What does it take to lead with impact? From the professional sports to venture capitalism, our speakers will reveal the skills, mindset and focus that set great leaders apart.
Panelists
Ryann Greenberg, vice president of guest experience and venue operations, Bay FC
Ryann Greenberg is vice president of guest experience and venue operations for the elite football franchise Bay FC, where she is responsible for delivering a world-class experience for players, fans, and partners across the club's operations. In addition to leading matchday operations and guest experience at PayPal Park, Bay FC's home stadium in San Jose, Ryann oversees the planning and execution of the club's year-round events and will lead venue operations for Bay FC's new state-of-the-art Performance Center on Treasure Island, opening in 2027.
Ryann brings more than two decades of experience in sports and live event operations. Before joining Bay FC, she spent 16 years with the San Francisco Giants, most recently serving as Senior Director of Event Strategy. In that role, she led cross-functional initiatives that modernized operations and enhanced the fan experience, spearheading the organization's first Fan Experience Advisory Group and helping shape long-term venue and event strategies. She also oversaw Giants Spring Training Operations in Scottsdale, Arizona, managing all aspects of baseball and business operations for the club's annual training camp. Ryann has also worked for the Los Angeles Dodgers where she gained experience in event operations and game presentation, helping deliver major league events and fan experiences.
Ryann is a graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara.
Jess Smith, president, Golden State Valkyries
Jess Smith began her first season as president of the Golden State Valkyries ahead of the team’s inaugural 2025 season. Smith, who has over 18 years of experience in professional sports, oversees all WNBA business operations and reports directly to Warriors President and Chief Operating Officer, Brandon Schneider.
Under Smith’s leadership, the Valkyries have built a winning culture on and off the court. During their inaugural season, the Valkyries set all-time WNBA records for both average attendance (18,064) and total attendance (397,408), selling out all 22 regular-season home games. Golden State set the record for most wins by a first-year WNBA expansion team (23), and became the first expansion franchise to reach the WNBA postseason during its inaugural season. Smith also helped build out a robust roster of founding partners, including CarMax, JP Morgan Chase, Kaiser Permanente, OLLY, PG&E, Sephora, United Airlines and Waymo.
Smith also oversaw the team’s local broadcast partnership with CBS Bay Area, which introduced creative programming and community engagement activations that gave fans unprecedented access throughout the season. The partnership extended the Valkyries’ reach to more than four million fans across Northern California.
Following the Valkyries’ inaugural season, Smith was honored with the WNBA Business Executive Leadership Award for her exceptional leadership in driving meaningful business transformation.
Smith joined the Valkyries from Angel City Football Club, where she served as Head of Revenue from 2020-24. In that role, she oversaw partnerships, ticketing, commerce, operations, data and analytics, broadcast and strategic alliances. Smith, who has a passion for creating revenue streams with intent, revolutionized the sports industry partnership approach with Angel City’s model, where 10% of sponsorship revenues are invested into local community initiatives focusing on equity, essentials, and education. Smith was responsible for launching the ‘Fan Fueled Player Fund,’ where players receive 1% of net ticketing proceeds for advertising ticket sales with their names and likeness. Under her leadership, Angel City renewed over 90% of the team’s season ticket members heading into the 2024 NWSL season.
Prior to her time at Angel City, Smith served as Vice President, Sponsorship at the San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) from 2017-20, where she secured the largest academy-specific jersey partnership in MLS history. Before joining the Earthquakes, Smith worked for the Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL) from 2015-16. Smith also spent time working for the Oakland Athletics (MLB) from 2008-15 in roles within ticketing and sponsorship.
Smith was named to the 2023 Sports Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 list and the 2023 Leaders in Sport Under 40 class. In addition in 2024 she was named a Sports Business Journal Power Player in Women's Sports for her outstanding contributions to the game and beyond and was recognized as SBJ’s Best Hire of the Year. Smith holds her B.A. in Journalism from State University of New York and received her M.S.A. from Ohio University. She and her husband Scott are proud parents to two young daughters, Kipton and Vaughn.
Heather Vaughan, president, MLV NorCal
Heather Vaughan is the President of MLV NorCal, Northern California's Major League Volleyball franchise, where she is leading the launch of one of the newest professional women's sports teams in the country. Charged with building the organization from the ground up, she oversees every aspect of the club's business. This includes defining its brand, culture, and commercial strategy, assembling its leadership team, growing corporate partnerships, engaging communities, and creating a fan experience that sets a new standard for professional sports.
A passionate brand builder with more than 25 years of experience across professional sports, entertainment, and live events, Heather has built her career at the intersection of strategy, storytelling, and unforgettable fan experiences. She believes the strongest sports brands are more than teams, they become movements that unite communities and inspire generations.
Prior to joining MLV NorCal, Heather served as Vice President of Marketing for Sharks Sports & Entertainment, where she led marketing, creative, fan engagement, community impact, and event presentation for the San Jose Sharks, SAP Center, and Sharks Ice. Before that, she was Senior Vice President of Marketing for the Pac-12 Conference, leading conference-wide brand strategy, championship marketing, and revenue-driving initiatives, including the sellout of the 2023 Pac-12 Football Championship Game at Allegiant Stadium. Earlier in her career, Heather served as Senior Director of Marketing for the Sacramento Kings and began her career in agency-side public relations, communications, and advertising.
Throughout her career, Heather has been driven by a passion for growing the game, elevating brands, and creating moments that bring people together. Her work has earned multiple PromaxBDA and Telly Awards, and she serves on the boards of the Green Sports Alliance and Informa Connect's BizBash Sports.
Originally from Encinitas, California (Go Padres!), Heather earned her bachelor's degree from California State University, Chico, and her master's degree from California State University, Fullerton. She's been an Adjunct Professor at the Art Institute of Sacramento, Santa Clara University and University of San Francisco and currently teaches at both Santa Clara and USF. Among her proudest career moments is winning the 2005 WNBA Championship with the Sacramento Monarchs, an experience that continues to fuel her commitment to advancing women's professional sports.
Moderator
Pamela Wu ’95, director of news and media relations, UC Davis Health
Pamela Wu’s career spans the fields of broadcast journalism, public relations, and communications training. Wu is the director of News and Media Relations for UC Davis Health. In 2021, she received an Emmy Award in the category of Health/Medical Long-Form Content. Wu continues her work in broadcasting as a substitute host for Capital Public Radio, Sacramento’s NPR station.