Staff

Jeff Fisher

Commissioner

Jeff Fisher is serving as the Commissioner for the debut season of Arena Football One. Bringing decades of football leadership experience, Fisher is well-versed in building football operations and organizations from the ground up.

Fisher boasts a distinguished coaching career with 173 NFL wins, six playoff appearances, and one Super Bowl appearance.

Throughout his career, Fisher has served as a mentor to numerous head coaches, most recently supporting Eddie George and his staff with the Tennessee State Tigers football team.

A member of the legendary 1985 Chicago Bears and the 1978 USC National Championship team, Fisher understands the principles of building successful organizations. He is a tireless advocate for players, prioritizing their success both on and off the field, and a champion for arena football fans everywhere. Fisher is dedicated to ensuring a long-lasting and successful future for Arena Football.

Jerry Kurz

CEO

Jerry B. Kurz is a pioneering force in professional sports, renowned for his instrumental role in the inception and growth of the Arena Football League (AFL).

As AFL Commissioner, Kurz led the league to unprecedented heights, securing national television contracts, acquiring team ownership, and forging major corporate partnerships and fan merchandising initiatives. He successfully expanded the league's international reach, introducing the sport to global audiences.

Kurz previously served as President of the af2, the AFL's developmental league. Under his leadership, the af2 experienced significant growth, expanding to 25 teams across the country and cultivating a dedicated fan base in smaller markets. This expansion played a crucial role in the AFL's resurgence in 2010 following a year-long hiatus. Kurz and a group of investors acquired the AFL's assets from bankruptcy court, ensuring the league's return to the gridiron.

As AFL Vice-President of International Development, Kurz spearheaded the league's global expansion. He oversaw the H3 Visa Program, facilitating the participation of international players in the AFL and af2. He also orchestrated numerous international games in Europe and Australia, along with international training camps in various locations worldwide.

Beyond the AFL, Kurz is a founding member of Gridiron Enterprises, Inc., the original founders of the AFL. He later co-founded Gridiron Sports Consulting, Inc., with John Pettit, a prominent sports business leader, to continue their legacy of sports consulting.

Kurz boasts a lifelong involvement in football, having served as a player, coach, general manager, and owner. He is a distinguished member of four football Halls of Fame, recognized for both his playing and executive contributions.

Kurz earned a Juris Doctor degree from Northern Illinois University and, alongside his wife, Kathryn, a fellow attorney, has operated the law firm Hall & Kurz since 1980. They have one son, Matthew, a former scholarship football player at Indiana University.

Christie McEwen

President of League & Team Operations

Christie McEwen brings decades of multifaceted experience in high school, collegiate, and professional sports to her role as President of League & Team Operations for Arena Football One.

A seasoned expert in the sports industry, McEwen holds a Bachelor of Science in Health & Sport Science and a Master of Science in Sports Management from the University of Oklahoma. During her undergraduate tenure, she served as a student athletic trainer, covering a spectrum of sports including football, women's basketball, and various University-hosted athletic championship events.

Her professional journey in sports management spans nearly two decades, primarily in professional football. Her current roles encompass team management, operations, communications, event coordination, fundraising, and sports entertainment.

She previously held key positions such as General Manager of an Arena Football (AFL) team and later served as the League's COO. In team management, she directed game day operations, devised marketing strategies, led partnership and ticket sales initiatives, managed travel logistics, and ensured compliance with league regulations. McEwen also served as the liaison between the team and the League office, ensuring adherence to league rules and regulations.

Her tenure as COO at the Arena Football League office involved overseeing the day-to-day operations of member teams and pivotal involvement in crafting and implementing league policies. McEwen spearheaded national broadcast productions on major networks like ESPN, the NFL Network, and CBS Sports Network, reviewed expansion opportunities, secured national partnerships, managed licensing programs, and orchestrated championship events.

Presently, McEwen imparts her wealth of knowledge as an adjunct Sport Management professor at both Grand Valley State University (Allendale, Michigan) and Davenport University (Grand Rapids, Michigan). As Founder and CEO of MAC Sports Consulting LLC, she has served as an independent contractor, offering expertise in game day operations, sales, and front office management training to teams and personnel throughout the sports industry.

For the past seven years, McEwen has called Grand Rapids her home, where her husband, Sparky McEwen, a lifelong resident, holds the position of Head Football Coach at Davenport University (NCAA Division II).

Gary Compton

Director of Football Operations

Gary serves as the Director of Football Operations, including team management, game scheduling, and player development. Gary plays a crucial role in driving the league's competitive edge and enhancing operational efficiency.

His responsibilities will extend to the implementation of advanced training programs, ensuring that players meet the highest standards of performance, health, and safety. With Gary's expertise, the league aims to elevate the quality of play and foster a culture of excellence both on and off the field.

A veteran of the game, Gary brings more than 25 years of experience in football operations, management, and coaching. As a former AFL Championship-winning player and seasoned coach, he has a proven track record of success with some of the most respected sports organizations in the industry. Throughout his career, Gary has consistently demonstrated his ability to nurture team growth, optimize operational systems, and implement strategies that lead to long-term success.

Trey Medlock

Director of Team Operations

Trey brings more than two decades of experience in the sports industry as an owner and operator of several successful sports franchises across the United States, with teams based in the Rio Grande Valley, Memphis, and Northern Arizona.

Trey’s leadership has resulted in championship victories in both Memphis and Northern Arizona.

He also serves as a consultant for various teams, providing strategic advice on operational and management decisions. His extensive experience and commitment to excellence have solidified his reputation as a respected leader in the sports industry.

Adam Pelletier

Director of Communications

Adam serves as the Director of Communications for Arena Football One. Bringing years of experience in sports content and communications, Pelletier has a proven track record of success in the industry.

Prior to joining AF1, he served as Managing Editor for SGPN, an independent sports content company, where he played a key role in expanding their content footprint across audio, video, and written platforms.

A passionate football enthusiast, Pelletier has also contributed content to various sports leagues, including the USFL, XFL, and UFL. He brings a deep understanding of the 50-yard game and is dedicated to keeping fans and communities at the center of the AF1 strategy and approach.