SPARKS, Md. — USA Lacrosse has recently hired three new individuals in executive roles for the organization. Joining the organization are Kiernan Prechtl Schindler as vice president, commercial partnerships and ventures; Brian Silcott as vice president, sport growth and development; and Ellen Zavian as general counsel.
Schindler spent the last 11 years working for the LPGA, first as director of the LPGA Foundation and more recently as senior director, business development and corporate partnerships. Her previous roles include corporate sales director for Hearst Magazines and advertising manager for Sports Illustrated. A former golfer at Wake Forest University, she played professional golf for four years, including two years on the LPGA tour.
Silcott will be entering his second stint on the USA Lacrosse team. He was the men’s games director from 2011-12 and has also served in a volunteer capacity on the organization’s Board of Directors. A two-time All-American player at Nazareth and professional player with Major League Lacrosse (MLL) and the National Lacrosse League (NLL), Silcott has served in numerous roles within the sport, including head of player relations for the Premier Lacrosse League, executive VP of the Portland LumberJax (NLL) and head coach of the San Francisco Dragons (MLL).
Zavian is the first in-house general counsel in the organization’s history. An entrepreneur with a diverse background in the sports industry, Zavian serves as a Professorial Lecturer at George Washington Law and George Washington University. Zavian is a graduate of the University of Maryland and received her law degree from American University. While attending law school she began an internship with the National Football League Players Association, ultimately becoming the first female attorney/agent in the NFL. She has also represented the U.S. women’s soccer and softball teams, collectively, was the coordinator for the NFLPA’s Native American project, is a nationally recognized journalist, and a court expert in licensing/sports agreements.
In addition to the new hires, USA Lacrosse has announced a new role and several promotions among its senior staff.
Ann Kitt Carpenetti is moving into the newly created role of vice president, national teams, safety and high performance. Earning promotions were Caitlin Kelley to senior director, sports administration; Steve Kirr to senior director, regional development; Eboni Preston Laurent to senior director, diversity, equity, inclusion and opportunity; Cara Morris to senior vice president and CFO; Jonathan Rodak to senior director, development; and Karen Krupka Smith to vice president, marketing and membership.
USA Lacrosse has also welcomed several other new team members recently: McKenna Blick (member experience specialist), Mark Davis (project manager), Katharina Elberti (coordinator, national teams), Marty Joyner (manager, men’s officials development), Leila Kouakou (coordinator, Foundation), Marisa Sergio (regional sales coordinator) and Carolyn Younce (senior manager, annual giving).
