Like the rest of the world, COVID-19 has had far reaching impacts for Rosterfy and our clients. With numerous clients forced to postpone or cancel their events, organizations are being challenged to think outside the box and come up with new ways of thinking to ensure that the longevity of their brand, event and/or cause is sustained throughout this pandemic. Read a note from our CEO here.
This week's webinar will feature Leslie Nixon and Callie Newbanks from the Miami Dolphins to share their unique journey managing the NFL's leading community program 'Special Teams', a fan & staff volunteer program aimed at making a lasting positive impact on the Southern Florida community. Read more about what makes the Special Teams program so impactful.
Hosted by Rosterfy's Dom Leyden, Leslie and Callie will share rare insights into how the Miami Dolphins Special Teams programs engages with Dolphins fans to volunteer & support causes and charities within their local community. They will also touch on how the program is currently supporting local organizations in response to COVID-19 along with the results of the NFL Huddle for 100 program which saw the Miami Dolphins take out top spot.
Catch a recording of the full webinar below.
Want to hear more from experts in event management? Tune into our podcast The Engaged Volunteer.
Speakers
Leslie Nixon, Senior Director, Community Affairs, Miami Dolphins
A native of New Jersey, Leslie Bauknight Nixon attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill earning a dual degree in journalism and mass communications with a concentration in public relations and economics in 2002. Following graduation and determined to start a career in sports, Nixon immediately enrolled at St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens, Fla. graduating cum laude with her Juris Doctorate and Masters in Sport Administration in 2005.
After passing the Florida Bar, Nixon practiced law at the St. Thomas University Human Rights Institute providing free legal services to lower income residents in Miami-Dade County. In 2006, Nixon started as the community outreach/communications coordinator with the Super Bowl Host Committee, but quickly moved into the role of director of administration for Super Bowl XLI. Nixon served as the director of volunteer services for Super Bowl XLIV and Pro Bowl 2010.
After the conclusion of the Super Bowl in 2010, Nixon brought her expertise in volunteering to the Miami Dolphins and started the Miami Dolphins Special Teams powered by AARP Foundation volunteer program, the first of its kind in the NFL. On a yearly basis, the volunteer program coordinates more than 3,500 volunteers who complete more than 50,000 hours of community service to the South Florida community. In 2015, Nixon completed her Doctorate of Education in Sport Management at the United States Sports Academy. She has served as an adjunct professor teaching sport management classes at Barry University.
Currently, Nixon serves as the senior director community affairs overseeing charitable giving programs and community relations platforms like Miami Dolphin FOOTBALL UNITESTM for the Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium.
Callie Newbanks, Volunteer Coordinator, Special Teams, Miami Dolphins
A native of South Florida, Callie Newbanks attended Florida International University earning a Bachelor’s degree in Recreation and Sport Management in 2014. Following graduation, Newbanks took an internship with the Miami Dolphins working in stadium event ticket sales. Knowing her passion was in community service she was able to finish her internship with the Miami Dolphins Foundation.
Currently, Newbanks serves as the Volunteer Coordinator for the Miami Dolphins Volunteer program, Special Teams. There she oversees more than 3,500 volunteers who complete more than 50,000 hours of community service in the South Florida Community. While serving as the volunteer coordinator Newbanks managed and partnered with AARP Foundation’s Million Meal pack for 5 years where over 5,000 volunteers packed 1 Million meals in one day. Also, conducted Community Service Academy which takes High School students all over the community to volunteer during the spring and summer to complete their school required 40 volunteer hours. Most recently, Newbanks managed the NFL’s Huddle for 100 initiative of having 1 Million volunteers serve their community for at least 100 minutes. Newbanks and the Miami Dolphins Special Teams, Miami Dolphins FOOTBALL UNITESTM Community Partners, staff, coaches, players, cheer, alumni and fans completed 75 million volunteer minutes. The most in the NFL.
Dom Leyden, Head of Sales - USA, Rosterfy
Dominic Leyden is Head of USA Sales & Business Development for Rosterfy, the global leading volunteer management software. Dominic has negotiated software license agreements with some of the largest events and organizations in the US including four consecutive Super Bowl Host Committees, the National Democratic Convention and a number of sports commissions including Harris County Houston Sports Authority, Greater New Orleans Sports Commission and the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission.
Originally from Australia, Dominic has worked in sales & business development within the sports, events and technology sector his entire career including previous roles with Eventbrite & Liverpool Football Club.
If you’d like to learn more about how Rosterfy can help you better engage with your volunteers through a volunteer management solution, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.