Our Staff

  • Dave Neff serves as CEO of Boilermaker Alliance, Purdue University’s exclusive NIL (Name, Image & Likeness) collective empowering student-athletes to become champions in their sport and in their communities. Dave’s career spans the nonprofit and private sectors having held leadership roles at Pacers Sports & Entertainment, ExactTarget (Salesforce), EDGE Mentoring (Co-Founder & CEO) and Prolific. Dave serves as Vice Chair of Providence Cristo Rey High School. He also served on the 2024 NBA All-Star Host Committee. He serves on the Advisory Board of Liftify, a national tech company, and is on the Advisory Board of Discovering Broadway. Dave has been the recipient of the 2022 John C. Lechleiter Award from Providence Cristo Rey High School, 2019 United Way ELEVATE Nonprofit Professional of the Year and 2016 Indianapolis Business Journal Forty Under 40 recognition.

  • In her role as Marketing & Engagement Manager with Boilermaker Alliance, Emilee spearheads the development and execution of dynamic marketing strategies. Additionally, she fosters meaningful connections with members and the wider community, ensuring a cohesive brand message and representation. Leveraging her background as a former Purdue Softball player and Lafayette native, Emilee brings a unique perspective to her role, combining firsthand knowledge of the college athlete experience with deep-rooted community ties. This dual expertise enables her to forge valuable partnerships with both athletes and community stakeholders. Emilee holds a bachelor's degree in Sales Management, complemented by a minor in Psychology and an Entrepreneurship certificate. Her dedication and contributions were recognized with the prestigious 2023 B1G Sportsmanship Award. Prior to her tenure with the Boilermaker Alliance, Emilee honed her skills in the technology sales sector as a Sales Engineer for Keyence Corporation. Passionate about community service and student-athlete support, Emilee is committed to playing a pivotal role in the continued growth and success of the Alliance.

  • As the Director of Strategic Growth, Madison brings a utility player skillset and is instrumental in shaping Boilermaker Alliance's future through strategic initiatives and innovative solutions. Madison's career brings a decade of extensive experience in corporate finance and strategic planning and has earned a reputation as a trusted advisor and strategic partner. Madison thrives in dynamic environments where collaboration and creativity are valued. He is committed to recognizing the accomplishments of Purdue student-athletes by providing nation-leading Name, Image, and Likeness opportunities.

Executive Board

  • Drew Brees played in the National Football League for 20 seasons. A member of the New Orleans Saints for most of his career, Brees is second in NFL career passing completion percentage, career touchdown passes, career passing yards, career pass completions, and career pass attempts. Brees played college football at Purdue University, where he set the Big Ten Conference records for completions, attempts, and yards. He led the Saints between to nine playoff runs and seven division titles, and the franchise’s first Super Bowl title in Super Bowl XLIV. After 15 seasons in New Orleans, Brees extended his total Pro Bowl selections to 13 and was twice named Offensive Player of the Year. Brees retired after the 2020 season and spent the 2021 season as an analyst on NBC Sunday Night Football.

  • President and CEO of WorldTrips and CPO of TMHCC Global Travel Group, has had an impressive career scattered with entrepreneurial ventures and philanthropic endeavors. In his time, he’s been active CEO at four companies in the risk management, health insurance, and therapeutics spaces.

  • Connie, who comes from a long line of Boilermakers, graduated from Purdue University with a bachelors in management. She was also the Captain of the Cheerleading Squad and cheered her team on to two football bowl victories and a Final Four berth in basketball. She is a Principal of Niessink Commercial Real Estate representing Fortune 500 and best in class national retailers.

  • Tom Walsh is a partner in the Intellectual Property Group at Ice Miller LLP, where he advises new companies and established businesses on intellectual property and information technology issues. Tom has served as a board member and volunteer for many charitable organizations during his career, and he is excited about the opportunities that charitable organizations will have to benefit from the work of Boilermaker Alliance. Tom received a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Purdue University in 1986, and three of his children also are Purdue University graduates.

  • Mike’s expertise encompass a wide range of complex real estate transactions, with an emphasis on partnership and flow-through taxation. He currently is Principle at Somerset CPA’s and is active in various CPA societies as well as the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA).

  • Bob Burlas currently serves as Pomeroy’s Chief Product Officer. He manages the company’s overall Product Business and is responsible for its business partner relationships, product supply chain and procurement operations. Bob has over 30 years of worldwide sales, channel sales and technology industry experience. He recently finished his term as President of the Purdue University, Krannert School of Management Alumni Association and has served on the local Board of Directors for the Sigma Chi Fraternity. Burlas received a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Management from Purdue University in 1986 and an MBA degree from the University of Notre Dame in 1989. He is also serves on the Advisory Board for the Purdue University Fraternity, Sorority and Co-op Life organization.

  • Because of his time as a former student-athlete at Purdue (Men’s Golf), Scott is thrilled to serve the Boilermaker Alliance and help student-athletes with name-image-likeness opportunities. He is currently a Partner at Gettings Reed Financial and has spent his career helping others invest and manage portfolios.

  • Michael A. Byers serves as President, CEO and Founder of Cryopoint Fertility Group, and CEO and Founder of Tooth Bank and Cryocyte. Michael is a 2003 graduate of the School of Science with a BS in Biology and a 2004 MBA graduate from the Krannert School of Management. While attending Purdue, Michael was active both the Varsity Baseball team and Crew team.

  • Chris graduated from Purdue with a bachelors in Computer Technology/Computer Systems Technology and a Masters in Educational/Instructional Technology. Now, As a cybersecurity account executive at Secureworks, he believes in being a trusted advisor as opposed to someone who just checks a box. This philosophy, and his extensive career as an accomplished sales professional, has allowed him to create value for organizations such as Purdue, IBM, and beyond.

  • As Senior Vice President of Midwest Healthcare & Biosciences for Jones, Lang, Lasalle, Bruce represents the interests of owners and occupiers of medical use space and is responsible for increasing JLL’s healthcare & bioscience business throughout the Midwest. With a degree from Purdue’s Krannert School of Management, he is very proud to be one of eight members of a family of Boilermaker graduates. Having held positions on the Fishers, Indiana Economic Development Commission, Lawrence Township School Foundation, and Geist Christian Church Weekday Ministries Board, Bruce looks forward to helping the Boilermaker Alliance achieve its mission.

  • Since graduating from Purdue University with a B.S. in Management Science from the Krannert School of Management in 1995, Andrew has spent his professional career as a leader in the global technology and software consulting services field. As a C-level executive leader of global software companies, he has over 25 years of diverse strategic and operational business leadership in helping global companies successfully develop and leverage technology. He has a passion for leading people and organizations to embrace the power of technology to help them transform the way they live and work. Having grown up in Indianapolis and as a proud Purdue graduate and avid sports fan, Andrew is excited to contribute his leadership experience and energy to the Boilermaker Alliance.

  • Charlotte Hoffer Canning is the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer and third generation owner of Hoffer Plastics Corporation - a leading global manufacturer of tight-tolerance, plastic injection molded parts. Prior to joining Hoffer Plastics, Charlotte worked for PepsiCo as Foodservice Area Manager. Charlotte graduated from Purdue’s Krannert School of Management and is proud to be a fourth generation Boilermaker! During her time at Purdue, Charlotte served on the Greek Judicial Board. Outside of work, Charlotte serves on the multiple non-for-profit boards and most enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters. As a life-long Purdue fan, Charlotte is excited to bring her passion for people, marketing, and public relations to the Boilermaker Alliance.

  • As a 1984 graduate from Purdue University who also played three years of Varsity Football as a linebacker, Jim is the Owner and President of McKenzie Foods, Inc. In this role, he owns and operates 22 KFC restaurants throughout Indiana. Jim is currently President of the National Association of KFC Franchisees and serves on the KFC National Coop and Advertising Council. He’s also been actively involved in the Young Life high school ministry for the past 25 years.

  • Deeni is Executive Vice President, Chief Investment Officer for Physicians Realty Trust. He is also the Chairman of Urban Land Institute (ULI) Healthcare and Life Science Council and past Diplomate in the American College of Healthcare Executives. Deeni is a Board member of the Southwest Florida Purdue For Life Foundation and member of President's Council and Boilermaker Business Exchange. Since graduating from Purdue with a B.S. in Pharmacy in 1980 his career has included more than 25 years in hospital/healthcare administration. Deeni is an avid supporter of the John Purdue Club, donor to several Purdue sports related facility projects and frequent host of Purdue alumni in Naples FL to play golf.

  • David has spent his entire career working in the technology field and is currently the Vice President of Cyber Security Sales for Thales Group. His time at Purdue laid the framework for him to be a leader in his community. As a life-long Purdue fan and alumnus, David is excited to serve the Boilermaker Alliance. His passion for charitable work and Purdue athletics aligns with the Boilermaker Alliance’s mission to develop the next generation of Purdue leaders. He spends his free time as a youth sports commissioner and coach for his three kids.

Advisory Board

  • Drew Brees played in the National Football League for 20 seasons. A member of the New Orleans Saints for most of his career, Brees is second in NFL career passing completion percentage, career touchdown passes, career passing yards, career pass completions, and career pass attempts. Brees played college football at Purdue University, where he set the Big Ten Conference records for completions, attempts, and yards. He led the Saints between to nine playoff runs and seven division titles, and the franchise’s first Super Bowl title in Super Bowl XLIV. After 15 seasons in New Orleans, Brees extended his total Pro Bowl selections to 13 and was twice named Offensive Player of the Year. Brees retired after the 2020 season and spent the 2021 season as an analyst on NBC Sunday Night Football.

  • Akin Ayodele is Head of Business Development for Sapoznik Insurance, a World Company. His focus is opening new channels to help drive business opportunities through relationships with community leaders and organizations. An entrepreneur at heart, Akin was Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Eagle Rock Wealth Management before joining Sapoznik. After being drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2002, Akin spent nine years in the NFL as a starting linebacker, playing for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Miami Dolphins, the Dallas Cowboys, and the Buffalo Bills. Akin received his Liberal Arts degree from Purdue University where he played football and studied Psychology & Law in Society, with a minor in Organizational Leadership. After retiring from the NFL he earned his Master of Business Administration degree from The George Washington University. Akin is Co-Founder of The Dream Builders Foundation and a motivational speaker, others with his belief in the power of perseverance, positivity, and hard work.

  • Brittany Bertsch is the owner of Precision Mobile Veterinary Services performing advanced surgeries for pets throughout central Indiana. Her emphasis is to create relationships with clinics and Veterinarians to help provide support to each community. She graduated from the Purdue College of Veterinary medicine in 2016 after completing four years with the Women’s Basketball Team from 2008-2012, where she scored 1,795 points over her illustrious career. During her time at Purdue, she was awarded Academic All-American 2nd Team and was the Big Ten Medal of Honor award recipient her senior year. She is excited to work with the community and support student athletes to become leaders and provide opportunities for local charities.

  • Léony is driven to empower people to pursue their full potential. Originally from Montreal, Canada, she played on the Purdue Women's Basketball team and completed Bachelor and Master degrees in Biomedical Engineering with a focus in Entrepreneurship from 2017 to 2022. As part of her extracurricular activities at Purdue, she co-founded the inaugural Wheel Rise event and founded RIISE, a Purdue student-organization that raises awareness for adaptive sports and pursues projects at the interface of inclusivity, sports, and engineering. She is now working at Zwift in the fitness/technology industry in southern California, and is continuing to embody her passion for sports through triathlon and fitness. As a proud Boilermaker, she's inspired to continue supporting the next generations of student-athletes and leaders in becoming impact players in their communities.

  • Zach Edey, a 7'4" center from Toronto, is one of the most dominant players in college basketball history. Playing for Purdue, Edey became the first player since Bill Walton to sweep all six major National Player of the Year awards in back-to-back seasons. Over his college career, he set records for points, rebounds, and double-doubles, earning the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award twice as the nation's top center. Edey led the country in scoring and rebounding, reaching the National Championship with his team in his senior season. Selected as the 9th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft by the Memphis Grizzlies, Edey brings his towering presence and elite skills to the NBA, solidifying his place as one of the all-time greats in NCAA history.

  • Since 2016, Joey Elliott has been a Pro Scout for the Indianapolis Colts, working in roster management and advance scouting. He also fosters relationships and scouts players in the CFL and UFL. Initially under Ryan Grigson's leadership, Elliott now serves under General Manager Chris Ballard. He's active on advisory committees for the Colts’ Tony Dungy Diversity Coaching Fellowship Program and Harriet P. Irsay Women in Football Fellowship Program, promoting diversity in coaching. Prior to the Colts, Elliott spent six seasons in the CFL as both a scout and player. He played quarterback for Purdue football (2005-09) and holds a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership and supervision. Outside of work, Elliott enjoys family time and is involved in his community and church.

  • As a 1986 graduate of Purdue University, Jim Everett is a two-time Most Valuable Athlete, Purdue’s Male Athlete-of-the-Year, and is a member of the Purdue Hall of Fame. Jim was drafted third overall in the 1986 NFL draft by the Houston Oilers. He played for the Los Angeles Rams from 1986 through 1993, the New Orleans Saints from 1994 to 1996 and the San Diego Chargers in 1997. Jim remains the Los Angeles Rams’ all-time leading passer. After retiring from the NFL, Jim went back and got his MBA from Pepperdine University. Jim ran his own financial business, the Jim Everett Company, for 14 years and has worked in local TV and radio stations during football season since the Rams return to LA in 2016. He also serves as a board member for a number of public and private companies, many of which are in the crypto, blockchain, and Web3 technology spaces.

  • Nick Hardwick is a former 11-year starting center for the San Diego Chargers football team. Nick accumulated 146 career starts in his career, was the team Captain for his final 5 seasons as a pro, and made it to the Pro Bowl following the 2006 season. In his second year as a Boilermaker, attended walk-on tryouts and made the team that year. Three years later, Hardwick was selected by the San Diego Chargers with the 66th pick of the 2004 NFL Draft, the first of 9 Boilermakers selected. Nick retired following the 2014 season and immediately went into broadcasting, as the Chargers color analyst, and became a sports talk radio host. Hardwick also launched The Hardwick Life podcast, wrote an eBook titled “Lose Like a Lineman,” and opened a health and wellness company aimed at guiding individuals to their most optimal health. To date, Hardwick has helped hundreds of men lose thousands of pounds.

  • Robbie Hummel holds the honor of being 2nd Team State Farm All American 2010 during his time as a Purdue University athlete. In 2012, he was drafted 58th by the Minnesota Timberwolves and played from 2013 to 2015. In 2019, he also became a Gold Medalist and MVP for USA Basketball (3x3 Nationals). Robbie has served as a College Basketball analyst for ESPN, Big Ten Network, and the Westwood One Radio. He’s called 80 games and did 15 studio appearances during the 2021-2022 college basketball season.

  • George Karlaftis is in his third season playing with the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL where he was drafted in the 1st round in 2022. He is also a two-time Super Bowl champion. Before his time in the NFL, George was a three-year starter at Defensive End for the Boilermakers. During his time at Purdue, he was a three time All-B1G honoree as well as a 1st team All-American. George is also a member of Purdue football’s Den of Defensive Ends. During his time at Purdue he studied Retail Management where he earned a degree after three years.

  • Matt Light was drafted out of Purdue University by the New England Patriots in the second round (48th overall) of the 2001 NFL Draft. He retired after 11 seasons with the team. During his career, he played in nine division championships, three Pro-Bowls and helped the team win five conference titles and three Super Bowl crowns. He was also named an All-Pro in 2007 and is one of only five NFL players to start five Super Bowls. He and his wife Susie formed the Light Foundation during his rookie year, with a mission of providing young people with unique opportunities that ignite their passion, purpose, and motivation to succeed. He has also created the Light Foundation Leadership Academy, which offers young people unique outdoor and hands-on learning activities.

  • Cuonzo Martin has served the game of basketball for more than two decades, beginning with a standout four-year playing career at Purdue. He has played and coached alongside some of the game’s most highly-regarded mentors, including Hall of Fame Coach Gene Keady. After earning his degree, Martin joined Keady’s Purdue staff for the 2000-01 season as an assistant coach, his college coach, and remained with the Boilermaker program when Painter took over as head coach upon Keady’s retirement. He served as the Boilermaker’s associate coach during the 2007-08 season before taking the Missouri State post the following season. Cuonzo served as the 19th head coach to lead the Mizzou Tigers program. Before arriving at Mizzou, in his final season at Cal, Martin led the Golden Bears.

  • For the past eight years, Shaun Phillips has actively managed a number of investments, with an emphasis towards real estate. His portfolio includes ground up commercial development and redevelopment, high-end luxury homes, condominiums, and mobile homes parks. Mr. Phillips is also engaged in a number operating companies including a water distribution company, an e sports franchise, and digital content.Shaun played 11 years in the NFL as a Pro Bowl player and captain of the 2014 Super Bowl. He has successfully owned and operated Burlington Properties a real estate investment firm that actively pursues growth, and value add opportunities for its partners, investors, and community. Shaun received a degree in hospitality and tourism management from Purdue University.

  • Pete is currently the National Director of Industrial Business Development for Sansone Group. During his career, Pete has provided consulting and transactional representation for numerous Fortune 500 companies and has specialized in logistics, transportation, and distribution industries. He currently serves on the board of the International Warehouse Logistics Association and is also a member of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals and the Warehousing Education and Research Council. Pete has earned industry achievement awards, including the 2019 IAMC Michael P. Hickey Award, and has been inducted into the Midwest Real Estate News Hall of Fame. He is a Board Member for IAMC, IWLA, St. Mary's Child Center, Central Indiana Police Foundation and Indiana Sports Corp. He is the Chairman of the Board of the Boiler Business Exchange. He is also actively involved in his alma mater, Purdue University, where he was a starting offensive lineman for its football team from 1978-to 1981 and team captain in 1979 and 1980. He was voted to Purdue's 100-Year All-Time Football team and is in his 30th season as a Football Color Analyst on the Purdue Sports Radio Network.

  • Bobby Riddell joined the Purdue Men's Basketball team as a freshman at the start of the 2005-06 season under first year head coach Matt Painter. Bobby played four seasons and graduated from Purdue in 2009 and was part of three NCAA Tournament teams and a Big Ten Tournament championship in 2009. After his playing career ended, Bobby spent one season (2009-10) on the Purdue Men's Basketball coaching staff as a Student Assistant Coach. He recently rejoined the Purdue Basketball family when he was named the color analyst for the Purdue Men's Basketball radio team at the start of the 2020-21 season. Bobby currently works a full-time position as a CPA in the finance department for Purdue Research Foundation.

  • Adam Schenk is a former Purdue Men’s Golf student-athlete. He began his sixth PGA Tour season this fall and attributes his career successes to his time spent at Purdue University. Today Today, he continues to use Purdue’s top-notch facilities and Coach Rob Bradley’s instruction. He travels to West Lafayette any chance he can get to cheer on the Boilermakers and support Purdue Athletics.

  • Vinny Sutherland is a former Purdue student athlete where he earned All-Big Ten honors in both football and track. He was a fifth-round draft pick in the 2001 NFL draft. Vinny has spent the last 15 years as an insurance executive, currently working with JDA Insurance Group providing his clients with tailored risk management solutions. Beyond his professional achievements, Vinny dedicates time to coaching high school football and track and serves on the board of the Boys and Girls Club of West Palm Beach.

  • Grace graduated from Purdue in Spring of 2022 after receiving her degree in Retail Management. During her time at Purdue, Grace was a four year starter on the Women’s Volleyball team earning multiple honors, including AVCA First team All-American, 2020-2021 Purdue Female Athlete of the year, and three time All Big-Ten Honoree. Ranking third all-time in career blocks assists (423), she helped the team to two NCAA Elite Eight appearances. The three time Academic All Big-Ten and 2021 Big Ten Medal of Honor Recipient credits Purdue and its people for pushing her to excel in the classroom and on the court. She currently resides in Indianapolis, where she works as a Staffing Consultant for Beacon Hill Technologies and enjoys giving volleyball lessons in her free time. She is excited to get back on campus and support Boiler athletics!