Founder/CEO

Long time leader and builder of sports management and marketing organizations. Former CEO of Becker Group, an internationally accomplished experiential marketing company, Ripken Baseball, a national youth sports management and marketing business on behalf of Hall of Fame baseball great Cal Ripken Jr., and Defend Your Head, an innovative head impact protection company that developed technology to improve athlete safety. 

Founding Partner, VP, Media and Communications

11 Time Emmy Award recipient for excellence in multi media sports reporting, news anchoring, programming, and production. Hosted national “Lou Tilley Sports Connection” reaching over 21 million households through the Comcast and NBC Sports Network. Known for his unique story telling ability utilizing multi media. Launched a new field in education, Sports Media Studies teaching the thread of sports, business and broadcasting. 

Partner, Chief of Staff

Provides over 25 years experience as a corporate attorney and non-profit board director. For nearly 20 years, managed Strada Education Foundation's insurance program, intellectual property portfolio, contracts, corporate compliance and litigation. Ms. Ragsdale served as Interim General Counsel, provided legal counsel to the Research, Philanthropy, and National Engagement divisions and supported Strada’s five operating subsidiaries. She began her career at Ice Miller in the Corporate Practice Group, representing clients in mergers and acquisitions, corporate formations, corporate transactions, antitrust, consumer protection and franchise law. She serves on the board of directors of Indianapolis RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) and Indianapolis Indians Charities.

Partner - Business Systems

Provides cross-business experience including sports facility project planning and business system implementation for Ripken Baseball and Defend Your Head, as well as customer service, community outreach, and strategic partner relationship management for Fortune 200 company.

Executive Leadership, Chairman, Marvella Foundation

Dr. Allison Barber is a seasoned leader with a diverse career spanning education, government, and sports. She has served in the White House and the Department of Defense, where she was awarded the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service. As President of the Indiana Fever, Dr. Barber was dedicated to building and inspiring fans throughout the state. Dr. Barber has received numerous awards, including the Sagamore of the Wabash, Indiana’s highest honor - presented by Governor Eric Holcomb. Committed to making a positive impact on her community she serves on several boards: Sagamore Institute, the American Red Cross, the Indiana Destination Development Corp (IDDC), the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, and is an advisor for Elizabeth Dole Hidden Heroes Foundation.

Founding Partner

Long-time respected sports attorney who has represented some of the top NFL players and coaches including Todd Bowles, Michael Strahan, and advisor to 2024's #1 NFL Draft Pick Caleb Williams. President of Eastern Athletic Services and former President of The Sports Lawyers Association.

On the Board of the Foundation

Muffet McGraw, iconic Notre Dame women’s basketball coach, enriches Marvella Sports with 33 years of coaching excellence. A Naismith Hall of Famer, she led Notre Dame to two NCAA championships and nine Final Fours. McGraw’s dedication to empowering athletes aligns with Marvella’s mission to inspire leadership and teamwork. Her mentorship shapes programs that cultivate resilience and success, drawing from her 848–252 record. McGraw’s commitment to fostering confidence and discipline ensures Marvella’s initiatives empower young athletes to excel, both on and off the court, building a legacy of achievement.

On the Board of the Foundation

Dr. Karissa L. Niehoff, CEO of the National Federation of State High School Associations, leads Marvella with over 36 years as the NFHS’s first female chief executive. Her 33-year career in education includes roles as a teacher, coach, and athletic director, shaping her passion for youth sports. Niehoff’s initiatives promote inclusivity, fitness, and leadership, aligning with Marvella’s mission to empower athletes. Her strategic vision drives programs that foster healthy communities, ensuring young athletes develop resilience and teamwork. Niehoff’s advocacy strengthens Marvella’s commitment to inspiring the next generation through sports.

On The Board of The Foundation

Dr. Lindsay Weaver, Indiana’s State Health Commissioner, brings medical and public health expertise to Marvella. An emergency and palliative care physician, she serves as an adjunct professor at Indiana University School of Medicine. Her leadership in Indiana’s COVID-19 response and focus on athlete wellness inform Marvella’s health-driven sports programs. Weaver’s commitment to safety and community health ensures athletes thrive in supportive environments. Her strategic insights shape initiatives that promote physical and mental well-being, aligning with Marvella’s mission to empower young athletes through safe, inclusive sports experiences that foster growth and resilience.

Norm Wain is a seasoned business leader and sports and entertainment executive.  He previously served as the longtime Chief of Business & Legal Affairs for USATF, and as the Vice President - Corporate Legal Affairs for The Finish Line, Inc. Norm sits on the board of trustees for Safe Sport International, the board of directors for the Sports Lawyers Association, the governance commission for World Athletics, and also as chair of the Advisory Board for Law In Sport, based in the UK.

Wendy Clemens is an executive experienced professional who has been successful at leading strategic marketing, marketing communications and eCommerce efforts for a variety of companies. This includes several start-up companies and well as publicly traded Corporations. She has grown businesses in the B2B, B2C and DTC spaces with a particular aptitude for B2C start-up businesses.

Maria V. Tilley is an accomplished public relations, communications, and event planning executive. Currently, she serves as the Director of Parent & Community Engagement at Gilman School in Baltimore, Maryland, where she has significantly enhanced the school's parent relations and engagement programs since 2012. Throughout her career, Maria has held impactful roles, including Director of Public Relations at WMAR-TV and marketing and sales advisor for Casa Di Pasta, Inc. Maria holds a BA degree, Magna Cum Laude, from Towson University, and has extensive volunteer work with the Ed Block Courage Award Foundation. 

Mollie Marcoux Samaan, former LPGA Commissioner, elevates Marvella with her dynamic leadership in women’s athletics. During her tenure, she expanded the LPGA’s global reach, promoting inclusivity and athlete empowerment. A former All-Ivy League soccer and ice hockey player at Princeton, where she later served as athletic director, Samaan’s deep sports expertise fuels Marvella’s mission to inspire young athletes. Her strategic innovations and dedication to opportunity create impactful programs that nurture talent and leadership. Samaan’s vision ensures Marvella fosters resilience, teamwork, and excellence, empowering the next generation to achieve their full potential.

Beth Brooke, former Global Vice Chair of Public Policy at Ernst & Young and Aspen Institute Trustee, brings transformative leadership to Marvella. With decades of experience shaping global policy, she championed diversity, equity, and inclusion at EY, earning international recognition. Her strategic vision and advocacy for social impact align with Marvella’s mission to empower athletes and build stronger communities. As a trusted advisor to global leaders, Brooke’s expertise drives innovative, inclusive sports programs. Her commitment to mentoring young talent ensures Marvella inspires athletes to excel both on and off the field, fostering leadership and integrity.

CEO and President of House of 7, LLC, a sports advisory company with professional and amateur sports clients. Former CEO and President of Palace Sports and Entertainment where he oversaw Business Operations of the Detroit Pistons, The Palace of Auburn Hills, DTE Energy Music Theatre, Meadow Brook Amphitheatre, and Freedom Hill Amphitheatre.

Professor Jayma Meyer is a national expert in the field of women’s sports law. She built a distinguished litigation career at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett in antitrust and Title IX and now is immersed teaching sports law and public policy at the Indiana University Maurer School of Law and O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs.

Jayma serves on leading boards and councils in the women’s sports arena, including the Women’s Sports Foundation, Women’s Sports Network, FAIR Sports, Concussion Legacy Foundation, Sports Industry Council at the IU Kelley School of Business, and Sports Lawyers Association where she led Time for IX. She has been named multiple times a New York Super Lawyer.