2025 Sport Business Conference Main Speakers and Internship Luncheon Attendees

Jay Paterno is an accomplished author, coach, and commentator, with deep roots in the world of college football. As the son of legendary coach Joe Paterno, Jay grew up immersed in the culture of the sport and went on to build an impressive career of his own. He served as a coach for over two decades, including 17 years at Penn State, where he helped develop championship-caliber teams and mentored countless athletes both on and off the field.

A passionate advocate for the game, Paterno’s career has expanded beyond coaching. He is the author of several books, including Paterno Legacy: Enduring Lessons from the Life and Death of My Father, which offers personal insights into his family’s legacy and the values his father instilled in the sport. His latest work, BLITZED! The All-Out Pressure of College Football’s New Era, delves into the challenges and pressures of modern-day college football, a fast-changing landscape driven by big money, transfers, and NIL deals.

In addition to his writing, Paterno is a sought-after speaker and media commentator. His eulogy for his father is listed among American Rhetoric’s Top American Speeches of the 21st Century. His expertise in leadership, the evolution of college athletics, and the impact of social and cultural shifts in sports have made him a respected voice in the industry. He regularly appears on major media outlets, offering his analysis and unique perspective on the future of football.

Off the field, Paterno is also known for his work as a philanthropist and advocate for causes he is passionate about, including education, health, and social justice. Through his multifaceted career, Jay Paterno continues to leave a lasting impact on college football and beyond. 

BJ Bertges has been with the United States Collegiate Athletic Association since 2019, and in July of 2021 was named the Chief Operating Officer following the departure of Matthew Simms, former CEO and Executive Director of the Association.  

Ms. Bertges began her tenure with the USCAA as the Director of Championships and Development overseeing planning for all championship events, ensuring tournament guidelines and sponsorship contracts.  She worked to develop and implement ongoing strategic plans aimed at enhancing the association’s championship events and publicity efforts.

BJ was one of the most experienced hires when it comes to history with the USCAA.  She has history working the Fall Championships Week, Basketball National Championships, and the Small College World Series.  “BJ has both the knowledge and experience with working USCAA championship events and we are more than excited to welcome her into the position” states former USCAA Executive Director Matthew Simms. “She will be the first female to serve in this role for the USCAA and we are confident that her past experiences make her the right person for the position.  She will improve the quality of our Championships and student-athlete experience.”

Prior to joining the USCAA, Bertges was with member Penn State Beaver, where she was the Assistant Athletic Director and the Head Volleyball Coach.  As the Assistant Athletic Director on campus, Bertges managed the Wellness Center, ran Intramural programs, oversaw the athletic website and social media and was the advisor of the Varsity Clubs on campus. She also served as the Head Volleyball Coach for eight seasons.  During her time at the Head Coach level, she led her team to six consecutive post-season appearances.  Bertges held a career record of 102-98 and a conference record of 69-37.

Bertges was a dual sport athlete at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg for four years serving as a captain in both volleyball and softball.  As a volleyball player she earned All-Conference honors her senior season, and was the only player in the program’s history in the top five of the four major statistical categories (kills, blocks, aces and assists).  After completing her undergrad at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg, she went on to play for the Pittsburgh Passion, a professional women’s full contact football team.  She was part of the 2007 National Championship team who was also undefeated that year om the NWFL.  BJ received her Master’s Degree in Sports Management from California University of Pennsylvania.

A seasoned venue management executive with over two decades of experience in the live events and entertainment industry, Jim Grafstrom is a District General Manager for Oak View Group (OVG) overseeing the operation of multiple premier venues, including The Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, PA; PPL Center in Allentown, PA; Cure Insurance Arena in Trenton, NJ; and the Crown Complex in Fayetteville, NC.

A graduate of Temple University, Grafstrom developed a strong foundation in venue management and event operations in the School of Tourism and Hospitality Management. Following graduation, he began his career at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, one of the busiest arenas in the country, gaining invaluable experience in event execution, facility operations, and guest services.

Grafstrom’s career trajectory led him to play a key role in the construction and first three years of operation at the Kovalchick Complex, a multi-use venue in Indiana, PA on the campus of Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), where he served as the General Manager. His leadership helped establish the complex as a vital part of the community, hosting many concerts, sporting events, and other large-scale gatherings.

Following his time in Indiana, PA, Grafstrom served as the General Manager of the Crown Complex in Fayetteville, NC. During his tenure, he managed the multi-venue complex, which includes an arena, theater, expo center, ballroom, and coliseum, ensuring seamless operations and successful event programming. Under his guidance, the Crown Complex became a cornerstone of entertainment in the region, hosting major concerts, sporting events, and family shows.

Currently, Grafstrom serves as the General Manager of The Liacouras Center at Temple University, his alma mater, where he oversees all aspects of the venue’s operation. His responsibilities include booking, event management, marketing, and facility maintenance, ensuring that the arena remains a top-tier destination for concerts, college basketball, and other live events. In his expanded role as District General Manager for Oak View Group, Grafstrom provides strategic oversight for multiple venues, driving operational excellence and maximizing event programming across four major facilities.

Nathan Holtz is currently an assistant director for facilities and operations at Penn State University for campus recreation. He oversees day-to-day operations for three different facilities that campus recreation has on campus. Aside from daily operations, Nathan oversees student staffing in the facilities, partners with academics and athletics for events in the facilities, and helps oversee operations of the E-Sports Center. Prior to overseeing facilities at Penn State, Nathan worked for the University of Alabama and their University Recreation Department, where he assisted in overseeing operations of their four facilities. Nathan earned his bachelor’s degree in 2018 and master’s degree in 2019 from IUP in sport administration. During this time, he was an intern for the PA Sports Business Conference and then became the graduate assistant for the conference while earning his master’s degree.

Erika currently works as the manager of guest experience with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Acrisure Stadium. Prior to this role, she spent five seasons with the Buffalo Bills, having worked in customer service and guest services. As manager of guest experience, Erika oversees all game-day guest services team members, manages the daily stadium tour operations, and leads a stadium operations intern development program.

She was a Division I athlete at Niagara University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in sport management and an MBA in strategic management. She serves on the Young Professionals Committee for the International Association of Venue Managers. Prior to her time with the Buffalo Bills, Erika worked in various capacities with Syracuse University, the Syracuse Crunch (AHL), and the Buffalo Niagara Sports Commission.

Chad Westerburg is currently the Vice President of Business Operations for the Erie Otters. In his

current role, he oversees the day-to-day business operations with a primary focus on ticket sales,

sponsorship and marketing. Prior to the Otters, Chad has experience in various sales and marketing roles

with teams such as the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, University of Pittsburgh Athletic Department, Reading

Royals and San Diego Gulls.8

Chad graduated from IUP in 2013 with a bachelor's degree in sport administration and minor in business.

After graduation, he decided to return to IUP to earn his master's in Sport Administration and was the

graduate assistant for the annual IUP Sports Business Conference.

Fei Yang is the Deputy Director of the International Cooperation Office of Chengdu Sport University, and a distinguished expert in sport management and sports journalism, with extensive experience in academia and international education. He holds a Master's degree in Sports Journalism from Chengdu Sport University and a Bachelor's degree in Education from Stanford University. Additionally, he earned a Bachelor's degree in English from Sichuan International Studies University, equipping him with exceptional bilingual communication skills.

Currently serving as an Associate Professor and Master's Supervisor at Chengdu Sport University, Fei Yang also leads the Foreign Languages Department for Sports Programs. His expertise spans over sports communication, education, and international cultural exchange. From 2007 to 2009, he was a government-appointed Chinese language instructor in the United States, where he made significant contributions to cross-cultural education.

Fei Yang's passion for sports is evident in his background as the captain of Sichuan International Studies University's basketball team, earning the title of Best Captain in the 2001 CUBA Chongqing Division. He also served as the Director of the Training Service Office, Competition Department of the Chengdu Universiade Executive Committee in 2021. His commitment to excellence has been recognized through numerous awards, including Outstanding Educator and Distinguished Foreign Teacher honors in both China and the U.S.

With a deep understanding of sports media, sport education, and international collaboration, Fei Yang continues to shape the future of sport management through research, teaching, and leadership.