Steve Adams
NCHSAA Football Official,
Metrolina Football Officials Association
Steven Adams stands as a seasoned figure in the realm of high school football officiating, bringing 19 seasons of expertise to the field for the Metrolina Football Officials Association. Over the course of his officiating journey, Adams has made significant contributions, showcasing versatility and leadership in various roles.
19 seasons of Officiating High School Varsity Football
12 years as a Referee
7 years as a Head Linesman
4 Quarterfinal games
2 Semi-Final games
2 State Championship games
Off the field, Adams remains an active and integral part of the Metrolina Football Officials Association, contributing to the growth and development of officiating in the local community. With a track record marked by leadership, experience, and a genuine passion for the game, Steven Adams stands as a respected and influential figure in high school football officiating.
Seth Bennett
Chief Marketing Officer,
Hornets Sports & Entertainment
Entering his 18th season with the organization in 2023-24, Seth Bennett is Chief Marketing Officer for Hornets Sports & Entertainment. In this role, he leads the team’s marketing strategy and brand identity, as well as managing areas including marketing and advertising, campaigns and activations, creative services, youth programs, fan development, event and game presentations, technical operations, retail, and team ambassadors. Bennett is also responsible for supporting the business operations of the Greensboro Swarm, the organization’s NBA G League affiliate that began play in 2016 and is a member of the G League Board of Governors.
Since initially joining the franchise in September 2006, Bennett’s responsibilities have included managing the team’s broadcast relationships with TV partner Bally Sports (formerly Fox Sports) and flagship radio station WFNZ, the selection and scheduling of regional preseason games across North and South Carolina and the revamping of the team’s game presentation, as well as the redesign of the team store and the introduction of exclusive co-branded Jordan Brand apparel into the store’s inventory. He also served as one of the franchise’s primary leaders in the 2014 rebranding to the Charlotte Hornets, managing all aspects of the process on a day-to-day basis.
Bennett has more than 25 years of experience in a variety of areas across sports and entertainment. As owner and founding principal of The Event Authority, he produced over 400 live events for various college and high school athletic programs and entertainment entities. That list includes nine HBCU Football Classics, the Jordan Brand Classic high school basketball all-star game, the HoopTee Celebrity Golf Classic, and the corporate entertainment for the PGA Tour FBR Open in Phoenix.
He also spent eight years working in NCAA Division I athletics. Bennett earned his bachelor’s degree in public relations in 1993 from North Carolina A&T State University, where he played football for the Aggies. He is a member of the PBS North Carolina Board of Trustees, the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance Board of Trustees, and the First Tee of Greater Charlotte Board of Directors.
Previously he served on the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Carolinas Board of Directors, the North Carolina A&T State University Board of Visitors, and the University of North Carolina Frank Hawkins Kenan Institute Board of Advisors. Bennett and his wife, Michelle, have one son, Seth Michael.
Jacob Gallant
Cross County Athlete,
UNC Charlotte
As a Redshirt Sophomore in 2022-2023, Jacob excelled in cross country and indoor/outdoor track. Notable achievements include top finishes at the Joe Piane ND Invitational, C-USA Indoor Championships, and a personal best in the 1,500m. His efforts earned him a spot on the 2023 C-USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll.
In his Redshirt Freshman year (2021-2022), Jacob set personal bests in cross country and made a mark in indoor and outdoor track, securing a fifth-place finish in the 1,500m at the High Point Meet of Champions.
During his Freshman year (2020-2021), Jacob played a pivotal role in the cross country team’s conference title win and their historic national championship appearance. In track, he set personal records and earned accolades both indoors and outdoors.
Jacob’s high school achievements at Mount Tabor High School, including being a two-time XC Conference Runner of the Year, laid the foundation for his success.
Born on September 23, 2002, Jacob is the son of Trayvass and Michelle Gallant. Majoring in biology, he balances academic excellence with his passion for sports. Jacob’s diverse talents make him a valuable contributor to the Student-Athlete Panel, bringing a wealth of experiences and insights to the Leadership Summit.
Crystal L. Hill, Ed.D.
Chief of Staff,
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
Crystal L. Hill, Ed.D., served as chief of staff for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools since May 2022. In that role, she oversaw the Office of Strategy Management and Title IX and was responsible for the management of the superintendent’s cabinet operations. She also served as the chief adviser to the superintendent and the liaison between the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education and the cabinet.
Prior to joining CMS, she served as chief academic officer for Cabarrus County Schools, where she led the district in achieving the highest level of academic performance in history.
She began her 25-year career in education as a first-grade teacher in Guilford County Schools. Following, Hill served in various roles including assistant principal, principal and as executive director of elementary education and federal programs in Mooresville Graded School District; curriculum coordinator in Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools; and personnel director in Cabarrus.
She currently serves on the Leading on Opportunity Council and, in 2020, co-chaired the North Carolina State Board of Education Literacy Task Force.
Dr. Hill earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in instructional technology, both from North Carolina A&T State University. She also earned a doctorate in educational leadership from Gardner-Webb University.
Gunner Hogston
Student-Athlete
Gunner is a rising star in both cross country and track and field, showcasing impressive performances. He’s made his mark in cross country with personal records and standout finishes. His dedication and perseverance are evident as he consistently pushes himself to new heights.
Transitioning to the indoor track, Gunner has proven himself a formidable competitor, contributing to his team’s success with standout performances in various events. Notably, he played a crucial role in the Distance Medley Relay team’s achievement at the C-USA Indoor Championships, earning Third Team All-Conference honors.
Gunner continues to shine outdoors, particularly in the demanding 3,000m Steeplechase event, where he secured Second Team All-Conference honors with an impressive finish at the C-USA Outdoor Championships. His versatility and determination are further highlighted by his success in the 5,000m and 1,500m events, where he consistently sets personal bests and clinches victories.
Off the field, Gunner’s commitment to academic excellence is commendable, as evidenced by his recognition as a C-USA Commissioner’s Academic Medal recipient and his inclusion on the Commissioner’s Honor Roll.
With a strong foundation laid during his high school years, where he earned recognition as the 2019 Most Valuable Track Athlete at Marvin Ridge High School, Gunner is poised for continued success and growth in his athletic journey.
Mike Kelly
Student-Athlete
Mike is a dynamic force both on and off the field, currently serving on the Student-Athlete Panel at the Leadership Summit. In the 2019 season, he showcased his potential in four games, contributing three tackles. Despite the challenges of the 2020 pandemic-shortened season, Mike participated in all six games, displaying resilience.
The 2021 season marked a turning point for Mike as he took on starting duties in the last five games, excelling as a defensive end. Playing in all 12 games, he accumulated 24 tackles with 1.5 tackles for loss (TFL), demonstrating his impact in crucial moments. Academic excellence is also a part of Mike’s journey, earning him a spot on the 2020 C-USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll and the Athletics Director’s List in Spring 2021. Majoring in exercise science, Mike exemplifies a balance between sports and academics.
Mike’s football journey began at Graham, where he stood out as a two-star recruit and earned recognition as a Top 100 prospect in North Carolina. As a three-time all-conference choice, he displayed leadership as a two-time captain. Born on October 26, 2000, Mike credits his success to the support of his mother, Angela Lawson, and his grandmother, Ruthie Bynum. With two siblings, Chris and Jalen Kelly, Mike maintains a place on the A-B Honor Roll.
In addition to his athletic and academic achievements, Mike enjoys reading, showcasing his diverse interests. As a valued member of the Student-Athlete Panel, Mike’s experiences and insights are sure to inspire those around him.
Kaitlyn Livingston
Student-Athlete
Jeff Nance
Football Official
Jeff Nance is a dedicated official with a passion for high school sports. Twelve years ago, he embarked on his journey into officiating, drawn by his deep love for football. Jeff’s transition from coaching to officiating occurred when his son began playing middle school football, sparking his interest in the game from a different perspective.
In his officiating career, Jeff’s versatility shines through. After his initial years in high school football officiating, he expanded his horizons by officiating Girls’ Lacrosse and Field Hockey for three years, demonstrating his adaptability and willingness to contribute across multiple sports.
Jeff elevated his officiating experience three years ago by stepping onto the college level, further honing his skills and knowledge of the game. For Jeff, officiating isn’t just about enforcing rules; it’s about teamwork and collaboration. He thrives on working with his crew towards a common goal: to be prepared and perform at their best on the field.
Jeff’s journey in officiating exemplifies his commitment to the sports community and his desire to contribute to the game he loves. With each game, he brings a wealth of experience, dedication, and a genuine love for the sport.
Chad Nugen
Senior VP & Relationship Manager,
Commerce Banking at Bank of America
Chad Nugen is a Senior Vice President and Relationship Manager for the Charlotte, NC market in Commercial Banking at Bank of America. In this capacity, his responsibilities include leading a team of specialists focused on understanding each client’s unique needs to deliver strategic financial guidance and solutions. Chad’s mission is to help local companies thrive by achieving their business goals, whether simple or complex.
Bringing seven years of experience, Chad joined Bank of America in 2022. He began his banking career at KeyBank, where he was most recently a vice president relationship manager in Columbus, Ohio. Throughout his banking career, Chad has served mid-sized companies throughout the region area to support their commercial banking needs.
To help create a more sustainable future for the companies and communities he serves, Chad volunteers with several not-for-profit organizations focused on developing high school athletes on the 5 Ps of success (Perseverance, Passion, Positivity, People, and Presence).
Originally from Columbus, OH, Chad graduated with a bachelor’s in Business Administration, Summa Cum Laude from Kent State University with a major in finance and a minor in economics. He currently resides in Charlotte, NC, and enjoys recreational sports, reading, hiking, and spending time with loved ones.
COMMUNITY
Habitat for Humanity Young Professionals | Vice Chair
Handshake America | Regional Leader
Charlotte Region Business Alliance Young Professionals | Member
Future Leaders of Charlotte | Member
Omari Pearson
Founder,
Passion to Purpose, LLC Founder & President
Omari Pearson has become a sought-after leader in education-driven life skills and mentoring. As an author, speaker, and consultant, he seeks to empower a generation with direction to attain their life goals through education and mentoring. He is the Founder and President to Purpose, an education-driven life-skills and mentoring company that equips middle school, high school, and college students with the necessary knowledge to empower themselves to be effective and productive members of society.
Omari serves as a consultant and trainer to the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), several state high school athletic and activity associations including Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Connecticut, Hawaii, South Carolina, and North Carolina. Being based in the Washington, DC area, Omari works with Montgomery County Public Schools, Baltimore City Public Schools, and Baltimore County Public Schools. Collegiately, he works with Morgan State University and Howard University. Additionally, he works with several CUNY Colleges including: Medgar Evers College, Brooklyn College, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, and New York City College of Technology.
Eric Rainey
Founder & Co-Owner,
A.C.E. Sports Academy
Eric Rainey is the founder and Co-Owner of the A.C.E. Sports Academy. A company committed to creating a generation of true student-athletes. The A.C.E. Sports Academy, LLC, harnesses the captivating power of sports to produce impactful and sustainable academic, social, emotional, and behavioral outcomes for young people.
Eric has been in the Education and Child Care space for over 30 years, holding various positions such as camp counselor, Director of Teen Camps, Physical Education Teacher, Athletic Director, and Graduation Coach. Eric also coached high school football for 23 years, 6 of those as the Head Coach at Southwest Guilford High School in High Point, NC. Eric has his undergraduate degree in Physical Education with a minor in Mass Communication, a Masters Degree in Instructional Technology, and a Graduate Certificate in Restorative Practices.
Perry Robinson
Football Official,
Pop Warner, high school & college
Perry Robinson is a seasoned football official with a remarkable 12-year tenure in the field. His expertise extends across various levels, including middle school, Pop Warner, and high school (JV and Varsity) games. Perry’s dedication and proficiency in officiating were recognized when he served as an official for the NCHSAA 2A State Championship in 2017. Furthermore, he continued to make significant contributions to the sport by officiating as the referee for the NCISAA Div 2 State Championship in 2023.
Venturing into the college football arena, Perry is currently in his fourth year as an official at the Division 3 level. He has been actively involved with the ODAC/USA South, showcasing his commitment to maintaining the integrity of the game at higher education institutions. Perry Robinson’s extensive experience and passion for football officiating have undoubtedly left a lasting impact on the sports community at various levels.
As an educational trainer & consultant, he transforms schools, businesses and communities.
Nate Salley
Former NFL Player
Nate Salley is a proud husband, father, and entrepreneur who has been blessed to experience success as a college football player at Ohio State University and in the NFL as a member of the Carolina Panthers. He and his wife Jasmin are natives of Fort Lauderdale, FL, and currently reside in Fort Mill, SC, with their 3 wonderful children, Brooklyn, Nate III, and Journee.
After suffering multiple knee injuries during his 4-year NFL career, Nate decided to retire and pursue a business career, where he worked for 10 years in Corporate Recruiting, 8 of which were in managerial roles. While he honed many valuable skills through these experiences, Nate felt something was missing and found himself lacking the kind of work that created true fulfillment.
Combined, Nate’s highlights and greatest challenges created an unwavering desire for him to serve leaders who may be in that same place of uncertainty where he spent much of his time after saying goodbye to the game of football.
Throughout his athletic career, Nate benefited from the support, encouragement, and accountability of transformational coaches. As a result, he identified the influence of coaches on individuals and teams and the great potential that can be unlocked through those sacred relationships. For Nate, this level of influence has now expanded beyond the field of play into corporations and community partnerships, as he seeks to help leaders fulfill their potential in every domain of their lives.
As Nate reflected on his life, he eventually clearly saw his ultimate purpose: to inspire transformation in the lives of others. For this reason, Nate aligned his natural and learned leadership skills with his passion for helping others and launched Audible Coaching and Consulting to help leaders reposition their lives to fulfill their potential. He seeks to accomplish this through executive coaching and motivational speaking. It is truly a win-win for both Nate and the clients he serves.
