GLOBAL ELITE SPORTS CONFERENCE
2024 Speakers
Thursday 27 & Friday 28 June, 2024 | Gold Coast, Australia
JD Dubois
2022 - 2024 Assistant Coach, Los Angeles Lakers (NBA)
JD DuBois, Assistant Coach for the Los Angeles Lakers, is not only a professional basketball coach but also a passionate advocate for mental wellness. In 2016, he founded non profit organization Everyone Has A Story to highlight the importance of psycho-education and mental wellness in inner-city communities.
Transitioning from athlete to coach, JD recognized the need to advocate for the health, safety, and well-being of athletes globally, leading him to create #TheRightConversation and the Holistic Coaching program series. With coaching stints with the Detroit Pistons and Toronto Raptors, JD brings a unique perspective to the intersection of sports and mental wellness.
He played professional basketball overseas in Europe after receiving his Bachelor's Degree in Communications from Loyola Marymount University. Currently pursuing a Masters Degree in Sports Psychology, JD is dedicated to bridging the gap between mental wellness and sports, making a holistic impact both on and off the court.
Mack Hollins
NFL Player - Wide Receiver, Buffalo Bills (NFL)
Mack Hollins, an American football wide receiver, currently plays for the Buffalo Bills in the NFL. His journey began at the University of North Carolina, where he excelled as a standout wide receiver and team captain. He led the ACC in yards per reception, establishing himself as a deep threat and attracting the attention of the Philadelphia Eagles, who drafted him in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft.
Throughout his NFL journey, Hollins has demonstrated versatility, excelling not only as a receiver but also making significant contributions on special teams. In his debut season with the Eagles, he played a pivotal role in their Super Bowl LII victory over the New England Patriots.
After his time with the Eagles, Hollins played for the Miami Dolphins, where he was named special teams captain due to his leadership and relentless work ethic. His knack for clutch performances and deep-ball catches made him a valuable asset for the Dolphins. He later joined the Las Vegas Raiders, continuing to make game-changing plays and reinforcing his reputation as a reliable receiver and special teams standout.
In 2022, Hollins brought his talents to the Atlanta Falcons, where he started 16 games. Overall, he has appeared in 95 career games with 27 starts, accumulating 131 receptions for 1,691 yards and 10 touchdowns.
In 2024, Hollins signed a one-year contract with the Buffalo Bills. Off the field, he is deeply involved in community outreach programs and co-hosts a podcast offering insights into sports and lifestyle.
Adrienne Scherenzel
Vice President of Community Engagement & Executive Director of Chicago Bulls Charities, Chicago Bulls (NBA)
Adrienne Scherenzel is the Vice President of Community Engagement and the Executive Director of Chicago Bulls Charities for the six-time NBA championship team, the Chicago Bulls. With more than 20 years of experience across social impact industries, Adrienne is entering her sixth season with the Chicago Bulls. In her role, she focuses on the team's community engagement, alumni relations, and philanthropic foundation. Under her leadership, the Chicago Bulls have significantly expanded their outreach to Chicago's diverse communities, spearheaded innovative programs such as the Black History Classroom Exchange with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Girls Coaching Cohort, and Chicago Bulls Business Summit, and facilitated three players winning the NBA's prestigious Bob Lanier Community Assist Award.
Adrienne brings a wealth of professional experience from various sectors, including the public sector, non-profit organizations, and the medical industry. Prior to her leadership roles in the impact sector, she served as the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Program Officer for After School Matters (ASM), Chicago's premier youth development organization. During her tenure at ASM, Adrienne oversaw the development of more than 19,000 paid internship and apprenticeship opportunities for high school students throughout Chicago. Before ASM, she held management positions within the education systems of Chicago and Philadelphia, where she led initiatives focusing on policy, health, and vocational education to enhance student outcomes.
Adrienne holds a Doctorate in Podiatric Medicine from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Syracuse University, where she also excelled as a Division I scholarship athlete on the Women's Track & Field team. In recognition of her outstanding achievements in student activities, professional career accomplishments, and community service, Adrienne received Syracuse University's Letter Winner of Distinction award in 2022, the highest honor bestowed upon student-athlete alumni. A native of Toronto, Adrienne has proudly called Chicago’s south side home for the past 17 years. Her daughter, River, is currently a third-year student at the University of Toronto.
Jessica Gray
Co-Director of Player Engagement, Detroit Lions (NFL)
Jessica Gray enters her fourth season with the Lions in 2024 as Co-Director of Player Engagement. In her role, Gray provides holistic support to players in developing life skills, pursuing off-the field endeavors and engaging in external programming in addition to overseeing all programming initiatives.
She came to Detroit after spending the past nine years working within Division I collegiate athletics, most recently serving in a student-athlete development capacity at Texas Tech University. In 2020, she was named Assistant Athletics Director of its J.T. & Margaret Talkington Leadership Academy in 2020 after just one year as Assistant Director of Community & Character Development.
During her time in Lubbock, Gray led programming for the Academy's four pillars of career, character, leadership and wellness. In this role, she was responsible for assisting Red Raider student-athletes from all 17 varsity sports with holistic and professional development, empowerment, life transitions and more.
Prior to Texas Tech, Gray spent time as a Student-Athlete Development Associate for George Washington University in Washington, D.C after serving five years at her alma mater, Temple University. At Temple, she held several positions supporting the student-athlete population including Compliance and Student-Athlete Affairs Coordinator (2014-17) and Compliance and Student Athlete Affairs Assistant (2013-14) for Temple Athletics as well as Graduate Assistant Manager for the Temple Men's Basketball program (2012-14).
Gray graduated from Temple in 2011 with a bachelor's degree in journalism and minor in theater while working as a student manager for Temple Men's Basketball. In 2014, she completed her master's degree in sport business, also at Temple.
Over the last several years, Gray has continuously furthered her education through The Wharton School's Athlete Development Professional Certification Program as well as the NCAA's Dr. Charles Whitcomb Leadership Institute. She also earned a Sports Philanthropy Executive Certificate from the George Washington University School of Business in 2022.
Additionally, Gray was selected to represent the Lions at the 2022 Stanford-NFL "League of Leaders" executive education program. In 2018, she was the recipient of the Commitment Award for Women Leaders in College Sports. She recently served as a Heads of Player Engagement representative on the 2023 NFL Player Engagement Rookie Welcome Webinar.
Phil Hayward
Head of High Performance, Wolverhampton Wanderers (EPL)
Phil has vast experience as a leader in elite sport having spent 19 years in football, tennis and rugby. He started his career in Rugby League at Bradford Bulls in 2005 before transitioning into Soccer, initially at Bolton Wanderers in 2006 and later moving to Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2008. Phil progressed from Head of Academy Medical to become Head of Medical Services in 2012.
After 8 years as Head of Medical Services, Phil made the switch to the USA and Major League Soccer, becoming Director of High Performance at the most successful club in US soccer history, LA Galaxy. During this time he oversaw dramatic change across the performance and medical areas and sat on the MLS working group as the league became the first in professional sport to return to competition during the Covid pandemic, helping develop protocols for the MLS Is Back ‘bubble’ – a 6 week long residential tournament held in Orlando, FL.
After 2 years stateside, Phil returned to the UK and took up a role on the ATP Tour as performance physio for Sir Andy Murray, the greatest British tennis player of all time.
In January 2023, Phil returned to Wolves as Head of High Performance where he currently oversees all aspects of performance across Men’s, Women’s and Academy programmes.
Duane Watson
Supervisor, Content, Toronto Raptors (NBA)
Over the last fifteen years, Duane Watson has been a dynamic presence in the sports and entertainment industry, with a career that spans content production, radio, and talent management. Currently, he serves as the Supervisor of Content for the Toronto Raptors at MLSE (Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Partnership), where he creates and curates engaging content that resonates with fans and promotes the team’s brand.
At MLSE, Duane also held roles as Supervising Producer for Community & Culture and Producer for NBA XL, fostering community engagement and promoting cultural diversity. Beyond MLSE, he spent eight years as a Radio Personality and Writer for TSN, serving as a basketball analyst and host. He also produced "The Hangout" for NBA TV Canada and contributed to HOOP Magazine and SLAM Magazine, providing in-depth basketball analysis. As a Toronto Correspondent for NBA.com, he compiled game reports, conducted interviews, and offered expert insights on NBA games.
Before his sports career, Duane worked in the music industry as Director of Marketing for EMI Music Canada and as an Artist Marketing Manager & A&R Representative for Sony Music Entertainment Canada.
Duane’s extensive experience and passion for sports and entertainment have made him a respected industry figure, known for creating compelling content and fostering strong community connections.
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James Cook
Head of International Player Pathway, NFL International
Over the last thirteen years, James Cook has been playing, coaching and scouting American Football globally. In his current role as the Head of the NFL’s International Player Pathway program (IPP), he is responsible for the identification and development of elite athletic talent from around the world, with the goal of creating the next generation of international NFL stars.
In his time with the NFL he has worked across multiple initiatives aimed to drive participation and fandom across the world; including NFL Flag, the development of global NFL Academies and the creation of NFL Africa. In the past six years, James has helped identify, develop and sign 32 international athletes to NFL teams.
The IPP’s class of 2024 included Australia’s own Patrick Murtagh signing for the Jacksonville Jaguars, world rugby superstar Louis Rees-Zammit signing for the Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs, and former British rugby player Travis Clayton being selected by the Buffalo Bills in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The story of the 2024 IPP was well documented in “The Pathway” – a docuseries created by NFLUK and distributed on YouTube.
Brendan Keane
Director of Sport, Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organizing Committee
Over the last decade, Brendan Keane has established himself as a pivotal figure in the world of sports management and event planning. Currently serving as the Director of Sport for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee, Brendan plays a crucial role in the governance and relationship management for the upcoming Games. His leadership and vision are instrumental in laying the groundwork for what promises to be an unforgettable Olympic event.
A Brisbane local, Brendan brings a wealth of experience from both the private and public sectors. He played a critical role in delivering the winning bid for Brisbane 2032, demonstrating his expertise in strategic planning and international sports diplomacy. His deep understanding of mega-sporting events, combined with his passion for fostering strong governance and stakeholder relationships, positions him perfectly for this significant role.
Brendan’s commitment to the Brisbane 2032 mission is evident as he works tirelessly with a dynamic and innovative team to bring the Olympic Games to life. His leadership will ensure that the Brisbane 2032 Games not only meet but exceed global expectations, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.
William Bryce
Head of NFL Academy Asia-Pacific, National Football League
William Bryce is the Head of NFL Academy Asia Pacific for the National Football League, a role he took on following the announcement of the NFL Academy Asia-Pacific in April 2024. Prior to this, he served as the Head of Football Development for NFL International, where he focused on expanding the global reputation of American Football by creating opportunities for international athletes to learn and play the game, ultimately aiming to develop elite football players capable of competing in the NFL.
Growing up in London, Will played both flag and tackle American football. He went on to become a licensed physiotherapist and strength and conditioning coach, which led to several coaching internships in the United States. His passion for football and player development brought him to the NFL’s London office in 2015, where he played a crucial role in the creation of the first-ever NFL Academy outside of the United States.
In 2017, with the launch of the International Player Pathway (IPP), Will's role evolved to oversee football development initiatives. He now leads efforts to grow American football at all levels, from grassroots programs like NFL Flag Football to NFL Academies and the IPP, playing an instrumental role in expanding the sport across the globe.
Outside of work, Will enjoys spending time with his wife and three children. His commitment to developing international talent and promoting the game of American football worldwide has made him a pivotal figure in the NFL's global expansion.
Carmen Colomer
Performance Sports Science Analyst, Gold Coast Titans (NRL)
Carmen works with the Gold Coast Titans Rugby League team in their Performance Sports Science department. Prior to her time with the Titans, Carmen was the Director of Sports Science for the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA, and the Head of Performance with Perth Glory Football Club.
With the 76ers, her primary objective is to manage training load and recovery to minimize time-loss from games and attenuate the effects of fatigue from the heavily congested travel and playing schedule.
Prior to this, she spent almost a decade in high-performance sport working for teams such as the Melbourne Rebels, ACT Brumbies and Brisbane Broncos where she developed a keen interest in training load monitoring, fatigue and recovery.
Carmen also earned her stripes as a physiologist, completing a traineeship at the Victorian Institute of Sport and a postgraduate scholar position at the Australian Institute of Sport before beginning her PhD in Complex Systems Analysis in rugby union.
Carmen also provides consultancy services to organizations requiring assistance in program development, data capture and analysis, as well as tailored recovery recommendations.
Kate Wilcomes
National High Performance Director, Surfing Australia
Kate Wilcomes (Nee Skarratt) is a prominent figure in surfing, known for her achievements both on and off the waves. With a Bachelor's degree in Human Movement and a qualified Exercise and Occupational Therapist, she seamlessly merged academic knowledge with her passion for surfing.
From 1994 - 2004, Kate was a professional surfer on the World Tour, where she carved her name among the elite, including a massive World Tour win at the Gotcha Tahiti Pro at the infamous Teahupoʻo. As an ASP Women's representative and later as a board member, she advocated for the recognition and empowerment of women in the sport.
Beyond her competitive career, Kate's influence extended into coaching and mentoring. From 2005 to 2007, she took on the role of coach and mentor for the Rip Curl team and played a pivotal role in coaching Stephanie Gilmore to her World Title victory in 2007.
Kate's impact moved beyond the waves as she ventured into media, becoming a familiar face as a TV host for Fuel TV in 2005 as well as a cameo and stunt surfing appearance in the iconic Blue Crush movie.
Inspired by the female leaders before her and the competitors of her time on the World tour Kate co-founded the International Women's Surfing Organisation during her time as a competitor. The purpose of the organisation was for women on tour to unite as one voice which in turn became the catalyst for change with standalone women’s events being held at Fiji, Sunset and Maui which created a more equal platform for women to perform on the global stage.
She also operated the Southern Surf School in Wollongong, later joining the Surfing Australia team as a Talent Pathway Coach. Currently, Kate continues to shape the future of Australian surfing as the National High Performance Director at Surfing Australia.
Gabi Simpson
Former Professional Netballer & Vice Captain, Australian Diamonds
Over the last decade, Gabi Simpson has cemented her legacy in netball as a fierce competitor and leader. Initially moving from NSW to Queensland in 2013, she has become a cornerstone of the Queensland Firebirds, contributing to their back-to-back premiership victories in 2015 and 2016 with her exceptional defensive skills.
Gabi made her international debut for the Australian Diamonds in 2015 and quickly gained recognition, winning the prestigious Liz Ellis Diamond award in 2017. As captain of the Firebirds from 2017 to 2021, she led the team with determination and skill, amassing 157 national league appearances, which places her among the most capped players in the club's history. In 2023, she joined a four-player leadership group under Head Coach Bec Bulley, continuing to inspire her teammates.
Off the court, Gabi is known for her dedication to creating an inclusive environment for athletes and staff. Her contributions were praised by Netball Queensland CEO Kate Davies, who highlighted her efforts in fostering a supportive community within the sport.
Balancing her sports career with academics, Gabi graduated as valedictorian from the University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honors) in 2022. Her combination of academic excellence and athletic prowess exemplifies her commitment to personal and professional growth. Gabi Simpson's career is a testament to her resilience, leadership, and unwavering dedication to her team and the sport of netball.
Aaron Alsop
Executive Director High Performance, Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport
Aaron Alsop is a High Performance sport executive based in the Pacific Islands with his wife and 2 children. Previously established in the Australian sport system as an athlete, practitioner and administrator, Aaron has since lead various High Performance programs and projects across 35 National Sport Federations in multiple Pacific Island countries for the past 12 years. This includes being the inaugural Papua New Guinea High Performance Director where he established the National High Performance Training Centre and Regional Centre of Excellence, and more recently Executive Director High Performance where he established the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport in the lead up to the 2023 Pacific Games.
During his time in the region, Aaron enabled 2 countries to gain international accreditation with ASPC, Co-Chaired the ICCE Emerging Nations coach development project, established national HP programs which saw significant improvements in global sport rankings for respective countries and record breaking performances at multiple international events. Through the lens of collaboration, Aaron has fostered significant international partnerships across the academic, health, education and sport which has supported a range of sport for development, sport education, wellbeing and capacity building outcomes.
Aaron holds post graduate qualifications in High Performance Sport & Leadership, Coaching, and Strength & Conditioning with additional recognized qualifications in Athlete Wellbeing and a range of performance service specialties. Aaron has consulted for & presented at numerous high performance sport, coaching and wellbeing conferences in Africa, Asia and the Pacific, sharing a unique and contextualized perspective on sport strategy & systems, coach development and performance environments that focus on a holistic development ecological approach where wellbeing enables performance. Aaron continues to support the Asia Pacific region in the lead up to the Brisbane2032 Olympic & Paralympic Games.
Frank Puletua
General Manager, Oceania Rugby
Frank Puletua is a former Professional Rugby League player who played over 175 first grade games from 1998 to 2011 representing the Penrith Panthers and South Sydney Rabbitohs. In 2000 and 2008, Puletua was selected to represent Samoa, his country of heritage, in two Rugby League World Cups. By the age of twenty-six, Frank had completed a double degree in Fine Arts and Graphic Design all whilst competing at the highest level as a full-time player in the National Rugby League (NRL).
With the commitment that was displayed to his teammates throughout his 13-season career, Frank made the transition into the NRL head office in 2012 working across various departments including the NRL Museum, Marketing, Major Events, Strategy, Football Operations, and Commercial. In 2015 Frank was tasked with developing the NRL's first ever Pasifika Strategy which gave rise to the hosting of Pacific Test matches on the annual calendar, and the changes in eligibility to increase the competitiveness of the Pacific national teams. In February 2023 Frank joined Oceania Rugby in the role of Executive General Manager.
Joe Galuvao
Player Transition Manager, Rugby League Players Association
Joe Galuvao is the Transition Manager at the Rugby League Players Association, bringing extensive experience and a passion for athlete well-being to his role. A former professional rugby league player, Joe's career in the NRL spanned from 1998 to 2013, during which he was an international representative for both the New Zealand Kiwis and Toa Samoa. He is also a two-time premiership winner, having secured titles with the Penrith Panthers in 2003 and the Manly Sea Eagles in 2011.
After retiring from professional play, Joe transitioned into roles that leveraged his passion for community and mental health. From 2014 to 2020, he worked as a youth worker, program facilitator, team leader, and mental health facilitator, also serving as an NRL Ambassador. His dedication to supporting athletes' holistic well-being continued as he took on roles in elite athlete well-being and education management.
Joe has served as the Well-being & Education Manager for the Wests Tigers and is currently the Well-being & Education Coordinator for the Penrith Panthers. In these roles, he provides comprehensive support that includes career coaching, higher education and vocational pathway guidance, and personal development.
His additional skills and experience encompass management and team leadership, stakeholder engagement, project and event management, and the development of Pasifika cultural programs. Joe is also a seasoned keynote speaker, program facilitator, and senior club coach in rugby league, known for his media and interview skills and his commitment to youth program development. Through his diverse expertise, Joe continues to make a significant impact on the well-being and development of athletes both during and after their professional careers.
Tom Fields
Regional Manager, AFL Players’ Association
Tom Fields serves as the Regional Manager for the AFL Players’ Association in Queensland. With a dedication to mental health and the well-being of elite athletes and youth, Tom brings a wealth of experience and a strong educational background to his role.
Tom holds a Bachelor of Sport, Health, and Physical Activity, as well as a Post Graduate Certificate in Counselling. His career spans over 11 years in the Player Development, Athlete Welfare, and Education Sector, underscoring his commitment to fostering the holistic development of athletes.
Tom’s professional journey is marked by his dedication, hard work, and passion. He places a high value on building professional relationships grounded in communication, respect, and care. Through his work, Tom continues to advocate for the mental and physical well-being of athletes, aiming to make a positive impact on their lives both on and off the field.
Keegan Hipgrave
Former Professional Rugby League Player, Parramatta Eels & Gold Coast Titans
Keegan Hipgrave is the Player Transition Manager at the Rugby League Players Association, leveraging his extensive experience as a former professional NRL athlete. Keegan played for the Gold Coast Titans from 2017 to 2020 and the Parramatta Eels from 2021 to 2022. His firsthand experience in professional sports gives him valuable insights into the unique challenges athletes face during their careers and transitions.
In addition to his role at the RLPA, Keegan has been the National Athlete Manager for What Ability since May 2022, focusing on the well-being and development of athletes. He is also an Official Ambassador for Movember, highlighting his commitment to mental health and athlete support.
Keegan’s career is defined by his dedication to athlete well-being and his ability to build meaningful professional relationships grounded in communication, respect, and care. Through his various roles, he continues to advocate for the holistic development of athletes, making a significant impact on their lives both on and off the field.
Ben Davis
Broadcaster, Journalist, MC, Sports Entertainment Network
Ben Davis is an accomplished communications specialist and media professional with over 28 years of experience. Currently serving as the Head of Sport for a major network in Brisbane, Ben has a rich background in broadcasting, journalism, and content creation. His career highlights include roles such as Sunrise commentator, AFL correspondent, and Tokyo Olympics host. Ben has also been a prominent figure at the Brisbane Broncos and hosted the "Brisbane Live" Drive Show. His expertise spans digital content management, audience engagement, and stakeholder collaboration, making him a versatile and influential media personality.