🏆Leading Corporate Partnerships in the NHL

Finding His Way into Sports

After graduating from James Madison University, Keith knew he wanted to work in sports. After initially thinking about becoming a player agent, he took an old-school approach instead – hundreds of cold calls and emails to teams nationwide, searching for a way in. His persistence paid off with a role at a boutique sports marketing agency, where he gained hands-on experience in sponsorships, content marketing, and athlete representation, building a foundation that would shape his career. From there, he transitioned to the team and property side, starting in sponsorships at the University of Maryland before moving into professional sports. His next stop was D.C. United in Major League Soccer, where he managed corporate partnerships, exposing him to larger deals and the pro landscape. He then joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, handling high-profile sponsorships in the NFL.

But Keith’s path wasn’t a straight line. He stepped outside sports to build a sponsorship portfolio for the Tampa Zoo, applying his skills in a new setting in the nonprofit space. Just as he was considering a different direction, a call from a former boss led him to the Golden Knights, an expansion franchise offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. What began as a short-term venture has turned into a seven-year tenure in Vegas, where he now leads the organization’s entire partnerships department.

What Separates the Best

Having worked across multiple teams and leagues, Keith has seen what sets the top performers apart. The number one trait? A high motor. “In sports, we move fast. We have a lot going on, and we’re lean organizations. You need the energy and drive to keep up,” he says. The Golden Knights don’t just operate an NHL team – they run multiple businesses, including minor league teams, community facilities, and more. With 45+ home games and countless events, the workload is relentless. Those who thrive don’t just work hard – they embrace the grind every day.

But effort alone isn’t enough. Keith values resilience, especially in revenue-driven roles where rejection is constant. “It takes a lot of no’s to get to a yes. You have to stay optimistic and not let setbacks weigh you down.” In sponsorship sales, that might mean calling 100 potential partners just to land one deal. The final key to success? Relationship-building. “The best in this business have a natural ability to connect with others,” he explains. Whether it’s sponsors, suite holders, vendors, or season ticket holders, trust and rapport are essential. In an industry where opportunities often come through networks, being a connector isn’t just helpful – it’s critical.

Slow Down to Speed Up

Early in his career, Keith was all gas, no brakes. He wanted to climb the ladder as fast as possible. “I was going 110 miles an hour, trying to be successful,” he says. But over time, he realized that a lasting career isn’t about rushing through chapters, it’s about growing within them.

“Rome wasn’t built in a day,” he reflects. “Sometimes patience really is a virtue.” He learned that while ambition is important, so is zooming out to see the bigger picture. Success isn’t just about moving up; it’s about learning from strong leaders and appreciating the journey. “If you’re in a good place, with good people, sometimes it’s okay to just sit there and say, ‘This is where I need to be right now.’”

The Fabric of a Community

For Keith, working in sports is more than a career – it’s about being part of something bigger. Sports bring people together, creating a shared sense of pride and belonging. “Sports is almost religious in a sense,” he says. “It’s a passion point for people, something they wake up and care about.” Beyond the wins and losses, teams have a tangible impact on their communities. Keith takes pride in knowing his work helps create moments that matter – whether it’s an electric game night or a community initiative that leaves a lasting mark. From building playgrounds to funding local charities, the Golden Knights play a central role in giving back, and that sense of purpose keeps him motivated.

While sports and community fuel his passion, his biggest motivation comes from home. As a father to a four-year-old daughter with another child on the way, every decision he makes is rooted in providing for his family – not just financially, but as an example of chasing what you love. Balancing a demanding career with family life isn’t easy, but for Keith, it’s worth it. The long hours, the relentless hustle, the high stakes – it’s all part of building something meaningful. And at the end of the day, whether in the office or at home, his purpose remains the same: to create something that lasts, make an impact on his community, and leave a legacy his family can be proud of.

Join our community! We connect you with sports industry leaders for career advice.

Subscribe to Premium to read the rest.