KAS Board of Governors
The Kinesiology Alumni Society has grown and thrived, thanks in part to its board members and leadership. The current board chair is Michael Stack.
- If you'd like to get involved in KAS, please email us at [email protected].
- Tell KAS how you'd like to engage with Kines by completing this short survey.
BOARD COMMITTEES
Nomination Committee
2024 Co-Chairs: Todd Heyden, Noel Cimmino
The Kinesiology Alumni Society (KAS) seeks to actively engage and honor alumni of the School of Kinesiology through meaningful volunteer experiences, annual achievement awards, and more. The Nomination Committee is always soliciting diverse nominations for new board member candidates and achievement award nominees.
Program and Events Committee
2024 Chair: Melissa Burnazian
The Kinesiology Alumni Society seeks to:
- Support the School of Kinesiology through meaningful events and programs that both expand access for students to mentoring, career development, and other supportive connections with alumni; and
- Create a thread through which alumni can stay connected to their alma mater.
Benefits and Services Committee
2024 Chair: Kate Laura
The Kinesiology Alumni Society seeks to stay connected to the pulse of our school's alumni. The Benefits and Services Committee will work to set metrics and data points to help guide future programming, measure alumni engagement with the School of Kinesiology, and assure that our programming is meaningful to all constituents of our school.
BOARD OPENINGS
The board is soliciting nominations to replace members whose terms are ending in the next several months. If you know somebody who would be an asset to the board, please submit their names (your own, if you would like to self-nominate) to [email protected].
CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS
Kim has been with the Pistons organization in Groups Sales for the past ten years. In this position she has was ranked in the Top 10 in the NBA for group sales. Currently she coordinates the Detroit Pistons U-M Night, held each year at Little Caesars Arena. KIm has been married for eight years to Eric and they have two children -Noah, 5 and Grady, 3.
Melissa Burnazian is a seasoned media professional with a history of expertise in the sports and entertainment industry focused on media buying and client partnerships based in NYC.
After earning a degree in Sport Management from the University of Michigan, Melissa's career kicked off at ESPN, working in Ad Sales. She dedicated her talents to supporting partnerships with major clients like Nike and Anheuser Busch.
After her tenure at ESPN, Melissa transitioned to the client side, joining Anheuser Busch as a sports specialist in their media buying subsidiary, Busch Media Group. Here, she executed multi-year, multi-platform media partnerships with virtually every major broadcast and cable network. Her role extended to support partnerships with various sports leagues, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and high-profile entertainment programs like the Oscars and Grammys. Her dedication and expertise eventually led her to oversee all Entertainment National Media Buying for the Anheuser Busch brands, including Bud Light, Budweiser, Ultra, Stella, among others, across TV, print, and digital platforms.
With 15 years of experience at Anheuser Busch, Melissa ventured back into the ad sales arena, assuming a client partnership role focused on FOX Entertainment properties. Her responsibilities encompassed selling advertising opportunities for FOX, FX, and Nat Geo.
In 2019, Melissa's career came full circle with Disney's acquisition of the FOX cable properties. She found herself back where she began, this time selling all Disney properties, including ABC, ESPN, Hulu, FX, Nat Geo, Freeform, Disney+, and Disney. In this role, she serves as a client partnership specialist, focusing on the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) category. Her mission is to support brands and facilitate synergistic connections across the Disney portfolio and platforms to deliver value and foster successful partnerships in the ever-evolving media landscape.
Christina received her Bachelor of Science in Movement Science from the University of Michigan, her Master of Arts in Health Studies from the University of Alabama, and her Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Central Michigan University. Employed by Henry Ford Health since 2011, Christina is currently the Director of Athletic Training and Community Outreach for the Orthopaedic Service Line. Previous assignments include working with collegiate athletes at the University of Michigan, University of Alabama, Saginaw Valley State University and Central Michigan University; intramural and recreational athletes at Central Michigan University; and youth soccer athletes through the U.S. Olympic Development Program. Prior to Henry Ford Health, Christina was a faculty member of Central Michigan University and Saginaw Valley State University.
Very active in the profession of athletic training, she is currently on the Board of Directors for the Board of Certification, Inc. and has served as President of the Michigan Athletic Trainers Society and Chair of the Athletic Trainer Board through the State of Michigan LARA. She is a medical volunteer with US Figure Skating and has traveled with Team USA internationally since 2019. In 2021, Christina was inducted into the Michigan Athletic Trainers’ Society Hall of Fame and awarded the National Athletic Trainers AT Service Award in 2022.
Noel earned his BA in Sport Management in 1994 and received his Juris Doctor from the University of Miami School of Law in 1997. He has worked as an attorney with Slusky, Walt & Steinberger, PC, for twenty years and became a partner fourteen years ago. Prior to "joining the dark side" and practicing law, Noel worked in sport management with Golden Bear International in North Palm Beach, Florida. He interned with WFAN sports radio in New York and in the University of Michigan Athletics Department.
This is his third stint as a member of the Kinesiology Alumni Society Board of Directors, totaling over fourteen years with terms as the chair-elect and chair of the board. His proudest accomplishment on the board is starting up four scholarship funds, including the Bernard "Pat" Maloy Scholarship, Shelly Kovacs Scholarship, and Kinesiology Alumni Society Board Scholarship.
I have been a physical therapist at MedSport for the past 15 years, specializing in the treatment of athletes and sports medicine patients. I am also board-certified in orthopedics and have a passion for treating overhead athletes. I am excited to join the Alumni Board this year!
Maggie Eisenberg is pursuing a degree in Movement Science, on the pre-medicine path at the University of Michigan. She intends to graduate in May 2025. Maggie is involved in many organizations throughout the School of Kinesiology.
As well as serving as the Student Representative on the KAS Board of Governors, Maggie is currently President of Kinesiology Student Government. In her position, she acts as a liaison between Kinesiology administration, faculty, and students. Additionally, Maggie is a member of Phi Epsilon Kappa, the kinesiology professional fraternity at the University of Michigan.
Jill Fischer is an account manager at Fischer Stralem Advisors, a New York-based wealth and investment management firm serving private clients and institutions. In this role, Jill focuses on servicing clients' investment portfolios and acts as a primary point of contact for client services needs. Her responsibilities also include marketing and investor relations, with a focus on enhancing the client experience. Jill’s diverse experience in building and maintaining client relationships provide Fischer Stralem Advisors with distinct resources to better serve existing clients as well as the ability to broaden the firm’s business development efforts.
Prior to Fischer Stralem Advisors, Jill served in a similar capacity managing client accounts, investor relations, and communications at Fischer & Company since 2003. Jill began her career designing and implementing marketing programs, serving a broad base of corporate clients targeting the entertainment and media industries. She works for prominent companies both in Los Angeles and New York, including Vogue, E! Networks, Bragman Nyman and Cafarelli and Paramount Pictures.
Jill graduated early from the University of Michigan in 1996 with a degree in Movement Science.
Heidi earned a BS in Kinesiology with K-12 teacher certification in K-12 Physical Education in 1994.
She completed a Master's in the Art of Teaching at Marygrove College in 2001. Heidi has been an elementary physical education teacher in Northville, MI for the past 28 years. Her passion is sharing her love of activity with the K-5 grade students she teaches.
This is her third stint as a member of the Kinesiology Alumni Society Board of Directors, totaling over thirteen years with terms as the chair-elect and chair of the board for 2018-2020. Heidi is very excited to come back to the board and follow another passion of connecting with current students and alums!
Todd Heyden is the CEO and Founding Partner of LEVR Health, a Chicago-based health and insurance brokerage. Before that, Todd was the VP of Sales and Marketing for MVP Staffing, a billion-dollar payroll and staffing firm. A sales, operations, and revenue-generating specialist, Todd built and manages the current LEVR team who, in its first two years, has seen revenue increase 600% over the prior year and is now producing tens-of-millions in annual revenue. Todd is a serial entrepreneur who has started, advised, and invested in multiple businesses, with a passion and focus in the staffing, sports gaming, technology, cannabis, and crypto-currency sectors.
Todd graduated from the School of Kinesiology in 2005 with a degree in Sports Management and Communications and was a 2005 recipient of the Student Legacy Award on behalf of the University. During his junior year, Todd created the Sports Business Association, which recently celebrated its 20th year of existence.
After graduating, Todd spent six years on the KAS Board and organized a five-year reunion for the entire school in 2010. In addition to returning to the KAS Board in 2023, Todd currently serves on the board for College-Bound Opportunities, a local Chicagoland charity that mentors, motivates, and prepares under-served students to navigate, attend, and graduate college. Todd resides in Highland Park, Illinois with his wife and three kids.
Kate Laura is a Donor Data Analyst with Trinity Health Philanthropy. She graduated in 2008 from the Sport Management program and spent 10 years in sales and ticketing with the Detroit Tigers prior to transitioning into her current role as a Data Analyst. She has previously worked with the Detroit Pistons, AEG Los Angeles, University of Michigan Athletic Department, and USA Hockey. She currently lives with her husband and daughter in Flat Rock, MI.
Robert "Bob" Lehrer, a 2000 Kinesiology graduate in both Movement Science and Athletic Training, exhibited a passion for sports medicine early in his academic journey. As an undergraduate at the University of Michigan, he served as a dedicated student athletic trainer, overseeing prominent varsity athletic teams such as Wrestling, Track and Field, Soccer, and Football.
Motivated by his undergraduate experiences, Bob pursued advanced studies at the University of Detroit Mercy, earning credentials as a Physician Assistant. Over the last 15 years, he has been on staff with the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Michigan Medicine, specifically in the role of a Physician Assistant specializing in Sports Medicine at MedSport.
In addition to delivering clinical care, Bob extends his expertise as a preceptor for PA students and a lecturer for the U of M Flint PA program. His clinical focus encompasses a spectrum of orthopedic issues, including knee ligament and meniscus injuries, knee osteoarthritis, shoulder instability, rotator cuff tears, and glenohumeral arthritis.
Beyond his clinical commitments, Bob actively serves as a dedicated member of the Football Alumni of Michigan and holding a position on the Board of Directors for the University of Michigan School of Kinesiology. With his vast background and commitment, Bob Lehrer continues to make significant contributions to the fields of sports medicine and orthopedic surgery.
Ashton Mullinix is a sports business professional and has been the Executive Director of Business Strategy & Analytics for the Detroit Lions since November 2018. For the past eight years, he has served in several different capacities within the NFL at the league and team level.
He started his career working for the NFL at the league’s headquarters in New York City, where he gained experience in various departments including corporate development, consumer products, and club business development.
After completing the program, Ashton transitioned to the Detroit Lions to launch the organization’s first business strategy & analytics team. In the last six years, his team has implemented new data-driven processes to better predict business outcomes and improve decision-making. In this role, Ashton is involved in many high-profile projects within the organization focused on maximizing revenue, automating processes, and personalizing the fan experience.
Outside of work, Ashton recently completed an MBA from the University of Michigan and holds a dual degree in Business & Sports Management, graduating from University of Michigan in 2012.
Daniel Schachne is currently the Head of Strategy for the Jordan Brand where he is responsible for helping manage the overall business and driving long-term, strategic growth. Prior to this role, Daniel served as the Head of Strategy for Nike Basketball. He originally started at Nike as a member of the company's Global Strategic Planning team.
Before starting at Nike in August 2017, Daniel spent two years pursuing an MBA from Harvard Business School. Pre-business school, Daniel worked at the National Basketball Association (NBA) for 5+ years in a variety of roles related to business development and partner management.
Daniel graduated with a degree in Sport Management from Michigan in December 2009. He sits on the Kinesiology Alumni Society (KAS) Board, as well as the Michigan Sport Business Conference (MSBC) Alumni Advisory Board, and Michigan Sport Consulting Group Board. He currently lives in Portland, OR, with his wife and son.
Scott Schrimscher is the Senior Director of Global Program Operations at EXOS. Beyond being a team member and game captain for the University of Michigan Football team, and a proud Kinesiology Alumnus, his experience includes working with a diverse range of athletes from youth to professionals and Olympians.
As a member of the EXOS Performance Innovation Team, Scott has proudly led projects within the US Military, and a number of Fortune 500 companies including SKLZ, Adidas, Precor, Intel, and Google. He currently leads the Health and Performance Program Operations at Google, a team of 400 practitioners that upgrade the health and wellbeing of Google’s 130,000 employees across the globe.
Michael Stack is the founder and CEO of Applied Fitness Solutions and Frontline Fitness Pros. He is a faculty lecturer for the University of Michigan’s School of Kinesiology. He is also the creator and the host of the Wellness Paradox podcast, produced in conjunction with University of Michigan.
Michael is an exercise physiologist by training and a health entrepreneur, health educator, and fitness industry advocate by trade. He is dedicated to enhancing the standard of practice of, and advocating for, fitness and wellness professionals to ensure they become an essential constituent in the healthcare delivery system.
With a career spanning over three decades in fitness, health, and wellness, Michael has a deep knowledge of exercise physiology, health/wellness coaching, lifestyle interventions to mitigate chronic disease and leadership. He is credentialed through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) as an Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-EP); an Exercise is Medicine (ASCM-EIM) practitioner; and a Physical Activity in Public Health Specialist (ACSM-PAPHS). Michael is also a National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and a CDC Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) Lifestyle Coach.
Michael received his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan’s School of Kinesiology in 2004 and is currently a Master’s of Public Health (MPH) candidate at the University of Michigan, with a specific concentration in health behavior and health education.
Michael is a board of directors’ member for the Physical Activity Alliance and Michigan Fitness Clubs Association. He is the vice chair of the U-M School of Kinesiology Alumni Board of Governors. Michael is an expert curriculum reviewer for the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM). Finally, he is a member of the executive leadership team for American Heart Association’s Heart Walk.
Michael lectures nationally for several health/fitness certification and continuing education organizations, including: ACSM; ACLM; International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA); the Medical Fitness Association; the National Strength and Conditioning Association; and SCW Fitness.
Past KAS Board Chairs (years served)
- Elizabeth (Liz) Sibilsky Enselman (2021-23)
- Heidi Haite (2018-20)
- Noel Cimmino (2015-17)
- Rob Haddad (2012-14)
- Scott Jeffer (2010-11)
- Patti Donohue-Ebach (2008-09)
- Pete Kempf (2002-07)
- Dick Honig (1997-2001)
- Don Eaton & Clare Canham Eaton (1992-96)