The global licensing community is powered by an incredible group of professionals whose diverse backgrounds and creative energy drive innovation and excellence. Each week we’re profiling one of these professionals in this ongoing series developed in partnership with MyMediaBox.

Who are you?
I am currently Senior Vice President of Licensing at OneTeam Partners.  I manage our consumer products licensing team and have led our effort to expand group licensing opportunities into college.  I have been in the licensing industry for more than 15 years. I previously worked at the Collegiate Licensing Company, IMG Licensing and The Brandr Group. I am also a member of the USA Baseball Women’s National Team.

How did you get into licensing (or how did licensing find YOU😊)?
Like many in our industry, I ended up in licensing by chance.  I had recently moved to Atlanta and was looking for a job in college sports when I came across an opportunity with the Collegiate Licensing Company.  It was as a partner services rep for schools in the Atlantic Coast Conference.  I was familiar with each of those schools based on my collegiate volleyball career at the University of North Carolina, and was fortunate to land the job. In that first role, I was exposed to all facets of the licensing business – business development, brand management, and brand protection – which has really helped throughout my career.

What’s a “typical” day in your current position? 
At OneTeam we work with a number of Players Associations, including the NFLPA, MLBPA, WNBPA, MLSPA, US Women’s National Team PA, and US Rugby PA.  My typical day is a mix of partner facing interaction, internal discussion and planning, deal making, and strategic thinking.  Because we work across so many sports and on behalf of so many athletes, our business is fast paced and exciting!

What’s your biggest personal and professional accomplishment?
On a personal level, I am very proud to have published Birdie Can, Too!  It is a board book for children aged 0-3 years and reflects my core belief that “seeing is believing.”  On a professional level, I was very honored to be named a Sports Business Journal “40 Under 40” award winner this year.  The award was a reflection of all the great people I have had the opportunity to work with and for along the way.

What are the most significant trends or changes that you’ve seen in the business in recent years?
The impact of athletes on the licensing business continues to grow.  Athletes are more strategically leveraging their name, image and likeness, and getting involved in the licensing business as founders, investors, and influencers.

What keeps you up at night? What’s your biggest challenge these days?
We have undertaken the monumental task of bringing group licensing to college athletes.  Not only is the scale of the project massive – with the number of athletes in college far exceeding the number of professional athletes – but the concept of group licensing is new to college athletes and administrators alike.  That said, we are in a uniquely qualified position to leverage our expertise and successfully apply the group licensing model.  As the college NIL landscape rapidly changes, we have strategically placed ourselves in the center to best serve the athletes.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received? OR What is your favorite quote?
“The success of one woman should be the inspiration to another.  We should raise each other up.” Serena Williams

THE 2021 PEOPLE PROFILE SERIES IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY MYMEDIABOX

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