Join Greater Iowa City, Inc. and the University of Iowa's John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center for our next Entrepreneurial Lunch!
In this panel, sports industry professionals share how they turn high-stakes situations into winning outcomes for themselves and their teams. You’ll learn practical strategies for making decisions under stress, staying focused when challenges arise, and turning competition into actionable opportunities. Walk away with techniques you can use to handle pressure and take decisive action when it matters most.
Moderator:
John Staak: Assistant Professor of Practice, Marketing and Athletics Analytics Consultant at the University of Iowa
John Staak is an Assistant Professor of Practice at the University of Iowa Tippie College of Business, specializing in sports marketing and marketing analytics. His background includes analytics roles with Casey’s, Learfield, and Iowa Athletics, along with experience in digital marketing account management. He brings an applied, experiential approach to the classroom, helping students develop practical skills through real-world projects and data-driven decision-making.
Panelists:
Carson Lane: Founder of Stridelane
Carson Lane is the founder and CEO of Stridelane, an LED pacing light system for track runners. He is a Business Analytics and Information Systems student at the University of Iowa and a member of the track & field team as a middle-distance runner. Carson is passionate about innovation at the intersection of sports, technology, and data.
Dan Matheson, J.D.: Professor of Instruction, Sport and Recreation Management Program Director, and Adjunct College of Law Faculty Member at the University of Iowa
Dan Matheson is the Director of the University of Iowa Sport and Recreation Management program in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. He also teaches as an adjunct faculty member in the College of Law. From 2016-21, Dan served on Iowa’s Presidential Committee on Athletics, including two years as chair. In 2017, he was named the Dean's Distinguished Lecturer in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. In 2016, he received the University’s highest teaching honor, the President and Provost Award for Teaching Excellence. Prior to joining the University of Iowa faculty, Dan worked as an NCAA Associate Director of Enforcement and as the New York Yankees Director of Baseball Operations. He regularly provides insights during media coverage of sport industry news; his contributions have appeared in such media outlets as ESPN, the New York Times, PBS, The Athletic and SiriusXM. He has published more than a dozen articles on college athletics issues for CollegeAD.com, SportsLitigationAlert.com and the publication College Athletics and the Law.
Eddie Etsey: Associate Athletics Director, Technology and Data Analytics and Women’s Tennis Administrator at the University of Iowa
Eddie Etsey is a University of Iowa alumnus who serves as Associate Athletics Director, Chief Technology Officer, and sport administrator. With over 20 years of experience across athletics, information technology, and customer service, he is known for his innovative problem-solving and collaborative leadership. He has led key initiatives to improve systems, streamline operations, and enhance the overall experience across the university, bringing a people-first approach and positive energy to building strong, connected communities. Beyond his professional work, Eddie is deeply engaged in service and advocacy, mentoring youth, supporting individuals with disabilities, and leading international service efforts in Ghana while championing education, diversity, and community impact.
Jaecee Hall: Founder and CEO of Unbreakable Female Athlete
Jaecee Hall is the Founder and CEO of Unbreakable Female Athlete, an initiative focused on empowering female athletes and breaking down systemic barriers in sports. A former member of the University of Iowa Women’s Rowing Team, she earned her degree in Psychology with a minor in International Relations and a master’s in Sport and Recreation Management. Drawing from her experience as a collegiate athlete and the lack of representation she observed in the apparel industry, Jaecee launched Unbreakable Female Athlete from her apartment in Iowa City. Today, she is building a platform that promotes equity in sports and fosters a supportive, global community for female athletes.
Jayne Oswald: Vice President of Events and Engagement at The Swarm Collective, Inc
Jayne Oswald is the Vice President of Events and Engagement at The Swarm Collective, where she oversees operations, donor relations, and event strategy. She leads the planning and execution of member and donor experiences while managing partnerships and student-athlete engagements. Jayne brings over a decade of experience in athletics-related events, including previous leadership roles with the University of Iowa Center for Advancement.
This event is free, but REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.
