Department Contacts

Of paramount significance, the Executive Department of the NFL Players Association takes great pride in empowering, protecting and improving the lives of its members – NFL PLAYERS. The NFLPA continues to establish many landmark precedents felt not just in the sports world, but throughout organized labor and corporate America. The late Gene Upshaw, Former Executive Director and Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinee previously led the Union for over 20 years. During Gene’s tenure, the NFLPA experienced unprecedented growth and changed the landscape of professional athletics. Current Executive Director, DeMaurice “De” Smith was elected in March 2009 by the Board of Player Representatives and continues to work diligently to protect and defend the rights of NFL players. Through skilled negotiations with the National Football League, leading to multiple extensions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, and though the introduction and implementation of innovative programs geared at enriching the lives of our members, past, present and future, the Executive Department leads this organization.

As we continue to evolve, the Executive Department looks forward to continuing to serve, fight for and protect its membership.

Fax:  202-756-9310
Email:  nflpaexecutivedept@nflplayers.com

DeMaurice Smith, Executive Director
Ira Fishman, Managing Director
Clark Gaines, Assistant Executive Director
George Atallah, Assistant Executive Director of External Affairs
Blake Velcoff, Director of Human Resources
Tim Christine, Director of Security
Teri Patterson, Special Counsel to the Executive Director
Joe Briggs, Public Policy Counsel
Kerry Cosover, Travel Manager
Veronica Jenkins, Graphic Arts Manager
Margaret Toguchi, Special Assistant to the Executive Director
Emma Martinez, Operations Assistant
Robyn Harrison, Conference Center Assistant
Will Sassorossi, Mailroom Assistant
Jack Lyons, Receptionist

The Benefits Department assists in the negotiation, design and administration of NFL Player Benefits. The mission of the Benefits Department is to empower past, present and future NFL Players with the knowledge of their Benefits in order to make informed life stage decisions.

Fax: 202-756-9312
Email: nflpabenefits@nflplayers.com  

Miki Yaras-Davis, Director
Christophine Smith, Assistant Director
Bethany Marshall, Senior Benefits Manager
Adora Williams, Benefits Manager
Luke Patton, Benefits Assistant

The Communications Department manages the relationship between the NFLPA and the media and ensures that the NFLPA receives fair and accurate coverage. An important function of the department is describing and explaining to the media the benefits of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and free agency system for professional football players. The department also works to enhance the positive image of the NFLPA and its players.

Fax: 202-756-9312
Email: carl.francis@nflplayers.com  

Carl Francis, Director
Joanna Comfort, Communications Coordinator

Fax:  202-756-9319
Email:  nflpaaccounting@nflplayers.com

Charles Ross, Director
Erin Douglas, Controller
Iva Lamana, Senior Accounting Manager
Odelia Isaacs, Accounting Manager
Michael Zides,  Staff Accountant
Alexis Smith,  Junior Accountant
Sibyl Capps,  Accounting Assistant

The Financial Advisors Registration Program, the first of its kind in professional sports, provides NFL players access to a diverse group of qualified financial advisors. At the same time, all financial advisors participating will have an unprecedented opportunity to establish an entirely new and professional relationship with NFL players.

Fax: 202-756-9316
Email:  nflpafinancialadvisors@nflplayers.com

Dana Hammonds, Director
Cheryl Malik, Administrative Assistant

The Information Systems Department oversees an innovative technologically advanced client/server computer system that enables the NFLPA to track, report, and use a myriad of complex data on a daily basis. The Information Systems Department services every department and allows them to be able to adapt to change. It is also responsible for all computer and data processing needs and requirements involving a broad range of activities.

Fax: 202-756-9320
Email: support@nflplayers.com  

Richard Persons, Director
Gustavo Tandeciarz, Assistant Director
John Persons, Manager
James Rouse III, Database Administrator 
Ted Foote Jr., Website Administrator
Leah Webb, Jr. Website Graphics Designer

The Legal Department protects and enforces the rights of NFL players, the NFLPA, and its subsidiaries.  On behalf of NFL players, the Legal Department files grievances to enforce provisions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and NFL Player Contracts.  The Legal Department also assists the Executive Department with collective bargaining and overseas all legal matters involving the NFLPA and its marketing and licensing subsidiary, NFL PLAYERS.  It also provides assistance to affiliate organizations, including the NFL Coaches Association and the Arena Football League Players Association.

Phone:  800-372-2000
Fax:  202-756-9316

Richard Berthelsen, General Counsel
Tom DePaso, Assistant General Counsel/Regional Director
Heather McPhee, Assistant General Counsel
Timothy English, Staff Counsel
Arthur McAfee, Staff Counsel
Joe Nahra, Staff Counsel
Todd Flanagan, Staff Counsel
Kevin Wallace, Paralegal
Scott Lerner, Paralegal
Erin Andrews, Legal Assistant

Membership Services is dedicated to developing membership programs to encourage participation of members and to provide support to charitable organizations working to satisfy unmet needs in NFL player communities. 

Fax: 202-756-9317
Email: nflpamembershipservices@nflplayers.com  

AnneMarie Makle, Director
Willis Whalen, Manager
Christie Gagnon, Membership Services Coordinator

Formed in 1994, NFL PLAYERS is the licensing and marketing subsidiary of the NFL Players Association. Representing more than 1,800 active and many memorable retired players, NFL PLAYERS “takes the helmets off” the players and markets them as personalities as well as professional athletes.

Phone: 1-800-372-5535
Fax: 202-756-9323 

DeMaurice Smith, Chairman
Keith Gordon, President
Ahmad Nassar, Associate General Counsel
Allison Tucker, Vice President, Corporate Partnerships and Business Development
Pam Adolph, Vice President, Apparel & Operations
Dexter Santos, Vice President, Player Marketing
Karen Austin, Assistant Vice President, Trading Cards
Angela Manolakas, Assistant Vice President, Player Marketing
Gina Scott, Assistant Vice President, Player Marketing
Felice Jones, Assistant Vice President, Special Events
Lara Potter, Assistant Vice President, Communications
Steve Goodman, Assistant Vice President, Corporate Partnerships
Muneer Moore, Senior Player Marketing Manager
Doug Airel, Senior Player Marketing Manager
Brian Head, Player Marketing Manager
Nicole Pozzi, Senior Licensing Manager
Chad Kurz, Internet Marketing Manager
Stephanie Mosley, Senior Corporate Partnerships Manager
Ryan Kees, Operations Manager
Danika Rainer, Special Events Manager
Cassandra Nicaisse, Assistant Corporate Partnerships Manager 
Mike Donnelly, Website Editor
Khalil Garriott, Website Editor
Amanda Shank, Player Marketing Coordinator
Richard Medina, Licensing Coordinator, Multimedia
Ashley Kahler, Licensing Assistant, Apparel
Emily Schaefer, Licensing Assistant
Jilane Rodgers, Communications Assistant
Greg Viverito, Executive Assistant, Licensing
Deanay Morris, Administrative Assistant, Trading Cards
Brian Laudate, Administrative Assistant, Player Marketing
Michael Saad, Administrative Assistant, Player Marketing
Lindsay Morton, Administrative Assistant, Special Events
Michael Green, Senior Office Assistant
Adele Dodson, Receptionist

NFLPA Player Development is organized and committed to developing past, present, and future NFL players off-the-field. We partner with companies, consultants, and NFL representatives to provide transitional assistance to active and retired players through a variety of programs designed to improve the quality of life for players and their families.

Consider getting involved in one of our programs as an investment in your future.

Fax: 202-756-9320
Email: nflpaplayerdevelopment@nflplayers.com  

Stacy Robinson, Director
Leslie Satchell, Manager
Kimberly Murray, Player Development Coordinator

Phone:  800-372-2000
Fax:  202-756-9313
Email:  nflparegionaldirectors@nflplayers.com

Jason Belser, Senior Regional Director
Scottie Graham, Regional Director
Tom Carter, Regional Director
Ernie Conwell, Regional Director
James Guidry, Regional Director - AFLPA
Larry Kennan, Staff Director - NFLCA
Jackie Shearer, Programs Manager
Erin O'Boyle, Programs Coordinator
Kimberly Gordon, Administrative Assistant
Kelsey Langlie, Administrative Assistant

Associated Teams

Regional Directors are the NFLPA's first line of defense in explaining and protecting player rights and benefits. Players should contact their team's Regional Director: 

The Regional Directors Department acts as the office liaison for the 2,000 player membership. Servicing the players—through communication, education, and representation—is the ongoing goal of the department. The Regionals focus on engraving the mission of the NFLPA into the hearts and minds of all NFL Players. The mantra of the Regionals is to do what is in the best interest of the players.
 
In addition to assisting NFL Players, the Regionals also manage the grassroots efforts of the AFL Players Association and the NFL Coaches Association. Through the leadership and constant communication of the Regionals Department, these young organizations have been able to thrive and provide positive growth for their members.
 
The Regional Directors take to the road the majority of the year for a series of duties to better serve the players and coaches of all 3 organizations. In the fall, they conduct team meetings at each of the 32 NFL team facilities to better communicate the current union issues to the players.  In the spring, AFL teams also host similar meetings with the Regionals. Once a year, the NFLPA, AFLPA, and NFLCA also hold a Board of Representatives meeting, and the department is heavily involved in planning and executing those meetings in conjunction with other departments. In addition, they attend many other meetings throughout the year hosted by other departments and outside organizations (i.e. the NFL Scouting Combine).
 

The Retired Players organization is a division of the NFLPA formed in 1984 to provide an active voice for former players of all ages. Membership is open to all players who signed an NFL contract. There are 36 chapters nationwide with organized leadership and regular meetings.

Email:  nflparetiredplayers@nflplayers.com

Andre Collins, Director
Dee Becker, Assistant Director
Tyrone Allen, Professional Athletes Foundation Manager
Qiana Thomas, Programs Manager
Alanna Elie, Programs Coordinator

The Salary Cap and Agent Administration Department is responsible for and committed to assisting players and their agents with NFL Player Contract research and individual negotiations.

Fax: 202-756-9318
Email: agentservices@nflplayers.com  

Mark Levin, Director
Athelia Doggette, Assistant Director
Doug Finniff, Salary Cap Manager
Caitlin Reddinger, Agent Administration Assistant
Michael Stiles, Administrative Assistant