Stories

Stacy Johns

Head Honcho, Bay FC

Stacy Johns has built a distinguished career in professional sports through senior financial and executive leadership roles across multiple leagues and continents. Her work is marked by a strong focus on financial stewardship, operational structure, and long term organizational development.

She spent 16 years with the Indianapolis Colts, where she held financial leadership positions within the National Football League. During this time, she was closely involved in revenue management, operational planning, and the business systems that support high performing professional sports organizations. Her tenure with the Colts provided a deep understanding of how financial discipline and strategic planning contribute to stability and competitive success at the highest level of sport.

Johns later transitioned into global football leadership, joining Los Angeles Football Club as Chief Business Officer. In this role, she supported the club’s commercial growth and operational development during a period of continued expansion. She also served as President of the Board of Directors for Grasshopper Club Zurich, adding international governance experience and contributing to long term strategic oversight within European football.

In 2026, Stacy was appointed to lead Bay Football Club, a National Women’s Soccer League expansion club based in the San Francisco Bay Area. The appointment came during a key phase in the club’s early development, following its inaugural seasons and rapid organizational growth. Bay FC plays its home matches at PayPal Park, a soccer specific venue that has become an important stage for professional women’s football.

Across the NFL, MLS, European football, and the NWSL, Stacy Johns has consistently demonstrated the value of strong governance, clear organizational structure, and thoughtful leadership. Her career stands as a powerful example of women leading at the highest levels of the sports and venues ecosystem, helping to shape sustainable institutions and advance professional sport for future generations.

Shauna Hickey

Sales & Marketing Manager, Aviva Stadium

We celebrate Shauna Hickey and thank her for giving us a sneak peek into her home ground, Aviva Stadium. For her and for women across the industry, this year is going to be special. History will be made in May when Ireland welcomes Scotland for the first ever Women’s Six Nations match to be held at Aviva Stadium.

Danielle Fisher

Senior Manager, Argyle Events, Sporting Kansas City

Danielle Fisher’s career in sports and venue operations has been guided by a long standing passion for creating exceptional live experiences. Her journey began behind the scenes in her high school athletic department, where she first discovered the impact that thoughtful planning and execution can have on fans, athletes, and guests.

During her collegiate years, Danielle gained hands on experience through multiple internships, including her work with the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame and the PGA Korn Ferry Tour in 2020. Operating live events during a global pandemic shaped her professional foundation, reinforcing the importance of adaptability, operational precision, and calm leadership in demanding environments. That same year, she graduated from Southwest Baptist University and was recognized as the Outstanding Sport Management Graduate for the Class of 2020.

While earning her graduate degree, Danielle worked as a Hospitality Specialist at Ballparks of America, a national youth baseball complex welcoming families and athletes from across the country and around the world. The demanding environment, long hours, and focus on guest experience confirmed that live events and hospitality were not just interests, but her professional calling.

In 2022, Danielle joined Sporting Kansas City as an Event Manager, supporting private events and premium matchday operations at Sporting Park, formerly Children’s Mercy Park. She later assumed responsibility for planning and executing a wide range of hosted club events, including partner charter trips, front office travel, naturalization ceremonies, media day, and the annual gala for the club’s nonprofit organization, The Victory Project.

Promoted in 2025 to Senior Manager, Danielle now oversees a team of associates, manages the stadium wide event calendar, coordinates tours, site visits, and internal events, and supports private events in close collaboration with the Event Sales team. She is also actively involved in mentorship through Missouri State University’s Entertainment Management Association, supporting the development of future live event professionals.

As Sporting Kansas City prepares to serve as a Host City for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Danielle is proud to contribute to a club and venue that values operational excellence, unreasonable hospitality, and global fan engagement. As a minority woman in professional sports, she believes opportunity is earned through consistency, confidence, and hard work. Danielle continues to push herself beyond comfort zones, grounded in the belief that growth comes from challenge and that she belongs exactly where she is!

Ariane Frank-Meulenbelt

CEO, Ostermann Forma 1 KFT

Ariane Frank-Meulenbelt is a prominent figure in the world of motorsport, notably serving as the promoter of the Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix and holding key leadership roles within the Hungaroring Sport Zrt. Her journey into motorsport began in her early teens, influenced by her father, Tamás Frank, who was the Hungarian Grand Prix promoter in 1993. At the age of 13, Ariane accompanied her father to various international meetings, assisting with translations and gaining firsthand experience in the intricacies of Formula 1 operations.

After completling her studies in the UK and gaining Bachelor and Masters degrees in Marketing and Communications in London, Ariane joined Red Bull UK where she worked in the Motorsports Department working her way up to Head of Motorsports. During her time at Red Bull, Ariane was heavily involved in the take over of Jaguar Racing (what is Red Bull Racing today). In addition she ran the Red Bull Honda Project which was aimed at findng the next World Superbike Champion allowing Jonathan Rea (6 x World Champion today) to get his break in motorcycling.

In 2018, Ariane took over the role of race promoter for the Hungarian Grand Prix, succeeding her late father and uncle. This transition marked her as one of the few female race promoters in Formula 1. Under her leadership, the Hungarian Grand Prix has maintained its status as the second-longest consecutive running race on the F1 calendar, recently celebrating its 39th successive event with record attendance. In addition Ariane has been Vice President and  member of the board of Hungaroring ZRT since 2019, working on behalf of the Hungarian government to execute events such as the Red Bull Air Race and city center show runs, drawing crowds of up to 500,000 people to events.

Ariane’s leadership has been instrumental in the ongoing development and modernization of the Hungaroring circuit. Recognizing the need for infrastructure improvements, she has been involved in plans to upgrade the main entrance and pit buildings, ensuring the venue meets contemporary standards and enhances the experience for teams and spectators alike. Her efforts have been acknowledged by key figures in the motorsport community, including Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, who praised her competence and dedication as a promoter.

In addition to her professional achievements, Ariane is a mother of two young boys, balancing her demanding career with family life. She is an advocate for women in motorsport, encouraging others to pursue careers in the industry and emphasizing the importance of experience and networking in achieving success.