Arena’s founders have decades of combined experience in intercollegiate athletics. They specialize in media relations, strategic communications planning and digital marketing.
Chris Davey
Chris Davey has 30 years of experience in media, government, higher education and consulting services. Davey was Senior Associate Vice President for The Ohio State University for seven years, where he served as the chief spokesman and media strategist.
For 11 years, he was the Chief Communications Officer for the Supreme Court of Ohio where he served as a senior advisor and speechwriter for the Chief Justice. Davey previously was the chief spokesman for the Ohio Attorney General and covered politics for the Cincinnati Enquirer and the Dayton Daily News.
Jim Lynch
Jim Lynch has 30 years of experience in media relations, government, and higher education. He served as chief spokesperson for The Ohio State University for seven years, where he worked alongside the athletic director and athletics department on all major publicity and brand reputation efforts.
As a senior member of the university’s communications team, he represented the university on major NCAA athletic matters and trademark and licensing issues. Jim helps universities generate media coverage to enhance their brand reputations.
Carlo LoParo
Carlo LoParo is a public relations professional with more than 27 years of hands-on experience. He is accomplished in media relations, strategic message development, crisis communications and event planning.
Carlo has advised on communications initiatives for several well-known brands, including Amazon, Tesla Motors and Pew Charitable Trusts. He is also a crisis communications presenter for legal, corporate and academic audiences.
Steve Neil
Steve Neil is a Business and Athletic Administration professional with over 25 years of experience in building and growing successful business lines for organizations. His expertise includes Administration, Revenue Development, Licensing, Media, Marketing, Merchandise and Event Management.
He also has extensive experience in Diversity Equity and Inclusion, Leadership, Community Relations, Workforce Development and Sport Health and Safety.
Kevin Bingle
Kevin is the founder of multiple successful digital marketing agencies for political campaigns, non-profits, companies and issue advocacy organizations. With more than 15 years of experience, he has advised national organizations about digital marketing and fundraising strategy.
He is also an industry expert in marketing, branding, creative, advertising, fundraising, data analytics, web design, email marketing and social media strategy.
Strategic Partner
Roger Ingles
Roger Ingles is CEO of Executive Management Partners. He has over 35 years of experience in college athletics having served as a highly successful coach and athletic administrator. He has experience coaching at both Division I and III levels. Ingles was Commissioner / President of the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League for seven years and served as athletic director at Ohio Wesleyan University and Capital University for a combined 15 years.
Roger has coached both men and women’s teams to conference championships at the collegiate level in football, women’s basketball, and baseball. He developed a division III national powerhouse in baseball. He has worked collaboratively with professional sports organizations in baseball and lacrosse. Ingles served as chair of the North Coast Athletic Conference for seven consecutive years working closely with the conference Presidents.
Today, Roger works with colleges and universities on building team effectiveness, NIL compliance, enrollment and retention, revenue generation and master and strategic planning projects.