (2009)

Sport Management Educator & NHL Executive

Associate Professor of Management and Sports Management, Felician University
Former faculty member at Centenary University
Spent 20 years with the New Jersey Devils
Former Senior Director of Merchandise, New Jersey Devils
Brings professional sports experience into experiential sport management education
Earned MBA in Marketing and Ed.D. in Educational Leadership

Jim Popovich (2019)

Jim Popovich (2019)

Sports Strategy & Event Executive

Chief Strategy Officer, P3R
Former Vice President of Ticket Sales & Service, Pittsburgh Pirates
Nearly two decades in sports business and event management
Helped position Pittsburgh to host the 2026 NFL Draft
RMU bachelor's and master's degree recipient
Leader in fan engagement, strategic partnerships, and major event development

Justin Powers (2019)

Justin Powers (2019)

Sport Governing Body Executive

Executive Director, United States Polo Association
More than a decade leading USPA strategy, governance, and program development
Developed resources to strengthen polo clubs nationwide
Co-founder, Starling Solutions
RMU graduate and member of the Sport Management Advisory Board
Former Special Olympics and Sport Management Association participant at RMU

Lisa Quinn (2012) *

Lisa Quinn (2012) *

Global Sports Event Marketing Executive

Senior Director of Content Development & Events, NBA
More than 25 years in sports and entertainment event marketing
Leads NBA All-Star, NBA Cares, and global touring activations
Managed NBA events across Asia, Europe, Mexico, and Turkey
Executed U.S. fan festivals drawing more than 100,000 attendees
Earlier event experience with Major League Baseball and Pittsburgh First Night

The Rooney Family & Pittsburgh Steelers

The Rooney Family & Pittsburgh Steelers

Longtime RMU Sport Management Partner

Decades of support from the Rooney family and Pittsburgh Steelers organization
Provides internships and career pathways for RMU Sport Management students
Offers hands-on experience in NFL operations, marketing, sales, and game-day management
Steelers executives regularly serve as classroom speakers and mentors
Helped launch careers of numerous RMU alumni across professional sports
Partnership built around education, professional development, and community engagement

Nicole Rudy (2024)

Nicole Rudy (2024)

Professional Sports Ticketing Executive

Senior Director of Ticket Sales & Service, United Football League
More than 20 years in professional sports ticketing and sales
Former ticketing leader with Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC and Pittsburgh Riveters SC
Back-to-back USL Starting XI Awards for Ticketing
Spent more than 16 years with the Pittsburgh Penguins
RMU graduate in Sport Management and Marketing

Bryan Ross (2014)

Bryan Ross (2014)

Ticketing & Sales Executive

Senior Manager - Business Development, Tickets.com
Former Vice President of Ticket Sales & Service, New Orleans Saints and Pelicans
Led ticketing strategy across both NFL and NBA franchises
Former season ticket sales leader with the Tampa Bay Rays
Began professional sports career with the Pittsburgh Pirates
RMU master's graduate in Sport Management

Amy Scheuneman (2018)

Amy Scheuneman (2018)

Youth Sports & Athletics Executive

Senior Vice President of Youth Programming, P3R
Oversees Kids of STEEL and other major youth fitness initiatives
Former Executive Director, WPIAL
Former Director of Athletics at North Hills, Bethel Park, and Avonworth
More than two decades in youth and interscholastic athletics
RMU Sport Management graduate

Jon Shank (2013)

Jon Shank (2013)

RMU Educator & Sport Management Supporter

Professor of Education at Robert Morris University
Longtime contributor to RMU Sport Management curriculum and student mentorship
Co-namesake of the Jon & Sandy Shank Endowed Scholarship
Supported scholarship development and professional preparation for Sport Management students
Educational publishing author with more than one million textbook copies printed

Derek Schuster (2020)

Derek Schuster (2020)

MLB Ticket Sales Executive

Vice President of Ticket Sales & Service, Philadelphia Phillies
More than two decades with the Phillies organization
Helped drive a 22% increase in paid attendance in 2019, highest in MLB
Closed multimillion-dollar ticketing partnerships and led fan-service initiatives
Earlier experience with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Philadelphia Phantoms, and Comcast Spectacor
Mentor, trainer, and former adjunct professor in sports marketing and event planning

Troy Schooley (2021)

Troy Schooley (2021)

Event Management Executive

CEO/Founder, Thrive Sports Group
Former Chief Executive Officer, P3R
RMU Sport Management graduate (2003)
Former Vice President of Partnerships & Sales, P3R
Earlier sports media and sales roles with ESPN Radio and Westwood One
Expanded youth initiatives including Kids of STEEL
Pittsburgh Business Times Outstanding CEO and Top Executive Award recipient

Don Smith (2023)

Don Smith (2023)

RMU Athletics & Facilities Leader

35 years of service to Robert Morris University
Leadership roles spanning athletic training, marketing, facilities, fundraising, and athletics
Former Executive Director, RMU Island Sports Center
Former Associate Vice President for Athletic Fundraising
Finished career as Assistant Athletic Director for Operations
Helped plan and execute major RMU athletic and recreation facility projects

Tom Smith (2012)

Tom Smith (2012)

Hospitality, Sports & Community Development Executive

Senior Vice President, America's Village in Wilson, Arkansas
United States Army veteran
Former senior leader at Nemacolin in sales, resort culture, and development
Opening General Manager of Falling Rock, achieving Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond recognition
Former General Manager, Highmark Stadium
RMU Sport Management graduate

Bill Sutton (2006)

Bill Sutton (2006)

Sport Business Educator & Consultant

Director Emeritus, Vinik Sport & Entertainment Management Program at USF
Principal, Bill Sutton Associates
Former Vice President, NBA Team Marketing & Business Operations
Former leader in UCF's DeVos Sport Business Management Program
Former RMU Sport Management Professor and founder of RMU Hardy-Sutton Sport Management Scholarship
Sports Business Journal columnist and recognized sport business thought leader
Mentor to sport industry professionals across every major league

Steve Swetoha (2010)

Steve Swetoha (2010)

Professional Basketball Executive

President, Greensboro Swarm since the franchise's founding
Former President, Chief Revenue Officer & General Manager, Tulsa Shock
Former leadership role directing the ACC Football Championship
Generated more than $100 million in ticket revenue with the Charlotte Bobcats
Earlier sales leadership with the Jacksonville Jaguars
RMU Sport Management graduate and former Sport Management Association president

David Synowka (2010)

David Synowka (2010)

RMU Sport Management Educator & Program Leader

Director and Professor of RMU Sport Management from 2000–2023
Helped grow RMU Sport Management into a nationally recognized program
Former Head Athletic Trainer, Robert Morris University
Earned Ph.D. in Exercise Science from the University of Pittsburgh
Longtime mentor connecting students with internships and careers
National Sports Forum Case Cup faculty advisor since 2007

Keith Weldon (2022)

Keith Weldon (2022)

Sports Partnerships & Revenue Executive

Leads strategic brand partnerships across Monumental Sports & Entertainment properties
Portfolio includes the Wizards, Capitals, Mystics, and Capital One Arena
Former Vice President of Hospitality & Entertainment, Washington Commanders
Former General Manager, Outfront Media Sports at the University of Maryland
Spent more than a decade with the Baltimore Ravens in partnerships and sponsorship sales
RMU MBA in Sport Management (2003)

Katy Yurk (2015)

Katy Yurk (2015)

NCAA Academic & Governance Administrator

Associate Director of Academic and Membership Affairs, NCAA
More than two decades with the NCAA
Oversees Division I academic legislation, waivers, and Academic Progress Rate matters
Former Special Projects Coordinator for the 2002 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games
Earlier compliance roles at Baylor and Texas State
RMU MBA in Sport Management (1994)

Russ Yurk (2014)

Russ Yurk (2014)

Sport Event & Operations Executive

Principal & Founder, 129 Sports LLC
Commissioner, Eastern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association
Director of Logistics, 2025 World Police and Fire Games
Director of Operations, 2017 World Rowing Championships
Led NCAA championship host strategy for more than 450 sites
RMU MBA graduate and former men's volleyball student-athlete