SDSI’s Board of Directors serve as the decisions makers who lead the organization’s growth and oversees the SDSI staff’s day to day operations to ensure fulfillment of our mission. The Board of Directors is a cross section of industry veterans and leaders from the Southern California’s sports and active lifestyle (SAL) community as well as Service Providers with a focus on the SAL industry.

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Meet the Board of Directors

Bill Walton – Executive Chairman of the Board, SDSI

William Theodore Walton, III (Bill) was born on November 5th, 1952, in San Diego, California. He was introduced to the game of basketball while in the fourth grade at Blessed Sacrament Elementary School by Coach Frank “Rocky” Graciano. Walton then attended Helix High School, where the basketball coach was Gordon Nash. At Helix, his team won the California Interscholastic Federation High School title two years in a row, while winning their final 49 consecutive games. Walton enrolled at UCLA in 1970 and played center for John Wooden’s Varsity team for three seasons (1972-1974). He was a member of two NCAA championship teams compiling an NCAA record 88 consecutive game winning streak. He was the recipient of several awards, including the NCAA Player of the Year Award in 1972, ’73 and ’74. At UCLA Walton was a scholar-athlete who also earned Academic All-American honors three years in a row. He graduated with honors earning a B.A. in History. Walton’s professional career began when he was the number one overall pick in the 1974 NBA Draft by the Portland Trailblazers. He won championship titles with the Blazers and the Boston Celtics. He also played with the San Diego Clippers, and the relocated Los Angeles Clippers. Over the course of his NBA career, he was honored with numerous awards, including NBA’s MVP, Oregon Sports Hall of Fame, California Sports Hall of Fame, and All-Star Team. Eventually Bill was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. Walton started his broadcasting career in 1990 as an analyst for the then Prime Ticket Network. Walton worked for CBS Sports in the early 90’s during the NCAA Final Four and then for NBC for many years, including work on the 1996 Atlanta and 2000 Sydney Summer Olympic Games. Over the last 15 years he has worked for ABC, ESPN, NBC, CBS, Fox, MSNBC, Turner Sports, KCAL, and the NBA. In 2001, Walton won an Emmy for best live sports television broadcast. SDSI is a business accelerator that connects and drives the growth of San Diego’s vibrant sports economy by offering innovative programs and services for start ups, mature companies and service providers.

John Sarkisian - Vice Chairman & Founder, SKLZ & Industry Chairman of the Board, SDSI

John Sarkisian, is Vice Chairman & Founder of SKLZ, the innovator in Athletic Training. John is also the Founding Investor and current Chairman of the Board of Semtek Innovative Solutions which developed and is commercializing patented encryption technology protecting sensitive data for the credit card industry. John is the Chairman of the Board and Founding Investor in Brightscope which has developed the industry standard for measuring company 401(k) performance. With his family he founded and developed Pat and Oscar’s Restaurants which was sold in 2001 to a public company. John is active in Real Estate development and investment in San Diego County through his company Del Mar Heritage. John was awarded the 1999 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year for San Diego County. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the YMCA of San Diego County and as a Trustee of the San Diego Sports Commission.

Michael Brower – CFO, Suneva Medical

Seasoned professional with diverse consumer products experience in public and private companies.  Raised over $100 million in capital.  Currently I am the co-founder and CFO/COO of Odyssey Science, a technology and science-driven skincare brand revolutionizing the beauty and wellness industries.  Held executive roles at MDRejuvena and Sente, science-based, luxury skin care brands, Gunnar Optics, a technology eyewear brand for esports and computer use, Triple 7 Group, a holding Company for several cycling and motocross brands, Power Metal Technologies an advanced materials company providing nano-enabled components for the sporting goods markets, Orange 21, a leading provider of eyewear products (Spy brand) to the action sports and youth markets where I led an oversubscribed IPO, and Odyssey Golf, the global #1 putter brand in golf sold to Callaway Golf.  I began my career at KPMG.  I have a Bachelor Degree from Chico State and an MBA from the University of San Diego.  I serve as a Director / Advisory Board for several emerging group brands including Cali-Strong (an apparel brand) and Anchor Audio (a leader in speakers).  I also co-own a skin care brand called Vivatia currently sold through physicians and Amazon.

Reid Carr - CEO, Red Door Interactive

I personally have focused on multi-channel, integrated marketing for over 20 years, most of that career has been here leading Red Door Interactive as its CEO. Since founding the company in 2002, my role is now focused on listening, learning, sharing, and leading. I always have an eye on where our industry and clients are headed. Now, Red Door Interactive, honored as one of the Best Places to Work by AdAge, the San Diego Business Journal, Inc Magazine and others, has grown into one of the largest independent agencies in the country representing some of those most interesting brands in the world across a wide breadth of industries.

Ricardo Campos - Executive Vice President of Club Operations, SDFC

San Diego Loyal SC Club President Ricardo Campos is a tri-lingual soccer executive with more than fifteen years of league and team experience in the U.S. soccer landscape including Major League Soccer. Campos has been involved with SD Loyal since it was founded in 2019 and served as Vice President of Operations and General Manager prior being appointed interim president ahead of the club’s first USL Championship playoff appearance last season. He was officially named Club President this past January.

Patrick Costello - Sr. Director, Business Development, Qualcomm

Kevin Cox - President, Electra Bicycle Company

Kevin Cox was appointed president of Electra Bicycle Company in January 2014. Under his guidance, Electra has celebrated several victories. This includes having the number 1 selling bicycle & number 1 selling e-bike in the United States for multiple years, earning a coveted spot on Oprah’s Favorite Things list, and winning the REI Vendor Partner of Year award. Additionally, Kevin was instrumental in moving the company back to its hometown of Encinitas, CA, where the global headquarters is found today.
Prior to Electra, Kevin’s professional endeavors ranged from entrepreneurism to business abroad. Early in his career, Kevin spent six years living in Italy, working in the fashion industry and later starting a lifestyle and fashion apparel brand. He has founded multiple companies ranging from high-tech start-ups to retail design and brand building to action sports product companies.
As a proud resident of San Diego, Kevin dedicates his time to local organizations focused on making bike riding accessible and safe. He is leading the charge for a new bike share program in North County working with both the City and local businesses. Additionally, Kevin is a contributor to the Pedal Ahead program designed by San Diego County Supervisor Nathen Fletcher aimed at improving the quality of life for participants using e-bikes as an alternative to automobiles within San Diego’s District 4. Kevin is also a member of the North County Board Meeting, a networking organization focused on supporting local businesses and charities.
Looking ahead, Kevin and the Electra team are motivated to continually challenge bicycling’s status quo and expand the company’s product portfolio by developing new and innovative products that help more people ride bikes more often. This growth will position Electra as the leading lifestyle brand in the bicycle industry. Having spent most his life “in the saddle,” Kevin’s passion for bicycling is in his DNA.  Whether on a road or lifestyle bike, the goal is always the same…grab life by the handlebars and enjoy the ride.

Adam Cozen - Sales Director, OUTFRONT Media

Andrew Ewald – Executive Director, Cushman & Wakefield

Andy is a real estate specialist that solely advocates for corporate users in Southern California region and across the United States. With over 20 years of experience, he is specifically focused on the sale and leasing of office and industrial buildings to local, regional and national active life style companies. Andy provides his clients best-in-class advice for a variety of transactions across a wide array of industries types. Whether you are an entrepreneur, or a seasoned company, our advisory team consults all occupiers of real estate. We only represent tenants, and are backed by Cushman & Wakefield’s robust platform of service lines, and technology tools that focus on gathering and analyzing data to help our clients make more informed decisions. These tools drive value by helping to reduce operating expenses, and to create a dynamic work environment, which allow our clients to maximize productivity, and to recruit the best talent. The San Diego market is dramatically changing, and leaders need to be aware of the demands in the workplace, to enable their business to recruit and retain the right talent. Andy is a graduate of UCSD where he played college soccer, and when not working is involved in all snow, water, and biking activities.

Eddie Erkmanis - VP Global Sports Marketing, TaylorMade

Eddie Erkmanis is the Vice President of Global Sports Marketing of TaylorMade Golf. Formerly a sports agent with Sports Marketing & Management Group (SMG) whose clients included MVP Quarterback Brett Favre, Pro Bowl Safety LeRoy Butler, All Pro Bowl Lineman Joe Thomas and NCAA Basketball Coach Bruce Pearl.
Eddie joined TaylorMade Golf in 2008 as a college recruiter in the sports marketing department. Today he oversees the Global Sports Marketing function, guiding strategic initiatives and leads contract negotiations for TaylorMade’s tour players. The tour team at TaylorMade consists of 15-time major champion Tiger Woods, former #1 golfer Jason Day, US Open Champion Dustin Johnson, 4-time major Champion Rory McIlroy and rising young PGA Tour Stars Matthew Wolff and Collin Morikawa.
Personally, Eddie started playing the game of golf at a young age and went on to play college golf at The Ohio State University and Marquette University. Eddie lives in San Diego and raises his three kids; Tomas, Mila and Dahlia with his wife Andrea. In his free time Eddie enjoys playing golf, playing tennis, spending time with his family and cheering on the Green Bay Packers.

Jason Femrite – Partner, Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch LLP

Jason Femrite is a Partner in the Sports and Active Lifestyle Group of the largest San Diego corporate law firm, Procopio. His practice focuses on assisting entrepreneurs and executives commercialize their business concepts, from idea to exit. In such capacity Jason has represented companies in a wide range of transactions, including more than 150 financings and acquisitions, while simultaneously assisting them to protect and expand their brands on a worldwide basis. Although Jason represents clients involved in many industries, his emphasis is representing companies in the sports and active lifestyle community. Prior to joining Procopio, Jason spent more than 12 years with Luce, Forward, Hamilton & Scripps LLP, where he formed and led the firm’s Action Sports Group. In addition to his law practice, and his position on the advisory board at SDSI, Jason is an active member of the San Diego community, where he holds memberships with and has sponsored several other organizations, including: the Surf Industry Manufacturers Association, the San Diego Venture Group, the Association of Corporate Growth, the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce and the Entrepreneurs’ Organization, San Diego Chapter. A Southern California native, Jason earned his B.A. in Political Science at UC San Diego in 1996 and his J.D., cum laude, at the University of San Diego in 1999. 

Bryan Finnerty - CEO, Opportunity Seed Capital

Bryan Finnerty is a businessman who wears many hats: Largest Shareholder at V1 Sports, Chief Giving Officer of the Opportunity Seed Foundation, CEO and Managing Partner of Galway Bay Apparel, and founding partner of High Velocity Sports Center (HV). The common thread through all of his roles is a passion for sports and bringing people together and a strong commitment to giving back to the local community. Bryan brings to each of his roles a strong business acumen and a genuine desire to help others, which have been integral in quickly growing each of the organizations’ scopes and revenue streams.

Bryan’s leadership has pushed V1 Sports above and beyond, making the company a world leader in the golf tech field. The software has reached over 4 million players worldwide through its core mission of bringing the game to people, wherever they may be. This same people-centric approach has brought success to Opportunity Seed, as well, which is made up of three entities: Opportunity Seed Capital (OSC), Opportunity Seed Sports (OSS) and Opportunity Seed Foundation (OSF). OSF is funded by the success of OSC and OSS, which in turn are supported through the relationships they create with their business partners and clients. This kind of symbiotic relationship between business and philanthropy demonstrates that, when operating a successful business, the two ventures do not have to be mutually exclusive.

Much of Bryan’s personal life is also dedicated to philanthropic and community efforts. He is currently on the Regional Board for YoungLife East Great Lakes region. For over 20 years Bryan has served as the honorary chairperson for the Michigan Tri-county D.A.R.E. Association. He also sits on the board of the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame, where he focuses on growing youth participation in sports. Bryan also serves on several educational /recreational boards, acting as a positive role model on and off the soccer field. As a result, he was recognized by President Clinton for his outstanding service and dedication to the community.

In the rest of his free time, Bryan enjoys playing soccer, fishing, surfing, and spending time with his wife and two sons.

Cynthia Herrera - CEO, Sun Bum

Cynthia Herrera is the Chief Executive Officer at Sun Bum, the fastest growing sun care brand on the market.  She has been with Sun Bum since 2019 and has over 25 years of experience in fast moving consumer goods companies.  She has held numerous positions in in Sales, Global Marketing and General Management and has a Bachelor of Science degree from Western Michigan University.  Cynthia and her husband, Ron, live in Carlsbad and have two children.

Mike Irwin - Founder, Bottle Rocket Advisors

Some say that running a business is like running a marathon: long-haul endeavors that require preparation, persistence, and the flexibility to adapt to changing conditions. They also require help.  As a business leader and 10-time marathoner, I can relate.  Standing at the start of the Boston Marathon, I was excited about the opportunity to run.  Though I was running alone, I didn’t get there by myself. 
For me, business is the same way.  The road to success has been winding and unpredictable.  I’ve learned from others and earned a few scars of my own too.  As a Co-founder/President of a start-up, executive officer of a $1.5 billion company (WD-40), global strategy officer, public company CFO, VP Marketing, head of sales, and board member, I’ve built a broad perspective in business transformation.  By spending time in 40+ countries and working in an array of distribution channels, I recognize the subtle differences in consumers, customers, and cultures, as well as the levers companies can apply to address their needs. I hold an MBA from Southern Methodist University, an MS from the University of San Diego, and a BA from San Diego State University.  While in college, I served as chairman of the board of directors of Aztec Shops Ltd, a $20 million retail company. 
On the personal front, I'm a community volunteer and youth soccer coach. An avid runner, I've completed the Boston Marathon and the Chicago, Marine Corps, and New York City Marathons, as well as the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain.  I was co-author of a book called Cathedrals of College Football.  And I crash bikes...but not on purpose.

Bill Johnston - Vice President of Sports Programs, San Diego Padres

Nathan Kopp - Sports Development Director, San Diego Tourism Authority

Event professional with 12 years of experience working in sports within the collegiate, professional, Olympic, and endurance sectors. Event portfolio includes: Super Bowl 50, Super Bowl LI, Super Bowl LII, Super Bowl LIII, Super Bowl LIV, 2014 Sochi Paralympic Team Processing, 2015 Toronto Pan American Games, 25+ Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series races, FIH World Cup, UCI BMX Supercross World Cup, ITU World Triathlon Series, NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tournament, Special Olympics World Games, Special Olympics State Games, SDCCU Holiday Bowl, Little Caesar's Pizza Bowl, NCAA Basketball Tournament 1st & 2nd Rounds, 40+ Collegiate Summer League Baseball Games, 15+ NCAA DI Football Games, 15+ NCAA DI Basketball Games, NFL Training Camp & Pre-season, and many more.

Brandon Lowery, Global Action Sports Foundation

Brandon is a multiple startup (co)founder, advisor and angel investor who works with ventures particularly in action sports, events and property development.  Brandon’s core competencies are in due diligence, strategy, fundraising, strategic partnerships and M&A. 

Mike Matey - VP of Marketing, REEF

Mike Matey is the Vice President of Marketing for Reef, the leading surf & beach sandal brand founded and headquartered in San Diego, CA.  He has been with Reef since 2013. Prior to Reef, Mike has held VP Marketing positions with leading action sports brands and media companies, including RVCA, Quiksilver and Surfline.com.  Mike has also held marketing positions in digital media and software, including Intuit / TurboTax, Yahoo, Vivendi-Universal and Microsoft.  Mike began his career as an Account Executive at Chiat/Day Adverstising in San Francisco. 
Mike has a Bachelor of Journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia. 
In addition to serving on the Board for SDSI, Mike is on the Board of SIMA (Surf Industry Manufacturers Association). 
Mike is a passionate about surfing, running, travel, music and gardening, and lives in Cardiff-by-the-Sea with his wife and two children. 

John McLean - President, Beacons Capital Group

John McLean is the Founder and President of Beacons Capital Group, an investment company focused on providing capital to innovative and growing companies.  Over the past decade, John has funded more than $100 million across hundreds of transactions with entrepreneurs in a variety of industries; Sport and Active Lifestyle, Nutraceutical, Apparel & Footwear, CBD/Cannabis, Food & Beverage and technology to name a few.  His extensive experience in sales, retail and marketing strategies, operational efficiencies, and general business development has allowed him to not only provide growth capital, but valuable experience, information, and connections for companies he’s funded.   Prior to founding his lending company, John spent 17 years in the sporting goods consumer products industry running U.S. Sales and Business Development for TaylorMade-adidas Golf, Nike Golf, and Cobra Golf.   Originally from Roseville, Minnesota, John graduated from the Daniels College of Business at the University of Denver where he played Division 1 Hockey for the Pioneers. Go Pios!

AJ Moyer - President and CEO, C3bank

A.J. Moyer joined C3bank in May 2014 as Vice President of Finance and served as Chief Financial Officer since December 2014. Mr. Moyer was promoted to Chief Executive Officer as of March 2016. Mr. Moyer is a CPA with over 20 years of experience in financial planning and analysis during which he worked closely with the analysis of revenue, operating expenses, cash flows, business ventures, negotiations, acquisitions, product launches and other activities. Prior to joining the Bank, Mr. Moyer served as the Vice President of Financial Planning and Business Development at Behr Paint, the largest supplier of premium paints and stains to the North American Do-It-Yourself home improvement market. Prior to his role at Behr, Mr. Moyer served as a Senior Auditor at KPMG, providing business assurance services to public and privately held companies in a variety of industries. Mr. Moyer graduated top of his class at the University of San Diego with a Bachelor of Accountancy.

Todd Mitchell - Partner, GAS LLC

Dave Nash – President & CEO, Sun Diego Boardshops

David Nash has over 40 years of retail experience and is the founder, president/CEO of Athleisure, Inc., dba: Sun Diego Boardshops, an eight store chain of retail stores doing business throughout San Diego County since 1981. Sun Diego Boardshops was voted the best beach wear/surf shop for eight straight years by the readers of The San Diego Union Tribune. Sun Diego was also voted Retailer of the Year in 2005 and Women’s Retailer of the Year in 2008 by the Surf Industry Manufacturer’s Association and their retail peers though out the country. Dave is a founding and active board member of the Board Retailers Association (formed in February 2003), a non profit trade association representing over 550 action sport retailers in the surf, skate, snow, wake, kite and wind industry with approximately 3000 storefronts across the country. Dave and Sun Diego are actively involved in the community and promoting the industries Sun Diego represents. Dave and Sun Diego work with The Surfrider Foundation, Feeding America and Keep a Breast Foundation as well as helping local high school find funds for their programs. Sun Diego also provides a competitive surf series for surfers of all ages as well as AmSlam a competitive skate series. Prior to Athleisure, Inc., Dave was the EVP of Snowden-Mize Companies, Inc., dba: Snowden-Mize Sports and The Athlete’s Foot, a leading retailer in the 70’s and 80’s in the athletic shoe and apparel industry. A chain of 26 company owned stores in five states and a Franchisor of 150 The Athletes’ Foot stores.

Bryan Pate - CEO, ElliptiGO

After graduating from Stanford University in 1995, Bryan joined the Marines. As a Marine Officer he led a platoon of USMC Scout Snipers through a deployment to the Persian Gulf and served as an intelligence officer on an admiral’s staff. He left the Marines in 1999 and accepted a strategic marketing position at a semiconductor equipment manufacturer where he helped lead two new product development efforts. In 2005, Bryan received a J.D. from Columbia Law School. After graduation he clerked for a federal judge and then joined McKinsey & Company, a management consulting firm.
Bryan left McKinsey in 2008 to co-found ElliptiGO Inc. where he helped commercialize the world’s first elliptical bicycle. He currently serves as ElliptiGO’s CEO.
Bryan is a named inventor on more than twenty issued patents and a recognized expert in the field, having participated on numerous panels pertaining to patents and testifying before a Congressional subcommittee on the potential impacts of pending patent legislation. He is also an accomplished endurance athlete, having completed numerous running, cycling and triathlon events across the country.

Justin Renfro - Director of Growth, Wefunder

Justin Renfro is a leading expert in early-stage fundraising. He’s mentored hundreds of startups and captured top insights about raising capital.  These insights include pathways to secure funding, the mindset of successful founders, finding the right terms, and raising money from the crowd.  He’s also the founder of his own boat business in San Diego, Chill Charters.  

Matt Savant - President, San Diego Gulls

Matt Savant joined the San Diego Gulls in 2016 as President of Business Operations, the primary development affiliate of the National Hockey League’s (NHL) Anaheim Ducks. During his tenure, he has successfully led the Gulls’ business efforts to record growth, while initiating numerous community, fan-friendly and youth hockey programs that have increased the popularity of the sport in San Diego.
Savant is the primary liaison between the San Diego Gulls and the Anaheim Ducks. His role oversees the business operations in San Diego, including accounting, broadcasting, communications, community relations, corporate partnerships, entertainment, fan development, finance, gameday operations, marketing, merchandising and ticket sales.
Matt Savant joined the San Diego Gulls in 2016 as President of Business Operations, the primary development affiliate of the National Hockey League’s (NHL) Anaheim Ducks. During his tenure, he has successfully led the Gulls’ business efforts to record growth, while initiating numerous community, fan-friendly and youth hockey programs that have increased the popularity of the sport in San Diego.
Savant is the primary liaison between the San Diego Gulls and the Anaheim Ducks. His role oversees the business operations in San Diego, including accounting, broadcasting, communications, community relations, corporate partnerships, entertainment, fan development, finance, gameday operations, marketing, merchandising and ticket sales.

Ken Schmitt - CEO & Founder, TurningPoint Executive Search

Ken, a San Diego native, has been placing mid and senior-level professionals for more than 18 years. After entering the executive search industry in 1998, after working for local, regional and global firms, Ken launched TurningPoint Executive Search in 2007. Based in North County, TurningPoint works nationally, placing top notch, mid and upper level marketing, sales, operations and general management talent. Ken and his firm are committed to providing a research-based, customized, direct recruiting solution to start-up ventures and legacy operations, publicly traded businesses and family owned operations. TurningPoint is proud of its 96% fill ratio, 94% retention rate, combined 70 years of experience, and a network that spans multiple geographies and sectors.Prior to launching his recruiting career, Ken spent 5 ½ years with Enterprise Rent A Car, advancing through the organization in San Diego and Orange Counties. 
In 2011, Ken also founded the Sales & Marketing Leadership Alliance, a professional organization committed to providing peer-2-peer networking and professional development to the region’s mid and senior sales and marketing leaders. In 2015, Ken launchd the Dynamic Disruption Summit in San Diego, showcasing some of the country's most innovative and disruptive businesses.
An avid user of social media to identify top talent and brand his business, Ken has been educating professionals on the merits and use of this medium since 2006. With one of San Diego’s largest LinkedIn networks and a profile that ranks in the top 1% of all users, Ken has developed a reputation as the “go-to” professional for LinkedIn in San Diego. He served as the Social Media Instructor at Cal State University, San Marcos for their “Career Transition & Development” program, and has presented to nearly 75 organizations and companies, about the value of “Leveraging LinkedIn”.
Ken earned his BSBA in Economics from the University of San Diego and is a former board member of USD’s School of Business Alumni Association. Ken serves as an Executive Board Member for Junior Achievement, San Diego, and the San Diego HR Roundtable. Ken lives in North County with his two kids and wife of 24 years, a Marriage and Family Therapist.

Dana Shertz – Head of Product Development, RMD Group

Shertz’s leadership experience expands from officer roles in privately held start-ups to billion dollar publicly held companies. He has 30+ years of experience in successfully building market presence and generating record profitability and sales in highly competitive markets. Shertz has launched new products, cultivated new markets, and developed high caliber sales and marketing teams. He has a quantifiable track record of sales growth, revenue enhancement and expense reduction. 
Currently Shertz is the head of Project Development for The RMD Group, a hospitality company based in San Diego. The RMD Group own and operate Lumi Rooftop, Huntress Steak, Rustic Root and Volcano Rabbit, as well as managing properties for the Hard Rock Hotel and Ballast Point breweries among others. 
Prior to consulting, Shertz was COO of EnDev Enterprises. The group owned and operated nightclubs and restaurants in San Diego, including: Stingaree, Side Bar, Bar West, Universal, Dish and The Witherby. The EnDev team was credited with helping to revitalize San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, making it a destination for upscale nightlife and entertainment.
Before joining EnDev, Shertz spent over 20 years in the golf industry. From 2002-2006 he served as President and COO of MacGregor Golf, the oldest (115 years) and one of the most successful (59 Majors) golf companies in the world. At MacGregor Shertz was responsible for bottom-line P&L and operations for global business.
Prior to MacGregor, Shertz spent 13 years in senior sales and executive positions at Callaway Golf. He was hired by Ely Callaway in 1988 when the company was a small, privately held start-up. He quickly became Callaway's top revenue producer and held that title for five consecutive years. His ability to consistently deliver unprecedented results led himthrough a rapid rise in the company's ranks, eventually resulting in an appointment as Callaway's Senior Vice President of Sales. As a leader of the company's sales force, he oversaw revenue growth from $5 million to $840 million, annually.

Matt Sanford - Economic Development Manager, City of Carlsbad

Cam Stephens - CEO/Owner, Pacific Golf Agency

Cam Stephens purchased Pacific Golf Agency in 2016.  Through aggressive acquisitions and growth, PGA has become the premier golf concierge service - booking tee times, travel packages, and tournaments.  He serves as the CEO of PGA’s three golf brands – San Diego Golf Reservations, Palm Springs Golf Reservations, and Showtime Golf.  Since 1992, SDGR has booked tee times and tournaments at Torrey Pines and 25 premier San Diego golf courses, including private clubs.  Stephens founded PSGR in 2021, whichcoordinates tee times and golf packages in the Palm Springs, CA market.  Showtime Golfwas acquired in 2020 and is the national brand that coordinates larger groups and corporate outings throughout North America.  In 2022, PGA sold two golf companies, ClickitGolf and More Golf Today.

Prior to Pacific Golf Agency, Stephens spent close to 20 years working for American Golf, one of the leading golf management companies which operated more than 300 golf courses. He held many different positions in the company, including Vice President of Operations and Vice President of Revenue Management.  Prior to working for American Golf, Stephens worked in the UC Santa Barbara Athletics Department, coached college baseball at Westmont College and Santa Barbara City College. In addition, Stephensworked for Major League Baseball and the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta.

Stephens received his bachelor’s degree in business from UC Santa Barbara and a master’s degree in sports management from the U.S. Sports Academy in Alabama. Hegrew up in a small town in Eastern Oregon.  He now lives in Poway, CA with his wife and four children.  

Marco Thompson – Serial Entrepreneur

Marco Thompson is the founding board member of SDSI. Marco advises several local firms on finance and growth, and successfully raised growth capital in 2008 for a Connect S.I. member company. Marco is also a Managing Director of Express Ventures, an early stage technology venture firm. He has operational experience at up to $50-million revenue run rates, and he has led marketing & sales strategy development for diverse technology enterprises. He founded and self funded Doctor Design, which grew to become San Diego’s most successful Engineering Design Services firm and was eventually acquired by Wind River and then Intel. Marco has founded, financed, guided, and mentored numerous startups, and he currently sits on the board of directors or advisors of several early stage companies. Some of these companies include:  MaintenanceNet, Entropic, Profitline, Intellitouch, Rosum, Drivecam, Objectiva, V-Enable, Benchmark Revenue Management, Qthink, and Philometron. Marco has been very active as a startup CEO mentor in the San Diego community, thru programs such as Connect Springboard, Commnexus Next Stage, and the Chairman’s Roundtable. Marco is a founding board member, past president, and past chairman of CommNexus. He holds three patents and has written a book on memory design. He has been honored as “Technology Supporter of the Year,” and is the UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering Alumni of the year for 2003. Marco has also been awarded the Gray Cary Award for Technology Innovation in 2003. Marco graduated with a BSEE from UC San Diego.

Kevin Tighe - CEO & Founder, Beachly Brands

Todd Tibbits - President & CEO, YMCA of San Diego

As President and Chief Executive Officer of the YMCA of San Diego County, Todd Tibbits is responsible for one of the largest YMCAs in the U.S. with a budget exceeding $200M. Before joining the YMCA of San Diego in the summer of 2021, Todd was the President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Charlotte. He successfully led Greater Charlotte through a five-year strategic planning process and a COVID-19 recovery initiative. Todd earned a Master's degree in Organizational Management from Springfield College, which he attended as one of twenty awarded nationally with a John R. Mott Scholarship. In addition, he has a Bachelor in Exercise and Sports Science from Spring Arbor University, where he co-captain the men's varsity basketball team. Todd is a member of the Board of Trustees for Spring Arbor University (MI) and is a board member of the YMCA Guardians Against Child Sexual Abuse, a group of Y CEOs and partners helping activate the Y's power to address this challenge. Todd was awarded Charlotte's 2017 Leadership Newcomer of the Year Award and Latin American Excelente's 2018 Non-Latin Person Most Supportive of the Latino Community Award. In addition, he received the 2019 Professional Excellence Award from Spring Arbor University and the MLK Jr, Growing the Dream "Root" Award in 2020. As well Todd and his wife Denise have three children and 2 grandchildren.

Header Photo: Celso / Tower paddleboards