Senior Partnerships & Sponsorship Executive

MICHAEL SEDLAK

Avon, OH ***** • 216-***-**** / ******.****@*****.***

DIRECTOR OF PARTNERSHIPS SPONSORSHIP

Dynamic marketing and sales strategist with 30+ years of experience driving revenue through sponsorship acquisition, brand partnerships, and event marketing for major sports franchises, entertainment venues, and live events. Known for building strategic alliances, revitalizing sponsorship programs, and achieving escalated revenue growth through innovative campaigns and exceptional relationship management.

Core Competencies:

Sponsorship Sales Process• Strategic Presenting Partnerships • Event Marketing • Negotiations Revenue Growth • Brand Activation • Corporate Relations • Contract Negotiation • Hospitality Team Leadership • Media Relations

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

OAK VIEW GROUP / CLEVELAND IX CENTER – Cleveland, OH Director of Partnership Sales Jan 2022 – April 2026

• Reestablished and expanded the partnership program post-pandemic, generating $500K+ in new revenue in year one.

• Secured major sponsorships for flagship events, including Piston Power Show and Trick or Treat Street, exceeding $250K in Presenting Partnership sales.

• Built long-term relationships with leading brands such as Pepsi, Yuengling, Ohio Lottery, Car Parts Warehouse, and NRG.

• Created custom partnership solutions—including naming rights, signage, social media integration, and hospitality activations—to align with partner objectives. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS / MONSTERS / CHARGE / GLADIATORS – Cleveland, OH Senior Manager, Franchise Partnership Marketing & Sales Jun 2012 – Dec 2021

• Managed and activated 40+ sponsorships totaling over $2M annually across four professional sports franchises.

• Delivered a 95%+ renewal rate through strategic relationship management and activation excellence.

• Directed partnerships with key brands: Ohio Lottery, FirstEnergy, Subway, University Hospitals, BrewDog, and Constellation Energy ($500K presenting partner).

• Collaborated cross-functionally with marketing, operations, and finance teams to ensure full delivery of partnership benefits.

• Negotiated elevated multiyear sponsorship program for the Monsters' presenting partner, Constellation Energy, valued at over 1 million dollars, handling all aspects of implementation and activation, including hospitality, community relations, in-game promotions, and marketing.

SUMMIT MOTORSPORTS PARK – Norwalk, OH

Director of Sponsorship Aug 2010 – Jun 2012

• Directed sponsorship renewals, prospecting new accounts, selling VIP suites, and coordinating group sales for corporate events.

• Managed $1M+ sponsorship budget, developing new marketing programs and partner packages.

• Closed record deals, including $250K multi-year sponsorship with UNI-Select—second largest in facility history.

• Secured brand partnerships with Budweiser, KeyBank, Pepsi, US Army, and OH Lottery. CLEVELAND STATE UNIVERSITY WOLSTEIN CENTER / SMG – Cleveland, OH Director of Sponsorship & Marketing Jul 1999 – Jul 2010

• Grew sponsorship revenue from $151K to $500K cash and $210K in trade value.

• Secured lucrative pouring rights and concessions with Anheuser-Busch, Pepsi, Domino’s Pizza, Pizza Hut, and Mr. Hero.

• Directed marketing, promotions, and media for major concerts, sporting events, and national competitions.

• Led collaboration with Destination Cleveland and Greater Cleveland Sports Commission for high-profile events, including Olympic Box-Offs and NCAA tournaments. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS / GUND ARENA – Cleveland, OH

Business Development Manager & Ticket Sales Supervisor 1995 – 1999

• Launched and managed new Telemarketing Ticket Sales Department, growing team from 8 to 16 representatives (1997–99) through strategic recruitment, training, and leadership

• Developed and maintained the Inside Sales Manual, optimizing processes and overseeing daily, weekly, and monthly sales reporting for performance tracking.

• Drove an average of $2M in group and ticket sales revenue annually.

• Directed ticket campaigns for the inaugural WNBA Cleveland Rockers season. Ticket Sales Representative 1992 – 1994

• Top-performing rep during 1993–94 “Gateway Guarantee” campaign; generated $300K+ in event and ticket sales.

• Generated over $300,000 in revenue during the 1993-94 season ticket & group sales campaigns, including major events such as NHL Hockey, Disney on Ice, Ringling Brothers Circus, WWF, Harlem Globetrotters, and the World’s Toughest Rodeo. EDUCATION

Baldwin Wallace University – Berea, OH

Bachelor of Arts in Sports Management

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