About Running USA

A dynamic sports business professional known for creating and innovating with a knack for relationship-building, Shawn K. Sullivan has helped cultivate successful environments in the college sports arena, endurance sports event space and in his own voice and consulting work for more than two decades.

He has served as the Horizon League’s Associate Commissioner for Branding, Messaging and Strategic Initiatives since November of 2023. Since then, he has spearheaded the League’s enhanced messaging, branding, marketing, communications, public relations, licensing and innovation efforts centered around the League’s brand recharge while leading the championship administration of cross country and track & field championships.

Prior to joining the Horizon League, Sullivan spent nearly nine years at Ball State University, rising to Deputy Athletics Director for Marketing and Strategic Initiatives at Ball State University in December of 2021. That followed stints as Assistant Athletic Director and Associate Athletic Director. In that role, he oversaw all marketing, communications, ticketing, licensing, and fan experience efforts for the Cardinals and served on the athletic director’s executive team. He began his tenure in Muncie as the Director of Marketing and Promotions in May, 2014.

From July 2011 to July 2013, Sullivan was the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Northwestern University athletic department. Sullivan’s responsibilities included the creation, implementation, and evaluation of all internal and external marketing and advertising initiatives for the men’s basketball program, in addition to providing marketing support to all Wildcat sport teams.

During the previous four years, as Assistant Athletic Director at UIC, Sullivan oversaw marketing and game operations for all 18 of the Flames‘ programs. In 2010, Sullivan was appointed to oversee the ticket operations for the Flames as well. Other duties at UIC included licensing, community outreach, corporate sales and media relations consultation, the direction of ambassador/student workforce, along with working closely with the Student Athlete Advisory and Life Skills Committees. For two years, Sullivan served as the Horizon League representative to the National Association of Collegiate Marketing Administrators. Prior to being elevated to assistant athletic director, he was the Director of Campus Marketing and Game Operations for two years.

Before returning to his alma mater, Sullivan was the Community Relations Manager for the Chicago Rush arena football club from 2003-2005. He directed all community initiatives, including youth football camp, reading, mascot, and kids’ club programs. In addition, Sullivan authored Web site features, game recaps, program features, press releases, and pitch letters while cultivating media contacts. Sullivan was selected to work ArenaBowl XIX for the Arena Football League.

From late 2001-2003, Sullivan worked in the sports information office at UIC–first as Sports Information Assistant before being promoted to Assistant Sports Information Director. During his collegiate years, Sullivan apprenticed with the Flames, Rush, CLTV, and CAPRI Events while also working at Vertel’s, a running specialty store, and with Clif Bar.

The Kankakee, Illinois native graduated in 2001 from UIC with a bachelor’s degree in Communications. He was captain and multiple letter award winner for the Flames cross country and track & field teams after winning the Class A high school state championship in the 1600 meter run for Bishop McNamara.

During his career, Sullivan has served in various capacities for major events. During his time at Ball State, he was the Host Tournament Director & Manager for all games at Gainbridge Fieldhouse during the unprecedented 2021 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament. Additionally, he has contributed to the NCAA Division I Men’s Gymnastics Championship, Bank of America Chicago Marathon, Chicago Triathlon and the Local Organizing Committee for the inaugural TEDSports Indianapolis.

Sullivan is the founder of The Voice for Good, LLC, which serves as an umbrella organization for voice work and consulting while supporting mental health awareness. Sullivan performs public address announcing duties for the Indiana Pacers and Indiana Fever in addition to a host of other regional and national events. Consulting clients have included Drake University, QuizWizards, Horizon League and SKINS Compression.

With stints as an adjunct faculty member at Northwestern University and Roosevelt University, he resides in Indianapolis with his wife, Molly, along with their children, Liam, Quinn, Mary Kate, James and Patrick.

Michael Clemons (he/him) has over 12 years of industry experience working running events around the country. Along with owning and operating his own race management company, the Louisville Running Company, he has worked operations for many US road races including the 2022 World Athletics Championships, Chicago Marathon (where he currently serves as Finish Line Manager), New York City Marathon, Los Angeles, Houston Marathon, and the US Marathon Olympic Team Trials. Michael is also a Ph.D. student at the University of Louisville, studying Educational Leadership and Organizational Development with a concentration in Sport Administration. His research focus is on the running industry, focusing on why people run, why running organizations and events do what they do, and how the industry can be more inclusive to all.

Nancy brings a wealth of experience in customer service, communications, and creative event development to her role. Notably, she spent nine years at the Army Ten-Miler, where she led marketing, advertising, public relations, brand and customer service efforts for the race. Her involvement extended to the sponsorship and expo teams, showcasing her commitment to crafting the optimal runner experience for every participant.

Though she describes herself as a “wannabe” runner, Nancy’s recent discovery of the perfect orthotics signals her determination to shed that label and she aims to complete a full marathon.

She holds a B.A. in Mass Communication from St. Ambrose University. Nancy lives in Atlanta with her rescue mutt, Missy.

Questions about membership or sponsorship? Reach out to Nancy at membership@runningusa.org.

Leah has been part of the Running USA team since 2009, when she was recruited to join the organization due to her standout background in endurance sports journalism (award-winner from Associated Press Sports Editors, California Newspaper Publishers Association). Today, she puts that experience to use as the primary content producer for the organization.

Leah serves as a freelance PR manager for various industry events and is a lifelong runner who loves seeing how the sport can change lives, create friendships and build community. She’s also a proud Marine Corps veteran spouse living in Bend, Oregon, a great place to run.

Email Leah at leah@runningusa.org.

Amy Begley is the USATF General Manager of High Performance. As an elite athlete, she was a 2008 Olympian in the 10,000 meters. She graduated from the University of Arkansas with a degree in exercise science and biomechanics. At Arkansas she was an NCAA Outdoor, 16-time SEC Champion and a 15-time All American. Begley has served as assistant distance coach for Team USATF at the 2018 U20 World Championships in Tampere, Finland and at the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru. She volunteered with USATF Committees from 2008-2023., including serving on the USATF Board of Directors from 2021-2023.

Donna Finney is the Director, Volunteer Operations at New York Road Runners with over 10 years experience in managing volunteer programs in the US, including Ronald McDonald House of New York, United Services Organization and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. Quoted for her work in volunteer management best practice in the Volunteer Management Journal; Donna specializes in volunteer recruitment and appreciation and uses that experience and passion for volunteerism in supporting the future volunteer leaders of the running industry. Donna is an active volunteer herself in the NYC area with several organizations; a runner with a local team and continues to chase the Boston unicorn.

Emily Glasser joined Achilles International as Interim Executive Director in August 2019 and was named President and CEO in November 2019. Emily brings over a decade of experience managing strategic partnerships for top tier cultural institutions and innovative mission-driven startups. Her skills have been developed at large institutions such as Deutsche Bank and MoMA as well as the startup, Goalsetter.

Through her work with Achilles, Emily hopes to advance understanding of the importance of inclusion and accessibility in all elements of society and culture. An avid runner, Emily believes firmly in the elevating power of sport for all.

Emily is a graduate of Dartmouth College and resides with her husband and two daughters in New York City.

Since 1977, Michael has served as a Vice President of Associated Insurance and Risk Management Advisors. Areas of specialty include nonprofit organizations, religious institutions, retail jewelers, and personal risk management. Michael started the Race and Special Events Practice Group in 2013; providing education, consultation services and developing insurance programs for events of all sizes, from World Marathon Events to local 5K’s. A graduate of Drake University, Michael works with his clients to build a shared vision of their business.

Chris Joffe is the Founder and CEO of Joffe Emergency Services, a company wholly dedicated to – and leader in – school safety programs, event safety, and emergency preparedness.

Chris has spent his career dedicated to making the world safer, and over the past decade, he and his team have worked with thousands of schools and events across the country to provide training, consultation, and support.

Chris studied paramedicine at UCLA and earned his Master’s in Technology, Business, and Integrated Design at the University of Southern California (USC). Chris stays sane by running marathons and enjoys reading, horseback riding, and aviation.

Bryan Lively is the Founder and CEO of ACL Squared Consulting, a strategic advisory firm specializing in strategy, business growth, operations, technology, fundraising, event operations, and data-driven solutions to help businesses and nonprofits alike grow and thrive to their full potential. With over two decades of experience leading organizations and high growth teams, Bryan brings a deep understanding to the intersection culture, people, community engagement, participant experience, and operational excellence.

A passionate advocate for the running community, Bryan has been an active contributor to Running USA, supporting industry innovation and collaboration among race directors, brands, and service providers. As a member of the Running USA Board of Directors, he is committed to advancing the organization’s mission to elevate and empower the running industry through education, research, and advocacy.

Outside of his professional pursuits, Bryan is an avid runner and outdoor enthusiast who believes in the power of sport to inspire connection, resilience, and positive change.

Jarod Matheney is the Director of Experiential Event Operations & Logistics for ALSAC/ST. JUDE. There he oversees the operations for St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend and manages the entire participant and guest experience. Jarod manages a team who dedicates their career to providing operations and logistics to all our program team events from galas to golf tournaments to seminars and endurance events. Jarod has over 10 years of facility management and small to large scale event operations experience throughout his career in Higher Education and now in the Non -Profit world.

Jarod received his Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science from the University of Central Arkansas and later received his Master of Science degree in College Student Personnel (Higher Education) from Arkansas Tech University.

Jarod is a passionate and energetic professional who seeks to create one of a kind event experiences for all participants, guest, volunteers & spectators that will last for a lifetime.

Tina Muir is the founder and CEO of Running for Real, host of the award-winning podcast of the same name and co-host of Running Realized, a mother of two, and a former elite runner for Great Britain and Northern Ireland. An ardent environmentalist, she has worked with the United Nations and the New York and Chicago marathons on sustainability initiatives. Tina was the first elite athlete to openly discuss having amenorrhea and has become an advocate for others suffering from RED-S. Tina’s second book, Becoming a Sustainable Runner, was released in 2023, coauthored with Zoe Rom.

Photo credit: Hannan Abdikadir

Meghan serves as Co-Owner of RunFAR Racing Services, Inc., based in Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex. RunFAR is a full-service timing, and results company managing data and finish lines for over 200 events annually in and outside of Texas. Alongside her husband, Raul, Meghan leads the production side of RunFAR. She works with the largest events in Texas and surrounding states. Meghan has been an integral part of expanding RunFAR’s portfolio of customers and building partnerships. In addition, Meghan serves as the Chief Operating Officer for the Taya and Chris Kyle Family – Service Marriage Strong Foundation. The Foundation supports the Service Marriage through impactful, researched-backed programs. Meghan holds a Master’s in Accounting from Baylor University and began her career in special events, sponsorship, and later in new business growth for non-profits. Her passion for the endurance industry and non-profits has been life-long, first as a swimmer and volunteer and now as a marathoner and COO. Her focus has evolved into the growth of the running industry by supporting our youngest runner with kids events up through middle and high school cross country and encouraging all non-profits to recognize the impact they have for generations. In addition, Meghan strongly believes successful events are as strong as their weakest vendor relationship. She resides in Mansfield, Texas, with her husband, Raul, and two kids.

Michael Nishi is the Chief Operating Officer for Chicago Event Management. Nishi oversees the production of all events with a particular focus in event operations, emergency response and sustainability logistics. With his extensive operational knowledge, Michael was integral in guiding a local road race of 6,000 runners to a world-class event that saw over 45,700 marathon finishers in 2019.

In addition to his work on the Chicago Marathon, Michael is a driving force in increasing the exchange of ideas and best practices among events of all size and scope. Recognizing the unique issues of the endurance sports industry, Nishi founded the Race Management Program 12 years ago to offer event organizers an intimate forum to share ideas with one another. As an active leader in the running industry, he continues to advocate for greater safety and security not only for Chicago Event Management clients but also for events around the world. Michael is currently serving as Co-Chair on the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety & Security’s (NCS4) Marathon & Endurance Events Advisory Committee.

An avid runner and cyclist, Michael sits on the board of Girls on the Run Chicago and is a committee member at City Garden Pre-School in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood. He and his wife Dona, and their two daughters, live in Chicago where they are active community members in their Little Italy neighborhood.

Matt brings over 15 years of experience in the endurance industry working in a variety of roles and organizations. Matt’s background is anchored in over 10 years in Olympic and Paralympic sports before moving into the sports technology sector. Matt also has experience as an endurance athlete and as event manager and timer when he owned and operated a local timing company in the Midwest.

Kathleen is the Owner/Race Director of All Fitness Events, which she founded ten years ago. She also serves as Race Director for the Philadelphia Marathon Weekend.

Kathleen was a corporate executive for more than two decades before turning her passion for running and the fitness industry into a successful business. She has a strong passion for helping our industry grow and expand. Kathleen’s background in destination marketing has allowed her to help over 100 events from small to large improve their online presence through social media, e-commerce and web, and grow participation levels as a result.

Prior to being named Race Director for the Philadelphia Marathon in 2021, Kathleen worked with the event on its marketing, PR and elite athlete management. She is actively engaged with the city’s local running clubs and charities to meet and recruit athletes, including adaptive athletes and LGBTQ+ participants.

When she’s not helping events excel, Kathleen is a certified running coach, race director and yoga instructor.