Lester Bagley, Minnesota Vikings, EVP, Public Affairs and Stadium Development

Lester Bagley brings three decades of public affairs and communications experience to his current position. In his 12th year with the Vikings, he oversees the team’s PR, public affairs, community relations, and charitable giving.

Bagley was instrumental in securing support and financing for the $1.1 billion U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, which opened in 2016 and was the largest construction project in Minnesota history. He spearheaded the public discussion and advocacy for the stadium amid difficult political and economic conditions and then was part of the Vikings leadership team that designed and built the state-of-the-art facility.

In 2014, Bagley led the Vikings involvement in securing Super Bowl LII to be played at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4th, 2018. He currently serves on the Minnesota Super Bowl Host Committee’s Executive Board.

Currently, Bagley is involved in planning and designing the Vikings new headquarters in Eagan, MN, which was approved by the Eagan City Council on June 21. The new facility team will bring the entire Vikings organization under one roof and accentuate ownership’s desire to build a first-class atmosphere in pursuit of world championships.

In addition to leading Vikings communications and community relations, Bagley oversees the Vikings Children’s Fund and Youth Football Programs. The Vikings are one of the most active and community-engaged teams in the NFL, a key tenet of the organization.

Before joining the Vikings, Bagley operated Bagley Public Affairs, served as associate director of the Minnesota Business Partnership, and worked in public affairs and public relations in Washington, D.C.

Brad Baker, Minnesota United FC, Senior Director of Video Production

Brad Baker joined Minnesota United in 2013 as one of the first employees of the re-branded soccer franchise. He has been instrumental in helping the club elevate to Major League Soccer, via television broadcasts, daily video production, and marketing/branding projects. Baker is an Emmy-award winning producer, having previously worked in the NFL and SEC.

Joe Cirincione, Evertz, VP, Sales, Sports and Entertainment

A television industry veteran of 44 years, Joseph Cirincione boasts a remarkable knowledge of broadcast and sporting events with an unparalleled view of the marketplace. His extensive knowledge as an industry leader comes from working in every area of television facilities, from editing to engineering and beyond.

His recent productions are among the most high-profile sporting events to date: Super Bowl 2014–2017, the MLB World Series, Pro Bowl 2015, PGA Golf, the Daytona 500, the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs, Showtime Boxing, MLB and NBA instant replay systems, and more. He earned an Emmy Award for his work on the 2014 Sochi Olympics broadcast, and was involved in pioneering 8K shoots for the 2016 MLB World Series and Super Bowl LI in 2017.

Cirincione has also been involved with rebuilding sports venues around the U.S., including the infrastructure for the University of Phoenix Stadium, Lincoln Financial Field, Soldier Field, Levi’s Stadium, and many more. He holds a degree from the State University of NY (SUNY) at Alford and currently resides in Scottsdale, AZ with his wife Brenda.

Brandon Costa, SVG, Director, SVG Digital

Brandon Costa is senior editor for the Sports Video Group, where he covers college sports broadcasting and technology. He also writes on various sports production topics ranging from mobile live production trends to future technologies, including 4K. As program director of the SVG College Sports Summit, Costa assists in the design and execution of the summit’s itinerary.

Prior to his time at SVG, Costa spent five years hosting programs, producing voiceovers, and writing editorial content for MLB Advanced Media in NYC. He has also served as community sports editor at the Asbury Park Press in Neptune, NJ. He began his career at WRHU Radio in Hempstead, NY as a sportscaster. A native of Hazlet, NJ, Costa is a graduate of Hofstra University. He currently resides in Jersey City, NJ. 

Jason Dachman, SVG, Chief Editor

Jason Dachman oversees all aspects of SVG’s North American editorial operations, including the thrice-weekly SVG Insider newsletter and SVG’s annual print publications. A member of the SVG team since 2009, Dachman also serves as program director for SVG’s Sports Asset Management & Storage (SAMS) Forum, Sports Graphics Forum, and TranSPORT event. Prior to joining SVG, he spent three years covering local sports for The Patriot Ledger in Quincy, MA, and spent two years on the production staff of SiriusXM Satellite Radio’s The Ron & Fez Show. Dachman began his career in the Sports Information Department at Northeastern University in Boston, where he also earned a BA in media communications and cinema studies. A native of Denver, Colorado, Dachman currently resides in Brooklyn, New York.

Mike DesRoches, Sony Electronics, Senior Sales Support Engineer

Currently supporting all 4K, XDCAM-related, and NXCAM products for Sony, Mike DesRoches has been an active support resource to the broadcast and production community for 19 years. He has focused on educating the masses as to what solutions are out there and what to consider before purchasing equipment and/or starting a production. Working directly with production companies, news stations, sports teams, corporations, and individuals, DesRoches has facilitated their daunting migrations from SD to HD and/or from tape-based to file-based workflows. Now, with 4K being the next mountain organizations and individuals are looking to climb, he is once again taking the same approach to properly educating the masses about what to expect so they can make the best decision for their own particular needs.

Eli Garten, VITEC, VP, IPTV and Enterprise Video Solutions

Eli Garten serves as VITEC’s VP of IPTV and enterprise video solutions. With over 15 years of experience in the design, development, product management, and deployments of video compression and streaming solutions, Garten has been a key evangelist for the use of IPTV technologies in various sectors including the enterprise, government, sports, and entertainment markets.

In his current role at VITEC, Garten develops the technology road mapping and strategic planning for the company’s end-to-end IPTV and video streaming technologies. Prior to VITEC, he held engineering and executive management positions at Optibase during which he incepted the EZ TV and FITIS IPTV platforms which later became the most deployed enterprise-grade IPTV distribution systems in North America.

Garten holds a B.A. in computer science from the Interdisciplinary Center (IDC) in Herzliya, Israel and a master’s in business administration from the California State University, Monterey Bay.

Sam Henschen, Minnesota Twins, Director of Twins Production

Sam Henschen joined the Minnesota Twins in 2006 as a gameday event producer, a role he continues today. In his current role as director of Twins production, which he has held since 2015, Henschen‘s team executes all in-game elements at Target Field including video board, ribbon boards, concourse monitors, audio, music, and event production. His team also handles all non-baseball event A/V needs all year round, and manages the content at their Spring Training ballpark in Florida.

Brea Hinegardner, Minnesota Twins, Digital Communications Specialist

Brea Hinegardner is entering her third season as the digital communications specialist with the Minnesota Twins. Her responsibilities include managing the club’s social media platforms, website, and email communications. Prior to moving to Minneapolis, she was the new media Intern for the Washington Nationals. Hinegardner went to Bridgewater College in Virginia, where she studied business administration and art and played softball.

Karen Hogan Ketchum, SVG, Senior Editor

Joining the SVG team in 2011, Karen Hogan Ketchum focuses on the venue industry while also reporting on a variety of sports-production and technology topics as senior editor. She oversees SVG’s print publications and drives the company’s Venue Initiative, coordinating the program for the Sports Venue Production Summit and Venue Production Seminars and serving as editor for SVG’s annual Venue Production Journal. In addition, Hogan Ketchum is the director of the Women’s Sports Media Initiative.

Hogan Ketchum began her career in sports at Fordham University with WFUV Sports, serving as supervising producer of “One on One,” WFUV Sports’ weekly call-in show. After graduating in 2009, Hogan Ketchum spent the 2009-10 season in the public relations department of the Trenton Devils (ECHL) before taking on a freelance copy editor assignment with Professional Sports Publications. A New Jersey native, she currently resides in Brooklyn, NY.

Ken Kerschbaumer, SVG, Executive Director, Editorial Services

Ken Kerschbaumer is executive director of editorial services for the Sports Video Group and SVG Europe. He was a co-founder of SVG along with Paul Gallo and Marty Porter in 2005 and has been writing about how sports networks and leagues use video and audio technology to deliver a quality TV experience since 1991. Kerschbaumer began his career in 1991 at Television Broadcast magazine before joining Cahners where he was founding editor of Digital Broadcasting magazine. In 2000, he joined Broadcasting & Cable magazine as senior editor of technology where he covered all aspects of broadcasting, cable, and Internet content creation and distribution.

Joel Larsen, University of Minnesota, Live Production Operations Manager, Gopher Athletics

John Maher, Minnesota Wild, VP, Brand Content and Communications

John Maher is in his 10th season as vice president of brand content and communications for the National Hockey League’s Minnesota Wild. In this role, Maher leads the management of brand, creative, and content production efforts, as well as supervising staff responsible for game presentation, events, publications, Minnesota Sports & Entertainment (MSE) Creative Services, and corporate communications. The marketing group works closely with the marketing intelligence, ticket sales, and fan relations groups to target and attain sales objectives. Maher also oversees the team’s Broadcast Department.

Maher joined the organization in July of 2000 as director of production services and was first tasked with building the creative and technical capabilities needed to launch all elements of the Wild’s Inaugural Season game and event presentation at Xcel Energy Center. He was named senior director of creative services in 2002 and senior director of marketing in 2005. In 2004, he coordinated MSE’s launch of the Minnesota Swarm in the National Lacrosse League (NLL) and was named NLL Marketing Executive of the Year in 2005.

Maher is also active in community and volunteer roles, serving on the Saint Paul Police Foundation Board of Directors from 2013 thru 2015. He is currently on the Board of Directors of the University of Minnesota School of Journalism and Mass Communications Alumni Society.

Prior to joining the Wild, Maher worked in a variety of event management and game presentation roles for Twin Cities-based teams, including the Minnesota North Stars, Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Twins, Juntunen Media/Minnesota Timberwolves, and University of Minnesota Men’s Athletics.

Maher is a 1984 graduate of the University of Minnesota, School of Journalism. A Bloomington, MN native, Maher and his wife, Linda, have two adult sons, Joe and Andrew, and an adult daughter, Lindsay. The family resides in Saint Paul, MN.

Ryan Maus, University of Minnesota Athletics, Director of Digital Production

Ryan Nowak, Green Bay Packers, Technology Systems Engineer

Ryan Nowak is a technology systems engineer at the Green Bay Packers. With over 10 years at the Packers, Nowak has experience in a variety of technologies. He is responsible for the digital signage, digital asset management, IPTV, A/V, and security surveillance systems at Lambeau Field and other managed properties. Nowak has been working with IPTV for over five years and has gained in-depth knowledge of the hardware, software, and management required to build and maintain a dependable infrastructure.

John Penhollow, Minnesota Vikings, VP, Corporate and Technology Partnerships

John Penhollow is currently in his 12^th NFL Season, 5^th with the Minnesota Vikings as vice president of corporate and technology partnerships. Penhollow leads the strategy, design, development, sales, negotiations, and execution of the U.S. Bank Stadium and Minnesota Vikings corporate partnerships and suite sales efforts. In addition, Penhollow led the organization’s effort to integrate technology and infrastructure into the stadium’s design to enhance the fan experience and maximize corporate partnership revenue.

Prior to joining the Vikings, Penhollow was vice president of corporate sales and service for the Cleveland Browns, where he led all aspects of revenue generation for corporate sales, sponsorship, media sales, suite sales, and hospitality. Prior to his work in Cleveland, he held senior level sales and management positions with the National Basketball Association, Miami Dolphins, and New York Yankees, where he led the corporate partnership sales for the New Yankee Stadium development.

A native of Jamestown, New York, Penhollow earned his bachelor’s degree at Kent State University and his master’s at Canisius College. Penhollow and his wife, Meredith, who holds her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Kent State University, have three children – Grace, Scarlett, and Walker. The Penhollow family resides in Chanhassen, Minnesota.

HJ Rorke, Timecode Systems, Director of Sales, North America

HJ Rorke has over 20+ years of executive management experience across multiple disciplines including sales, business development, strategic alliances, and marketing. This is underpinned with a strong background in media and entertainment industry workflows with regard to technology infrastructure from capture and acquisition to post production and playout, then to archive and content repurposing. Rorke was previously a founder of Rorke Data, a global data storage solution provider to the post production industry. He is now the North America sales director for Timecode Systems.

Joe Schulte, Daktronics, Senior Engineer and Product Owner, Digital Media Players and Live Event Systems

Joe Schulte is a senior engineer and product owner for Daktronics where he has worked for 32 years. Currently, he manages the Digital Media Player and the Live Events Systems developments where he works to create a roadmap of features that match the needs of the wide variety of customers. As part of his role, he works with integrating Daktronics players and video processors so they integrate with each other and other systems.

Schulte has also worked as an applications engineer where he helped customers integrate their systems with Daktronics control systems. Previously, he was the product manager for the Venus 7000 control system that has served Daktronics customers for over 20 years. He was also involved with nine Olympic projects, the Indy 500, the PGA Tour scoring system, and spectaculars in numerous cities including New York, Las Vegas, and London.

Before becoming a development manager, Schulte had worked as both a hardware and software development engineer. He received a B.S. in electrical engineering from South Dakota State University where he also received minors in computer science and math. Schulte resides with his family in Brookings, South Dakota.

Steve Serfling, Van Wagner Sports & Entertainment, Director of Technology Services

Steve Serfling is a sports venue technology expert and industry veteran. In his current role as director of technology services at Van Wagner Sports & Entertainment, he specializes in high profile event production, broadcast control room design, audio and data integration, and venue infrastructure, all while focusing on the fan experience. His prior experiences include time with Daktronics, the National Hockey League, and Corning Optical Communications. Serfling’s most recent projects have included U.S. Bank Stadium (Minnesota Vikings), SunTrust Park (Atlanta Braves), and Little Caesar’s Arena (Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Pistons). He has also provided support for large events, such as the College Football National Championships, Super Bowls, NFL Drafts, and the NFL International Series games held in London and Mexico City.

John Shike, Snell Advanced Media (SAM), VP, Business Development, Americas

John Shike is the vice president of business development at SAM, where he led the U.S. introduction of the Kahuna production switcher and other key products. He has over 25 years of experience in the TV/ entertainment equipment industry. Shike has held management positions in sales, marketing, and business development at companies including CMX, Aurora, Chyron, Spruce Technologies, and Snell & Wilcox. As a former board member of AMWA, he helped evangelize MXF as an industry standard. Today, as a member of SVG, SBE, HPA, SMPTE, and VSF, Shike is promoting open standards for studio video over IP, such as TR-03.

James Stellpflug, EVS, VP, Product Marketing

James Stellpflug has more than two decades of industry experience including facility design and integration, mobile satellite communication, and mobile TV production. In his roles, he has overseen several major technology transitions, including migrations from analog to digital, SD to HD, and more recently from linear to cloud and VOD distribution. Stellpflug has designed and operated production trucks, as well as consulted on developments of early NLE news editing platforms. He has been with EVS Broadcast Equipment since 2000, serving in various roles from technical operations management and program management to his current role as global VP of product marketing.

During his tenure with EVS, Stellpflug has been involved with teams that have earned awards including a Technical Emmy for EVS Super Motion systems, as well as a Sports Emmy for involvement in Olympics coverage. Stellpflug holds a bachelor of science degree in broadcast technology management (engineering emphasis) from the University of Wisconsin – Platteville, and is a member of SMPTE, SBE, and PMI.

Alan Tanielian, Fujinon Optical Devices, Regional Sales Manager

Alan Tanielian has been using his optical expertise for the past 18+ years as the regional sales manager with Fujinon and the Fujifilm Optical Devices Division. He has been fortunate with vast and numerous achievements in the sports and entertainment industry. Tanielian’s accomplishments are in part due to the 30+ years of broadcast industry experience that he brings to his customers, as well as his success with individual projects.

Tanielian is respected as an industry leader. He is experienced in providing consultative leadership and knowledge to his clientele. Tanielian is also an effective communicator, but that is only one element that has contributed to his ability to build long and successful business relationships. Many of his customers consider him a friend.

Jeff Volk, Alpha Video, Vice President

Jeff Volk is the vice president of Alpha Video and the founding officer/director of the Alpha Video Sports & Entertainment Group. With 25 years of industry experience, 22 at Alpha Video, Volk has overseen the negotiation and installation of over 60 major sports venue technology integrations including control rooms, broadcast infrastructure, AV systems, and IPTV/digital signage solutions. Recent projects include the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV, the Target Center Renovation in Minneapolis, MN, and U.S. Bank Stadium, one of the most technologically advanced sports venues in the world, home of the Minnesota Vikings, Super Bowl LII, and the 2019 NCAA Final Four. Volk uses his knowledge of technology, fan engagement, and team ROI to create technology environments that help better engage fans and drive revenue.

Allan Wertheimer, Minnesota Vikings, Senior Manager, Production

Allan Wertheimer is entering his second season as the senior manager of video production for the Minnesota Vikings. In this role, he oversees all video production for home games, including a game-day staff of more than 50 audio and video technicians in the control room of U.S. Bank Stadium.

Wertheimer most enjoys this role because of the opportunity to interact with the crowd and enhance the in-game experience for fans. This task is helped with the state-of-the-art technology at U.S. Bank Stadium, which features more than 25,000 square feet of 13-HD video and ribbon boards.

Wertheimer joined the Vikings in 2010 as a video production coordinator. Prior to that, he worked with the Fort Wayne TinCaps (2009-10), the affiliate of the San Diego Padres, and the Great Lakes Loons (2007-08) of the Los Angeles Dodgers. His experience also includes working for WNEM TV-5 in Saginaw, Michigan and WILX TV-10 in Lansing, Michigan.

A native of Farmington Hills, Michigan, Wertheimer attended the Specs Howard School of Media Arts (2004) and earned his bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan (2008), majoring in broadcasting and cinematic arts with a minor in journalism.

Tadd Wilson, U.S. Bank Stadium, Broadcast Operations Manager

Tadd Wilson is in his second year with SMG serving as the broadcast operations manager of U.S. Bank Stadium. In this role, he oversees all broadcast technology including the video production control room, LED displays, interfacing with local and national broadcasters, and the A/V technology in premium spaces. The inaugural year of U.S. Bank Stadium has been a huge success and Wilson has contributed to that by overseeing the final stages of the technology installations, recruiting team members, and working directly with promoters to carry out events.

Prior to joining SMG, Wilson worked in Athletics at the University of Minnesota. While there, he was a part of the team that launched TCF Bank Stadium and helped found Gopher Digital Productions. Wilson has also worked for Daktronics, integrating control systems at professional venues all around the world.

A native of Portage, WI, Wilson graduated from Bethel University and resides with his family in Blaine, MN.