KATHRYN SCHLOESSMAN
President & CEO

Kathryn Schloessman is President & CEO of the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission (LASEC), the non-profit organization officially
designated to attract, secure, and support high-profile sports and entertainment events in Los Angeles. LASEC serves as the lead for the FIFA World Cup 26
Los Angeles™ and Super Bowl LXI Host Committees.

Kathryn leads LASEC’s strategic efforts to attract the most sought-after major events in the world and plays a crucial role in ensuring these events have an impact long after the fans go home. Kathryn established the LASEC Business Connect Program, which helps provide local, small, and diverse businesses with opportunities to compete for major event contracts, and authored the creation of community legacy programs to build a more equitable region.

Under Schloessman’s leadership, the Los Angeles region has been awarded more than a dozen major events including the 2004, 2011, 2018 & 2026 NBA All-Star, the 2015 Special Olympics World Games, the 2017 NHL All-Star Game, Super Bowl LVI, the 2022 MLB All-Star Week, the 2023 College Football Playoff National Championship, WrestleMania 39, the 123rd U.S. Open Championship, the 2026 U.S. Women’s Open Championship, FIFA World Cup 26™, Super Bowl LXI, and LASEC continues to support the Local Organizing Committee for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

LASEC also hosts three annual events focused on bringing community supporters together with industry leaders: Dodgers All-Access, a behind-the-scenes experience at Dodger Stadium; Lakers All-Access, an exclusive night on the court at Crypto.com Arena; and the LASEC Golf Classic at the storied Riviera Country Club.

Prior to joining LASEC, Kathryn was a 13-year veteran of CB Commercial (now CBRE), the largest commercial real estate company in the United States. As managing officer of CB Commercial’s Downtown Los Angeles office, she was responsible for business development, operations, and management of the Los Angeles region’s office professionals and oversaw CB Commercial’s community relations efforts. Kathryn also served as marketing director for CB Commercial’s Western Division and has more than 10 years of experience as lead broker for major lease transactions in the Downtown Los Angeles market.

Kathryn is an active member of Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles.

IRENE KLEPP
Chief Financial Officer

Irene Klepp is Chief Financial Officer of the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission (LASEC). Irene has responsibility for the finance, legal and administrative functions of the organization and provides executive support for LASEC board committees in the areas of audit, finance and risk management. Irene works closely with LASEC partners for budget and contract initiatives related to special events and upcoming high-profile events. 

Prior to joining LASEC in July 2020, Irene was Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President of Administration at the Richard Nixon Foundation, one of thirteen presidential foundations in the U.S. During a five-year term at the Foundation, she led the accounting, sales, operations, retail store and facility teams through an average of 200 annual events, expanding the customer base through concierge marketing, benchmarking, and innovative promotions for the retail experience. From 2007 to 2015, Irene founded and managed Klepp & Associates, an outsourced CFO practice designed for startups and venture capital-backed firms. She has held various program management and finance roles with Verizon Wireless and Western Digital Corporation in Southern California. 

Irene graduated from the University of California, Irvine with a Bachelor of Science degree in biological sciences.  She served on the Boards of the Association for Latin American Professionals and Financial Executives International (FEI) and volunteered with SCORE of Orange County as an accounting instructor to several hundred small business owners.

ALLISON CITELLI
Vice President, Events & Business Development

Allison Citelli serves as Vice President, Events & Business Development of the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission (LASEC). Allison works directly with regional partners to submit bids for the most sought-after major events in the world and ensures they have an impact long after the fans go home by creating jobs, providing opportunities for local small and diverse businesses, and creating community legacy programs to build a more equitable region. 

Allison also oversees LASEC-hosted events, marketing and corporate partner activation, strategic communications, and community programs including the annual Professional Development Program Summit and Business Connect, LASEC’s official supplier diversity program. 

Prior to joining the LASEC team, Allison spent three years with AEG as Event Suites Sales and Marketing Coordinator where she worked with the Lakers, Clippers, Kings, Sparks, concert promoters, the GRAMMY Awards®, the Primetime Emmy Awards, the People’s Choice Awards, the American Music Awards, NBA All-Star, the X Games, and much more. 

Allison graduated from the University of California Santa Barbara with a Bachelor of Arts in communications and psychology.

JASON KRUTZSCH
Vice President, Marketing & Communications

Jason Krutzsch is Vice President, Marketing & Communications for the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission (LASEC). Jason is focused on developing the brand and communications strategy for LASEC and each of the major event Host Committees, while working with community partners to market the high-profile, impactful events taking place in Los Angeles.

Prior to joining the LASEC team, Jason spent twelve years working for ESPN on the X Games brand. During his time at ESPN, Jason was focused on event marketing, the launch and growth of @XGames social media platforms, developing the World of X Games weekly TV show and overseeing the strategy for all X Games content across TV, digital, social media, and premier action sports events globally. 

Jason is a Southern California native and graduated from Colorado State University with a Bachelor of Arts in business marketing.

ALANA HUTCHINSON
Director, Event Operations

Alana Hutchinson is Director, Event Operations of the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission (LASEC). Alana serves as the event manager for all LASEC events. She works to creatively activate LASEC annual partners across these events and oversees team front office staff, talent, and vendors to ensure a positive guest experience. 

Prior to joining the LASEC team, Alana interned with FOX Sports, Legends Hospitality for the New York Yankees, and Pepperdine Athletics. 

Alana graduated cum laude from Pepperdine University with a B.A. in public relations.

KATHERINE ABEDI
Director, Accounting

Katherine Abedi is the Director of Accounting of the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission (LASEC). Katherine works closely with the Chief Financial Officer and manages finances and accounting operations for the organization and related entities.

Before joining LASEC, Katherine was the Senior Accountant at the Richard Nixon Foundation, one of thirteen presidential foundations in the United States. During her time at the Foundation, she was responsible for providing accounting services, financial documents, and financial analysis

Katherine graduated from Franklin University with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting.

ELLEN RIOTTO
Director, Fan & Stakeholder Engagement

Ellen Riotto is Director, Fan & Stakeholder Engagement for the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission. Ellen’s role was established to create clear and accessible opportunities for regional stakeholders to develop activations for the FIFA World Cup fanbase. She serves as the Los Angeles Host Committee’s point of contact for community members, helping to ensure that their activations adhere to FIFA’s guidelines, and amplifying them out to FIFA World Cup fans.

Prior to this role, Ellen spent two years as an independent consultant for both nonprofit and for-profit clients, helping them navigate local government. Before consulting, Ellen was the Executive Director of the South Park Business Improvement District, where she spent more than six years managing a $3 million annual budget to execute and expand the programming of the organization whose mission is to provide maintenance, security and economic development services to the 52-block neighborhood in DTLA. In her role, Ellen oversaw the expansion of the BID boundaries, two successful contract renewals with the City of LA, the launch of the Homeless Outreach Program which led to long-term housing opportunities for more than a dozen people experiencing homelessness in South Park in the first two years, and much more.

Ellen is a graduate of the Coro LA Fellows Program in Public Affairs. She graduated from New York University with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and a minor in Italian.

SAMONA CALDWELL
Director, Business Connect

Samona Caldwell is Director, Business Connect of the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission (LASEC). Samona works to identify and connect local, diverse, and experienced Los Angeles County businesses with professional development, networking, and subcontracting opportunities directly linked to large-scale sports and entertainment events. 

Prior to joining the LASEC team, Samona spent 28 years at State Farm as a Homeowners Claim Representative, in Public Affairs, and finally as a Government Affairs Coordinator. Samona’s primary goal in Government Affairs was to assist in building relationships between State Farm associates and congressional and state legislators to foster a positive business environment. She also worked with legislators in her territory to educate them on public policy issues related to the insurance industry. 

Samona obtained her Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) in 2023, is working on her DEI certification, and is affiliated with the following organizations in various capacities: Los Angeles African American Women in Policy Institute, Executive Service Corps of Southern California, Ascencia, Los Angeles Brotherhood Crusade, Educate California, and the Diversity Coalition Committee (Signal Hill).

Samona is also a member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), PRSA-LA, and an alumna of Leadership California and the University of CA at Davis, with a Bachelor Degree in Sociology with an emphasis in Organizational Studies.

MADDY MALTER
Senior Manager, Partnership Activation & Business Development

Maddy Malter is Senior Manager, Partnership Activation & Business Development for the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission. Maddy serves as a liaison for supporters that have partnered with LASEC, the Los Angeles World Cup Host Committee and the Los Angeles Super Bowl Host Committee. Maddy is responsible for driving all contractual deliverables and activation for clients and brands, ensuring the successful execution of host committee partnership agreements.

Prior to joining LASEC, Maddy spent five years with AEG Global Partnerships and three years with the New York Jets. During her time with AEG Global Partnerships, she focused on corporate partner activation and marketing for sponsors of the LA Galaxy and Dignity Health Sports Park. Maddy began her career with the New York Jets in a community relations role focused on positively influencing the lives of young people and providing opportunities for disadvantaged communities in the tri-state area through the New York Jets Foundation.

Maddy graduated from Texas Christian University with a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and a minor in communication studies.

SAMANTHA MARKER 
Senior Manager, Marketing & Communications

Samantha Marker serves as the Senior Manager, Marketing & Communications of the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission (LASEC). Samantha is responsible for executing integrated marketing and communications strategies for each major event hosted in Los Angeles, working with key stakeholders to design and execute programs that maximize exposure and engagement across the LA market.    

Prior to joining the LASEC team, Samantha spent 3.5 years with SoFi Stadium & Hollywood Park as Senior Manager, Social Media where she oversaw the social media strategy for SoFi Stadium, YouTube Theater, the retail and residential district Hollywood Park, and their owned and operated college bowl game, the LA Bowl. She also spent 4.5 years with AEG as Manager, Communications and Social Media for Crypto.com Arena and Peacock Theater, overseeing communications and social media plans for some of the campus’ largest events including the GRAMMY Awards®, the Emmy Awards, the BET Awards, the American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, the ESPY Awards, and much more.  

Samantha graduated from the University of Oregon with a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Business and Economics and Spanish. 

SUSAN BRYANT
Senior Manager, Board & Office Administration

Susan Bryant is Senior Manager, Board & Office Administration of the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission (LASEC). Susan works closely with the President & CEO on all Board of Directors’ matters, development of plans for all LASEC events, and bids to bring sports and entertainment events to Los Angeles. She oversees the Office of the President and interfaces with all LASEC board and advisory board members, sponsors, and sports and entertainment executives. 

Prior to joining the LASEC team, Susan was a seasoned professional in the entertainment industry, having worked at Sony Pictures Entertainment, NBCUniversal, and International Creative Management. She also has experience in production and development with an extensive background in corporate communications. 

Susan graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Arts in political science. 

NATALIA GULTOM
Senior Accountant

Natalia Gultom is the Senior Accountant of the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission (LASEC). Natalia is responsible for the daily accounting and budgeting for the organization and related entities. In her position, she works closely with the CFO and supports LASEC management and staff on the reconciliation of event budgets while providing support for the monthly financial close and transactions analysis.

Prior to joining the LASEC team, Natalia worked with Roark Financial Solutions Inc., DPI Specialty Foods, and Technicolor, Inc.

Natalia graduated from Andrews University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting.

AUTUMN VANDERHOOK
Manager, Marketing & Communications

Autumn Vanderhook is Manager, Marketing & Communications for the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission (LASEC). Autumn directs all social campaigns on LASEC channels and manages content for multiple event-specific accounts.

Prior to joining the LASEC team, Autumn interned with the City of Yorba Linda, CSUF Athletic, and the United States House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Autumn graduated from California State University, Fullerton with a Bachelor of Arts in political science and communications, with an emphasis in public relations.

ANNIKA MEURER
Senior Coordinator, Event Operations

Annika Meurer is the Senior Coordinator, Event Operations for the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission. Annika assists the day-to-day management of event operations for both LASEC-hosted events and major events like the FIFA World Cup 2026 and other major events hosted in the Los Angeles Region. In addition, she oversees the LASEC Workforce Program which includes volunteer recruitment and management for LASEC-hosted events. Annika also manages the annual Professional Development Program Summit.

Before joining LASEC, Annika spent three years working in the NFL with the Arizona Cardinals, the Miami Dolphins and the Minnesota Vikings. During her time with the Cardinals, she focused on Community Relations and Youth Football. Annika then transitioned to the football side of the NFL and completed a Football Rotational Program with the Dolphins before working as a Football Operations and Player Personnel Associate with the Vikings. Annika began her career with the University of Virginia’s football team as a Student Equipment Manager before working for USA Football as an Events Coordinator, executing events across the country for the U.S. National Team. Annika has also interned for the San Diego Padres, San Diego State University’s football program and SDSU’s Aztec Club.

Annika is a Southern California native and graduated from the University of Virginia with a Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies and a minor in Sociology. Annika also received a Master of Business Administration in Sports from San Diego State University.

JOSHUA SANCHEZ
Coordinator, Partnerships

Joshua Sanchez is a Coordinator, Partnerships for the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission. Joshua supports the execution of premium partnership deliverables and event activations tied to major global sporting events coming to Los Angeles, including the FIFA World Cup 26 and other marquee moments led by LASEC. He also assists in cross-functional communications and stakeholder engagement to ensure client satisfaction and long-term relationship building.

Prior to joining LASEC, Joshua worked with the Los Angeles Clippers as a Ticket Sales & Service Team Member, where he assisted in game day operations, serviced ticket holders, and helped drive fan engagement initiatives during the 2024–2025 NBA season. He also served as a Sales Academy Intern for the Los Angeles Sparks, where he led a rookie season ticket retention project presented to the entire sales staff and was named Sales Academy Intern of the Year for his performance. In addition to his sales responsibilities, Joshua supported game day activations, ensuring a seamless fan experience and successful sponsor execution. Joshua completed the MLB On Deck Sales Program and the LA Kings Virtual Sales Academy, gaining hands-on experience in client outreach and the fundamentals of sports ticketing. In addition, he participated in the LASEC Professional Development Program, where he connected with industry leaders across sports and entertainment.

Joshua graduated from California Lutheran University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Management. He is a proud first-generation college graduate.