Meredith Sport Management Speaker Series

Sunday, April 6
6 p.m.
Anderson Theatre, Anderson Center for the Arts

Amber Steele is the vice president of global sports partnerships & operations for the Coca-Cola Company. She is the corporate overseer of all global sponsorships, including FIFA, UEFA, IOC and the Special Olympics. Steele manages the relationships with these rightsholders and leads the event operations for the Coca-Cola host market that is hosting the event.

She has worked for The Coca-Cola Company since 2004 and specializes in sponsorship consultation, event and operations management, sponsorship activation, event/experiential marketing and contract negotiations.

Steele has traveled around the globe and worked in the events and sports marketing world for over 30 years. She has worked on all sides of the business, including an agency, federation, club team, local organizing committee and sponsorship side.

A native of Bloomington, Indiana, Steele holds a bachelor’s degree in business and communications from Indiana University. She resides in Atlanta, Georgia.

Doug Logan, sports and entertainment executive presented

“The Frisson of Jeopardy: The Anecdotal Career of a Sports and Entertainment Executive, Including His Successes and Failures”

In this engaging talk, Logan provided a behind-the-scenes look at his remarkable career, offering an insider’s perspective on sports as both a business and a cultural touchstone. His presentation reflected on his successes and challenges in leading two major sports organizations and his diverse experiences in the entertainment industry.

Logan’s career spans over four decades and he is best known for his pioneering role as the founding Commissioner of Major League Soccer (MLS), where he launched the league in 1996 with 10 teams. He also served as CEO of USA Track & Field, leading the team to the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Throughout his career, he has consulted with sports organizations around the world, helping shape the future of the industry.

A bilingual Cuban-American, Logan’s expertise extends beyond sports management. As an entertainment executive, he has built and managed venues in five countries and worked with legendary artists such as The Rolling Stones, Madonna, U2 and Michael Jackson. He is listed in ‘Who’s Who in Entertainment’ for his contributions to the field.

A combat veteran of the Vietnam War, Logan earned two Bronze Stars with Valor as a member of the 101st Airborne Division. He later taught sports management at New York University, inspiring the next generation of leaders in the field.

Hartwick College proudly recognizes Thom Meredith ’73 and his extraordinary contributions to sport management by naming this distinguished speaker series in his honor. This lasting tribute reflects his profound influence on the industry and his dedication to shaping future professionals.

Just as Meredith has brought the most prominent names and events in sports to the world stage, this lecture series will bring leading voices in sport management to Hartwick, engaging students, faculty, staff and the broader community. His deep belief in education, mentorship and real-world experience forms the foundation of this initiative—one that aligns with Hartwick’s commitment to academic excellence and its proud athletic tradition.

With a growing sport management program and a rich legacy of athletic success, Hartwick could not have a more fitting namesake. Over a 40-year career, Meredith has played a pivotal role in shaping some of the world’s most prestigious sporting events, including the Pan American Games, the Olympic Games and multiple FIFA World Cups. As one of North America’s foremost soccer event professionals, he has been instrumental in the growth of U.S. Soccer and the advancement of women’s professional soccer.

Beyond his professional achievements, Meredith remains deeply committed to Hartwick. Through his steadfast advocacy and active engagement with the Hartwick College Alumni Association, he perpetuates a legacy of connectivity and camaraderie. His guidance has also helped shape Hartwick’s sport management program, ensuring students gain the knowledge, experience and connections needed to thrive in the industry.

By establishing this speaker series, Hartwick not only celebrates Thom Meredith’s remarkable career but also reinforces its commitment to preparing students for success in the ever-evolving world of sport management.

Hartwick is grateful to Trustee Larry Miller ’73 for his support of the Sport Management program.  The major is offered through our Department of Business Administration & Accounting.