Rob Lefko Rob Lefko is the President of Athlete Marketing for Priority Sports. He oversees all of the company's marketing, public relations, and community relations efforts on behalf of our clients. Rob joined Priority Sports in 1995 with the goal of creating the most innovative and creative marketing department in the industry. Over the years, Rob has developed movie, TV, and book deals for our clients with companies such as Hollywood Films and Sony Picture Studios. He negotiated the largest 'group licensing' financial guarantee ever received by an NFL player, as well as one of the largest trading card deals in sports history. He also negotiated one of the largest TV broadcasting deals in history for a first time broadcaster. Among his other
responsibilities, Rob continues to handle shoe endorsement deals and trading card deals for the company's clients. Prior to joining Priority Sports, he worked for the Chicago Bears as the Assistant Director of Marketing. During that time, he developed and sold corporate sponsorships and worked closely with the team's broadcast partners. Rob also worked for Peterson Consulting, a financial and litigation consulting company. He graduated from Northwestern University in 1988 with a B.A. in Economics and Political Science. Rob and his wife Annika currently reside in Chicago, Illinois with their daughter Martiene.
Julie Magrane Julie Magrane has worked in sports marketing for over 15 years. As the Director of Athlete Marketing for Priority Sports, she is involved in various player projects related to marketing, public relations, and community relations. Her efforts have resulted in numerous national spokesperson opportunities for our clients, as well as regional and local endorsements. Based on her extensive media contacts, Julie has also designed and implemented PR and media plans on behalf of the players we represent. In addition, she plays a role in assisting players with their efforts to give back to their community through charitable programs and events. Before joining Priority Sports, Julie climbed the ranks of the South Bend Silver Hawks minor league baseball organization, where she worked her way up to Assistant General Manager and managed everything from team marketing to game day operations. Julie attended Purdue University and studied Sports Marketing. She currently resides in Chicago, Illinois.
Dave Riggs Dave Riggs has an extensive background in sports marketing and sales, having worked in professional sports, collegiate athletics, sports marketing agencies, TV and radio. In 2002, Dave joined Priority Sports as Director of Athlete Marketing. He works closely with our clients on off-the-field marketing opportunities, including endorsements, personal appearances, print and broadcast advertising opportunities, special events, keynote and motivational speeches, and promotions. His goal is to pursue and develop opportunities that best fit each client's image and values. Prior to joining Priority Sports, Dave played an integral role in the start-up of two professional sports leagues, the XFL and United States Professional Volleyball League. In both instances, Dave oversaw corporate sponsorship, advertising creative, branding initiatives, promotions, game operations, grassroots initiatives, and special events. In addition, he has worked for Infinity Broadcasting, Loyola University-Chicago's Athletic Department and for SportsChannel Chicago. Dave received his Bachelor's Degree from Bucknell University. He and his wife, Liz, currently reside in Winnetka, Illinois with their children, Emma, Kate and Brian.
Conor Sammartin Conor joined the marketing team at Priority Sports in 2006 and has created numerous new business opportunities for the players we represent. He has also worked on special projects related to our clients' public relations and community relations efforts. Prior to joining the firm, Conor worked for a sports marketing company where he specialized in corporate appearances and endorsements. He also has a background in media as both an on-air broadcaster and producer. Most recently, Conor co-hosted the Sports Biz radio show, a nationally syndicated program which focused on the business side of sports. He received his Bachelor's degree in Communications / Media Studies from the University of San Diego where he was also a member of the football team. He currently resides in Chicago, Illinois.
Tabitha Brinkerhoff Tabitha Brinkerhoff joined Priority Sports in 2002 as the Director of Client Services. Her efforts are directed toward the day-to-day personal and professional needs of the players we represent. Tabitha also works closely with the marketing department in coordinating community and media relations efforts on behalf of both our company and clients. In this regard, Tabitha assists players with summer sports camps and charitable endeavors, in addition to organizing media interviews and P.R. opportunities, among other projects. Tabitha also plays an integral role in coordinating the promotional commitments associated with shoe endorsement deals and trading card deals negotiated by Priority Sports on behalf of our clients. Prior to joining Priority Sports, Tabitha lived in New York where she worked at Goldman Sachs while she pursued a career in theatre. She received a Bachelor’s degree from the University of California at Santa Barbara. She currently resides in Chicago, Illinois.
Jacki Shapiro Jacki joined Priority Sports in December, 2007 to serve as an assistant to the marketing team. In addition to working on various projects related to the day-to-day activities of the departments, Jacki provides assistance to our player clients and corporate clients in regard to the planning and logistics associated with promotional appearances and advertising campaigns. Jacki also researches industry news to help Priority Sports identify potential new marketing opportunities for players we represent. Prior to working at Priority Sports, Jacki gained experience in the sports marketing and ad specialty industries. In addition to sales, she worked on researching, writing and editing various types of communication vehicles, including press releases, website content and sales materials. Jacki attended the University of Arizona from 1998-2001 and Columbia College Chicago from 2001-2003 where she received her B.A. in Marketing. She currently resides with her husband Jason in Chicago, Illinois.
