Success Stories
Prodigy Search prides itself on exceeding expectations and over-delivering with every executive recruitment search project we engage in. A sample of our recent success stories include:
Legends/ASM Global
Multi Placement (General Managers)
Challenge: In an already transformative year, ASM Global faced the challenge of recruiting and onboarding visionary General Managers for two of its marquee properties: Houston’s NRG Park and Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium. Both roles demanded exceptional leadership tailored to the unique needs of each venue. For NRG Park, a sprawling 250-acre campus hosting millions annually, ASM sought a leader to drive strategic growth, foster collaboration with diverse stakeholders, and oversee over $1 billion in planned renovations. Meanwhile, at Allegiant Stadium—a state-of-the-art, revenue-generating powerhouse in Las Vegas—the role required a forward-thinking leader adept at fostering collaboration across diverse stakeholders, including Raiders leadership and ASM staff. These roles required innovative, results-oriented leaders capable of navigating high expectations while ensuring each venue’s continued prestige and success.
Prodigy’s Strategic Approach & Solution: Prodigy Search implemented a highly targeted strategy focused on identifying fresh, dynamic candidates outside ASM Global’s traditional reach, ensuring fresh perspectives for these two marquee venues. Leveraging our extensive network and in-depth understanding of the sports and entertainment industry, we curated candidate pools that aligned with the unique requirements of each role. For NRG Park, we placed Hussain Naqi, a seasoned executive with extensive experience in stadium development and managing diverse business lines. His leadership at MetLife Stadium and the Jacksonville Jaguars demonstrated a proven ability to oversee large-scale projects, drive commercial growth, and build consensus among complex stakeholders. At Allegiant Stadium, Andy Gorchov’s expertise in revenue generation and stakeholder collaboration was pivotal. With decades managing premier venues like Empower Field at Mile High Stadium, Andy’s commercial acumen positioned him to elevate financial performance and foster strong partnerships with the Las Vegas Raiders. These placements underscored Prodigy Search’s ability to deliver innovative and impactful leadership solutions, even within a sector as interconnected as venue management. By introducing fresh talent to ASM Global’s leadership pipeline, Prodigy enabled both properties to embark on their next chapters with leaders uniquely equipped to meet their strategic objectives.
USA Luge
CEO
Challenge: USA Luge, the National Governing Body (NGB) for the sport of luge in the United States, faced a pivotal leadership transition in 2024. After more than a decade of successful leadership under Jim Leahy—whom Prodigy Search placed in 2013—the organization sought a successor to guide the NGB's next chapter. Tasked with identifying a successor for their long-serving CEO, the organization required a candidate with expertise in both business and sport. On the business side, this included overseeing fiscal operations, revenue generation, commercial opportunities, and membership growth. On the sporting side, the role demanded leadership in athlete development, coach and athlete welfare, and the technical oversight of equipment used in Olympic competition. Adding to the complexity, USA Luge is headquartered in Lake Placid, NY—a remote location requiring relocation and a deep passion for the sport. Compounding these challenges, the search occurred during a highly competitive period when multiple National Governing Bodies were vying for top executive talent, necessitating a robust and innovative approach to identify the ideal leader.
Prodigy’s Strategic Approach & Solution: Having previously placed Jim Leahy as CEO in 2013, Prodigy Search was honored to assist USA Luge again with this critical succession planning process. To address USA Luge’s critical need for a multi-faceted leader, Prodigy Search conducted an exhaustive, nationwide search to identify candidates with a unique blend of business acumen and sporting expertise. Our strategy included leveraging extensive networks across National Governing Bodies, Olympic sports, and adjacent industries to uncover dynamic, innovative talent capable of balancing the operational demands of a non-profit organization with the technical requirements of a high-performance sport. Through managing a variety of stakeholders, challenges posed by Lake Placid’s remote location, and the competitive NGB hiring landscape, Prodigy delivered a finalist pool representing diverse experiences and skill sets. These candidates brought proven success in revenue generation, strategic leadership, and technical sport management. Ultimately, USA Luge selected Scott Riewald, whose experience seamlessly aligned with the organization’s needs. Scott’s robust background in athlete development, technical innovation, and financial stewardship positioned him to lead USA Luge toward sustained growth and excellence on the world stage. This successful placement ensured that USA Luge was primed for immediate success at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games and poised for a thriving future in the years beyond.
PWHL
Senior Vice President, Business Operations
NEED: Prior to launching as North America's premier women's hockey league, the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) identified the immediate need for a strategic leader to drive business operations and help the league kickoff their inaugural season. With great ambition and significant backing, the league aimed to strengthen its leadership team to support the growth and sustainability of the league by bringing on a Senior Vice President of Business Operations. This individual needed to have proven sports experience and success growing properties as well as a passion for the mission that the PWHL embodied. This role demanded, not just a deep-seated passion for sports, but an unwavering commitment to elevating women's hockey. The ideal candidate would bring a heartfelt enthusiasm for the game, coupled with a visionary approach to grow the sport, inspire teams, and engage communities. The newly formed league partnered with Prodigy Search to identify the right person for the integral hire.
RESULT: Prodigy Search collaborated closely with PWHL to identify a Senior Vice President of Business Operations with a strategic mindset and a commitment to advancing women's sports. Amy Scheer emerged as the standout candidate, bringing a wealth of experience in sports business and a proven track record in driving business growth. Additionally, Scheer's dedication to fostering inclusivity and promoting women's sports aligns seamlessly with PWHL's mission. As shown in the PWHL’s inaugural season, with Amy Scheer at the helm of business operations, the league is well-poised for continued growth, innovation, and success in the world of women's hockey.
FIFA World Cup 26
Executive Director, Workforce
NEED: With the FIFA World Cup '26 quickly approaching, FIFA and the North American organizing committee recognized the need for a highly capable Executive Director of Workforce to navigate the logistical complexities of one of the world's most prestigious sporting events. Positioned within the Strategy & Planning Division, the role encompasses oversight of Workforce Planning, Workforce Operations, Human Resources, Office Administration, Volunteers, Recruitment & Talent Acquisition, and Benefits and Payroll – all contributing to delivering the most engaging, innovative, and accessible World Cup experience ever. Reporting directly to the Chief of Strategy & Planning, the Executive Director, Workforce, would play a pivotal role in the Workforce efforts for the FIFA World Cup '26, an event making history by hosting 48 teams across 3 countries and 16 venues for the first time ever.
RESULT: Prodigy Search partnered with the FIFA World Cup '26 organizing committee to identify an Executive Director of Workforce who could lead with precision and efficiency. Courtney Kelley, an accomplished professional with a unique blend of sports and legal expertise in human resources, emerged as the standout candidate. With a distinguished career that includes serving as Chief Human Resources Officer at ICM Partners, Vice President of Human Resources at the National Football League (NFL), and Vice President of People at FanDuel, Courtney brought an unparalleled understanding of the intersection between sports, human resources, and legal considerations. This experience, combined with her strategic vision and commitment to excellence, made her an ideal fit for the intricate challenges of the FIFA World Cup '26. With her comprehensive background, the event is now poised for unparalleled success under Courtney Kelley's guidance, ensuring a world-class experience for all involved.
BaAM Productions
Head of Operations
NEED: BaAM Productions is a design-driven production company that plans and creates venues and experiences for clients in the sports, culture, and entertainment markets across the globe. BaAM has a distinctive approach that merges an innovative blend of strategy and creative expertise with project management principles to create engaging fan experiences. BaAM has been trusted to deliver high-profile events such as the Super Bowl, MLB at Field of Dreams, NHL Outdoor Games and the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. The innovative team at BaAM sought to hire a Head of Operations. The ideal candidate would embody exceptional business operational and leadership principles, further enhancing the company's operational excellence and leadership culture.
RESULT: Prodigy Search conducted a comprehensive continent-wide search to find the right person for the position. The search targeted an individual who thrived in a collaborative work environment, demonstrated passionate leadership, could manage a high-performing team, and had experience creating and managing large- scale budgets. Stephane Lecuyer was ultimately selected and identified as a dynamic, entrepreneurial, energetic, and passionate professional with 20 years of strategic leadership experience, while also being an adept team builder and an effective communicator. With all of these accolades to his name, he was a great fit for the Head of Operations role at BaAM.