Christopher Timothy Keeney                                            11365 N. Via Rancho Naranjo

Tucson, AZ 85713  (832) 457-4845

Chris.Keeney@Hotmail.comCAREER OBJECTIVE Experienced leader with twenty years in the sports & entertainment industry seeking dynamic, high energy and successful organization to utilize talent, skills and enthusiasm in long term role nationally or internationally. Key strengths:  profit & loss management, staff training and development, event sales and fundraising, marketing, contract negotiation, media relations, event operations, broadcasting, stadium and fan development.  Possess a wide range of contacts within sports industry with an emphasis in soccer/football, American football and the music industry.   EXPERIENCEAᶾ Sports Consulting, LLC, Tucson, AZFOUNDER/CEO November, 2010 - PresentAᶾ is a sports consulting firm with areas of expertise in Ticket Sales, Sponsorship, Marketing, Media & Public Relations, Event Management, Broadcasting, Customer Service, and Leadership Development. Services include: Sales Plan Construction, Sales & Service Training, Media & PR Planning, Event Management, Negotiations, Comprehensive Marketing (Rule of 7 Strategy), Leadership & Executive Development, Core Fan Recruitment, Game Atmosphere, Agency and more.

United Soccer Leagues, Tampa, FloridaFRANCHISE CONSULANT July, 2012 – Present Southwestern states recruiter and consultant for USL franchise identification and establishment. Responsible for launch of three soccer franchises in two years including Albuquerque Sol, Las Vegas Mobsters and FC Sedona.

Arizona United, United Soccer Leagues, Scottsdale, ArizonaVICE-PRESIDENT, CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS November, 2014 – March, 2015Arizona United is a second year member of USL. In three months, signed deals with adidas, Select Physical Therapy, Nationwide Vision, Anheuser-Busch, El Jimador, Del Sol Furniture and RedLine Fitness. Pursued Coca-Cola, Scottsdale Healthcare, FastMed, Gila River Casinos, Discount Tires, Grand Canyon University among others. Added insight of past experiences, knowledge and connections to accelerate strengths and capabilities of young franchise.

FC Tucson Events, LLC, Tucson, AZMANAGING PARTNER/CHIEF BUSINESS OFFICER July, 2011 – October, 2014FC Tucson is a third division soccer team with the United Soccer League’s Premier Development League. Club also operated as the Western Hub of MLS Preseason. Hosted over 60 events with MLS, NWSL and USL PDL. As co-owner and CBO, responsibilities included marketing & advertising, media relations, ticket and sponsorship sales, ticket operations, event operations and customer service. Managed and hosted of “Soccer Talk with FC Tucson” on ESPN 104.9/1490 AM.

Lone Star Sports & Entertainment, Houston Texans, National Football League, Houston, TXGENERAL MANAGER November, 2008 – November, 2010Responsible for Texans special events (soccer, college football, concerts). Primary responsibilities included:  Profit & Loss accountability, event identification, contract negotiation, marketing and advertising campaigns, ticket & sponsorship sales, media & public relations, event operations and served as principal contact for all business partners while managing a staff of four.  Member of President’s Business Operations Leadership Team (BOLT). 

In 2010, LSSE reached an all-time high in net revenue through sold-out events including Mexico – Angola soccer (70,099), MLS All-Star soccer (70,724; 4th Largest All-Star Game in all sports), Rice-University of Texas college football (70,455) and a record attendance (24,685) for the Battle of the Piney Woods (SHSU vs. SFASU).

In 2009, highest attendance for first round Gold Cup matches (soccer), sold-out George Strait concert (48,000), and reached an all-time high for Texas Bowl (69,441).  Also, partnered with AVP Pro Beach Volleyball to stage Houston event and sold sponsorship and hospitality for Shell Houston Open (PGA).

Managed all aspects of event production from relationship initiation, event planning, marketing & sales, operations and event settlement for diverse properties in sport and music including NCAA, MLS, PGA, AVP, Messina-AEG, SMG, University of Texas, Stephen F. Austin, Sam Houston State as well as numerous conferences including Big 12, Big Ten, Conference USA, the Southland Conference and others.

Instituted best practices and learning from each event to maximize efficiencies and sales outcomes in tickets, sponsorships, marketing and stadium per caps.

Built very large network of quality relationships throughout sports and entertainment like Gridiron Stadium Network, Action Sports & Entertainment, Indy Car Racing, Champions Series Tennis, AEG, Live-Nation, Messina Group and more.

Learned to manage multiple events at very different timelines, how to create win-win scenarios involving multiple, sometimes disparate partners, how to handle difficult and unexpected situations, and how to deliver a world-class atmosphere within common cost restraints.

Developed negotiating skills with very different events, partnerships and needed outcomes. Upgraded media management skills through numerous television, radio and print relationships. Was regular host on Orange

Slice Soccer Radio Show on KGOW 1560 AM.

Christopher Keeney, p. 2Columbus Crew, Major League Soccer, Columbus, OH

VICE-PRESIDENT, SALES & SERVICES                    November, 2006 – November, 2008Provided leadership, vision and structure to re-build the club into top performer in MLS.   Reinvigorated sales culture and added high-energy, enthusiastic attitude with full accountability. Added new revenue-driving positions and launched multiple innovative ticket sales programs and events.  

In 2008, paid tickets and revenue grew 15% and 27% from same point in 2007.  Sales culture and staff matured one of the best in the league.

In 2007, ticket sales team exceeded revenue goal by 25%, overall ticket sales grew by 29%, set club record in group sales, and grew season tickets by 8%.

Built and managed staff in sales, box office and client services. Honed my skills as a leader and manager of people. Developed critical relationships in the community including commercial, tourism, youth sports, and supporter groups. Launched new initiatives like the Columbus Crew 5K, Ticket Sales Call Center, Database Marketing and Hispanic Relations Conducted own Sales 101 and Sales 201 training sessions for sales and service crew. Awarded Columbus Crew Employee of the Year in 2008.                  

Real Salt Lake, Major League Soccer, Salt Lake City, UTSENIOR DIRECTOR OF SALES                September, 2004 – October, 2006First employee hired. Primary responsibility was creating ticket sales vision and plan, managing sales and service team of sixteen.  Launched innovative relationships with area corporations to reach ticket sales and sponsorship goals.   

In 2006, ticket sales revenue exceeded $6 million.  RSL was #2 in Season Seats and #3 in Season Ticket revenue. Retained 84% of season seat owners and grew new season tickets by 44% despite 5-22-5 team record.

In 2005, total ticket revenue exceeded $5 million and 18,000 average was second in MLS. Hired all ticket sales, service and operations team. Was among first teams to hire a full time database manager. Created new ideas for selling tickets including great partnerships with Kentucky Fried Chicken, Costco and Snowbird Resort. Played key role in developing supporter groups to integrate their objectives with the clubs and expand membership/season

ticket sales. Made numerous relationships in target communities like Utah Youth Soccer Association, Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce,

Utah Film Commission, Boy Scouts of America and more.

D.C. United, Major League Soccer, Washington, D.C.DIRECTOR OF SALES/SENIOR SALES MANAGER  January, 1997 - August, 2004Managed fifteen person sales team including customer service and box office personnel.  Sales teams brought in an average of $2.5 million and were among the top two in Major League Soccer.  Skills include: lead-generation, needs-analysis, presentation, problem-solving, negotiations, and client servicing.   

In 2000 and 2001, top three in ticket sales for all of Major League Soccer and was awarded the Inaugural Commissioner’s Sales Person of the Year and New Business Leadership Award.

Managed 32-34% growth in ticket sales and 15-22% in revenue annually. Was key part of an outstanding sales team of people all of whom impact the industry today. Learned how to be extremely

competitive and professional in a positive, family-like environment. Learned how to be a manager after becoming a first class sales professional. Took initiative in my own professional

development and experienced multiple courses on leadership, management, sales and service. Adapted key learning into my own sales and staff training courses.

Learned the science of the sales process, how to handle objections, and develop win-win opportunities to better my clients and my club.

 EDUCATIONMASTERS OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, 1997BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN MARKETING, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, 1992 OTHERMentor, University of Arizona, McGuire Center for Entrepreneurship, Tucson, AZ 2013-2014Advisor, University of Arizona, Sports Management Program, 2011 - PresentBoard Member of 2022 World Cup Local Organizing Committee, Houston, TX, 2010Faculty Member, Sports Management World Wide, Portland, Oregon, 2010-2012Weekly Host of Orange Slice Soccer Radio Show, Sporting News Radio, 1560 AM, KGOW, Houston, TX, 2009 - 2010Charlie Ward Foundation Luncheon Committee Member, Houston, TX, 2010Bear Bryant Award Foundation Committee Member, Houston, TX, 2010Florida State Track & Field, Cross-Country, 1988 -1992USYSA Youth Licensed CoachAvid soccer player and runner

References—Chris Keeney:

Nelson Rodriguez, Managing Director of National Team Advisory Services, 646-831-8807

Paul Mott, Former MLS VP of Club Services, President New Orleans Hornets, 215-266-5100

Clint Overby, Sr. Director of Events, ESPN Regional, 214-289-3118

Curt Onalfo, Head Coach, LA Galaxy II, 312-371-4928

Steve Pastorino, VP, Corporate Partnerships, Oakland A’s, 510-851-2579

Garth Lagerwey, General Manager, Seattle Sounders, 801-833-4536

Michael Perman, VP, Programming, NBC Sports Network, Michael.Perman@nbcuni.com

David Bailiff, Head Football Coach, Rice University, 713-247-9040

Brad Pursel, Executive, Major League Soccer, 212-450-1200

Bruce Bundrant, Sr. Executive, Monaco FC, brucebundrant@hotmail.com

Carl Miklas, Sr. Accountant, Jacksonville Jaguars, 612-360-8940

Tim Holt, Former President, United Soccer Leagues, 813-787-7529

Alec Papadakis, Chief Executive Officer, United Soccer Leagues, 678-984-1002

Thomas Rongen, Head Coach, Tampa Bay Rowdies, 772-678-1362

James Martin, VP of Sales, Arizona United, 562-208-8234

Matt Smith, Partner, SIMG, 520-907-1234

Orlando Conguta, Sr. Director, International Events, Major League Soccer, 201-913-6073

Whit Haskel, Fox Sports One, 310-369-5990

Keith Cooper, owner, Alphagraphics, 520-591-8763

Kaissa Gurvine, President, Tucson Adult Soccer League, 520-548-1707

Kevin Stevenson, General Manager, Arizona United, 919-623-1393

Peter Wilt, President, Indy 11, 317-292-7993