Vinik Sport & Entertainment Management Program
Student Profiles
Class of 2025
Jemma Adams
Jemma Adams grew up in Sarasota, Florida. She graduated from the University of Central
Florida in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in Event Management. Previously, she worked
at the Orlando Solar Bears, UCF Athletics Facilities and Events, and as a March Madness
catering liason. Upon graduation Adams hopes to work in professional sports in events
and operations.
Maxwell Ahmadi
Maxwell Ahmadi grew up in Cape Coral, Florida. He graduated from the University of
South Florida in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Analytics and Information
Systems. Previously, he worked as the lead data analyst for USF's Mens Baseball team,
and currently works as a CRM + BI Analyst for Vinik Sports Group. Upon graduation,
Ahmadi hopes to enter the sports industry through either analytics or business/project
management, with a preference for European football.
Emily Bible
Emily Bible grew up in Sebring, Florida. She graduated from Florida State University
in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in Commercial Entrepreneurship and Human Development
and Family Sciences . Previously, she was student director of small group training
and fitness supervisor at FSU Campus Recreation, and the business development intern
at Marmer Construction Company. Currently, Bible is the events and recruitment graduate
assistant for the Vinik Sport and Entertainment Management program. Upon graduation
Bible hopes to work in partnerships or sales within the sports industry before opening
a sports and fitness venture of her own one day.
Federico Domenico Rosato
Federico Domenico Rosato grew up in Milano, Italy. He graduated from Bocconi University
in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Management. Previously, he worked
as a ski instructor for Silvaplana Champfèr, and interned at Versalis S.p.a. - Eni
Group monitoring sustainable performances, and worked in digital marketing at Rougj
S.r.l. Upon graduation Rosato hopes to take on a central role in a sport organization
or club where he can be involved in business development and/or event management within
the industry, with a focus on sustainability.
Lisanny Estevez
Lisanny Estevez grew up in the Domican Republic. She graduated from the University
of South Florida in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in Communications. Previously, she
worked at HCC Tennis Center, and was the marketing and communications intern at Oxeen
Technologies. Upon graduation Estevez hopes to become an event manager/coordinator
arranging every detail involved in preparing for a sports event.
Sarah Ferrie
Sarah Ferrie grew up in Stirling, Scotland. She graduated from the University of Stirling
in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in Sports Studies. Previously, she worked in administration
and as a box office assistant in the entertainment industry. Upon graduation Ferrie
hopes to work in women’s soccer and help improve the exposure of women’s sports.
Grace Flaugher
Grace Flaugher grew up in Spring Hill, Florida. She graduated from the University
of South Florida in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in Marketing. Previously, she worked
as a marketing intern at USF Athletics and Full Circle, along with serving as a PR
tutor at USF Athletics. Upon graduation Flaugher hopes to become the marketing coordinator
for a professional (NHL, NFL, or NBA) or collegiate team (women's or men's basketball).
James Gerakios
James Gerakios grew up in Tarpon Springs, Florida. He graduated from the University
of Tampa in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in Marketing. Previously, he interned at
the University of Tampa in athletic communications, in USF athletic marketing, and
the Tampa Bay Rays as a fan host. He currently interns with USF Football and USF Hockey
for Creative Media. Upon graduation Gerakios hopes to work in professional sports
or a college athletic department either as a marketing manager, or in creative services.
Katherine Holcombe
Katherine Holcombe grew up in Bronxville, New York. She graduated from Tulane University
in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in Sustainable Real Estate Development . Previously,
she helped as a community relations associate, programs and partnership associate,
and marketing intern. Upon graduation Holcombe hopes to work within sports and entertainment
foundations and nonprofits.
Jadan Hudson
Jadan Hudson grew up in Coatesville, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Lock Haven University
of Pennsylvania in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in Sports Management & Business Administration.
Previously, he worked in sales, customer service, and athletics. Upon graduation Hudson
hopes to advise student athletes as a student-athlete advisor, or academic advisor/counselor
while pursuing a career as an athletic director, operations/facilities coordinator,
or general manager of a professional sports organization.
Payton Hudson
Payton Hudson grew up in Wesley Chapel, Florida. She graduated from the University
of South Florida in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in Marketing with a concentration
in Sport and Entertainment Management. Previously, she interned at the USF Athletics
marketing department and is currently a fellow with the USF Athletics event management
department. Upon graduation Hudson hopes to work for a professional sports team in
event management or marketing.
Richard Jasen
Richard Jasen grew up in Hollywood, Florida. He graduated from Norwich University
in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in Strategic Studies and Defense Analysis. Previously,
he served at Special Operations Command Central (SOCCENT) as senior advisor to Future
Operations / Sensitive Activities. Upon graduation Jasen hopes to work in sports operations,
performance, and staff/player development. He is also passionate about aiding service
members/athletes with life transitions.
Matthew Johnson
Matthew Johnson grew up in Orlando, Florida. He graduated from Florida State University
in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in Business and Sport Managment. Previously, he was
a sport management intern and lacrosse referee with Normal Cornbelters Tallahassee
High School. Upon graduation Johnson hopes to work in operations for a professional
sports team.
Domenico Maria
Domenico Maria grew up in Perry Hall, Maryland. He graduated from DeSales University
in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in Sports Management. Previously, he helped as a
sport marketing intern at Lehigh University, an event staffer for the Victory Event
Series, and in game day operations for DeSales University. Upon graduation Maria hopes
to work toward a role as a marketing manager for a professional organization, an athletic
director position for a university while providing young children with a chance to
play sports.
Jake McDevitt
Jake McDevitt grew up in Tampa, Florida. He graduated from Florida Southern College
in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in Sports Business Management. Previously, he helped
as training camp intern and in game operations for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Upon
graduation McDevitt hopes to have a career in motorsports working for a racing team,
a racing series, or a racing circuit in the field of marketing, logistics, or operations.
Kaylee Nallan
Kaylee Nallan grew up in Long Island, New York. She graduated from University of Tampa
in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology/Biology. Previously, she helped the
Lightning Foundation as a research assistant in the Stem Cell Biology Lab at the University
of Tampa. Upon graduation Nallan hopes to work as data analyst for either hockey operations
or people analytics within the NHL.
Adam Offenbach
Adam Offenbach grew up in Buffalo Grove, Illinois. He graduated from Indiana University
of Bloomington in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in Sports Marketing and Management.
Previously, he was a summer intern at Fort Myers Mighty Mussels. Upon graduation Offenbach
hopes to work in the front office of a sports organization.
Kelsey O'Loughlin
Kelsey O'Loughlin grew up in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She graduated from the University
of South Florida in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in Economics. Previously, she worked
in the Bulls Varsity Club in USF Athletics as an season ticket analyst for all sports.
Upon graduation O'Loughlin hopes to work in the business expansion of women's professional
sports, specifically professional volleyball in the United States.
Otavio Passanante Pinheiro da Silva
Otavio Passanante Pinheiro da Silva grew up in São Paulo, Brazil. He graduated from
the University of South Florida in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in Econometrics and
Qualitative Economics. Previously, he was the USF sports programs supervisor (Esports
and Traditional Sports). Upon graduation he hopes to work as an esports organization
executive.
Cameron Pelle
Cameron Pelle grew up in Fairfield, Connecticut. He graduated from Elon University
in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Previously, he helped as a marketing
and sales intern at RT Sports, and as a goalkeeping director at NC Fusion in Greensboro,
North Carolina. Upon graduation Pelle hopes to work in marketing and sales, preferably
in branding/promotion in the sports industry specifically in the MLS or USL.
Hailey Preast
Hailey Preast grew up in Marietta, Georgia. She graduated from Florida State University
in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in Marketing. Previously, she was the marketing and
event intern at For The Table Hospitality, field marketing intern for Allied Global
Marketing, and vice president of marketing for Alpha Gamma Delta at Florida State.
Upon graduation Preast hopes to work in social media, event management, or marketing.
Jonathan Reid
Jonathan Reid grew up in Bradenton, Florida. He graduated from Dartmouth College in
2023 with a bachelor’s degree in Economics. Previously, he interned at FCCI Insurance
Group as a surety underwriting intern, and was an assistant at Manasota Screen. Upon
graduation Reid hopes to work in analytics or operations for a professional sports
league, such as the PGA TOUR.
Derek Righetti
Derek Righetti grew up in Clovis, California. He graduated from California Polytechnic
State University in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism with a concentration
in Public Relations. Previously, he worked as a sports multimedia journalist for Mustang News and a social media intern for RealPlay Sports. Currently, he is serving as a fellow
for USF Athletics’ event management department. Upon graduation Righetti hopes to
work in a variety of areas such as community and content development, event management,
marketing and partnerships.
Tyler Rossback
Tyler Rossback grew up in Ocean Township, New Jersey. He graduated from Rowan University
in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in Law and Economics. Previously, he helped as a
legal intern at Gluck Walrath LLP, the head of security and events with the Monmouth
Barracudas, and the valet supervisor at The Tampa Edition. Upon graduation Rossback
hopes to work with an agency to help athletes build their personal brand and maximize
their opportunities.
Amita Singh
Amita Singh grew up in St. Petersburg, Florida. She graduated from the University
of South Florida in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in Finance. Currently, Singh works
as a business analytics fellow at Crossroads Consulting. Previously, she worked as
the universal branch advisor at Achieva. Upon graduation Singh hopes to work in data
analytics or partnerships for the MLB or with Vinik Sports Group.
Amanda Stover
Amanda Stover grew up in Wesley Chapel, Florida. She graduated from University of
Central Florida in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in Entertainment Management and a
minor in Music. Previously, she served as a red carpet and media team intern at the
2019 CMA Awards and is currently a relationship marketing fellow at Feld Entertainment,
Inc. Upon graduation Stover hopes to work in marketing and sales, preferably in branding/promotion
in the sports industry specifically with the MLS or USL.
Celine Walkine
Celine Walkine grew up in Nassau, Bahamas. She graduated from Liberty University in
2022 with a bachelor’s degree in Strategic Communications with a minor in Digital
Media: Video and Editing. Previously, she interned at Pro Sports Outreach and was
marketing co-ordinator at Elevate Sports Ventures, Inc. Currently, Walkine is the
content graduate assistant for the Vinik Sport and Entertainment Management program.
Upon graduation Walkine hopes to manage overall marketing, sales, or community outreach
efforts for a sports league or a national team in the Caribbean, U.S., or Europe.
Tyra Watts
Tyra Watts grew up in Mooresville, North Carolina. She graduated from University of
Tennessee in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in Sports Management. Previously, she worked
with the University of Tennessee women’s rowing team as a team manager and as the
sports and media talent director at Bleav Podcast Network. Upon graduation, Watts
hopes to enter the sport and entertainment law industry working on professional and
collegiate athlete player contracts and promotional deals.
Craig Weaver
Craig Weaver grew up in Blacksburg, Virginia. He graduated from Virginia Tech in 2023
with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management. Previously, he worked as an athletic
administration intern and special teams student coach at Virginia Tech. Upon graduation
Weaver hopes to become an athletic director.
Class of 2024
Daniel Atkinson
Daniel Atkinson grew in Thomasville, Georgia. He graduated from Florida State University
in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in Sport Management. Previously, he was an inside
sales representative with Seminole Boosters and currently he is a business development
coordinator at Distinction Agency. Atkinson is currently in his second year working
as a community relations/community hockey fellow at the Tampa Bay Lightning. Upon
graduation, Atkinson hopes to work as a sport agent or as a front office executive.
Hunter Atteberry
Hunter Atteberry grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He graduated from the University of South
Florida in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in Marketing. Previously, he helped orchestrate
and present a million-dollar marketing campaign for the Florida Fish and Wildlife
Commission. Atteberry is currently in his second year working as a partnerships fellow
at the Tamapa Bay Lightning. Upon graduation Atteberry hopes to work for the WNBA
to take part in the organization’s growth in media coverage, fan engagement, and inspire
women to play the game of basketball.
Paul (Wil) Ayres
Paul (Wil) Ayres grew up in Tampa, Florida. He graduated from University of Tampa
in 2022 with bachelor’s degree in Sport Management and a minor in Business Administration.
Previously, Ayres worked in ticketing with the Tampa Bay Rays, interned for USF Athletics
in marketing, the Tampa Bay Sports Commission, and the New York Yankees in player
development. Ayres is currently in his second year of the program working as a business
development and partnerships fellow at the Women’s Tennis Association. Upon graduation
he hopes to work in business analytics or marketing and has a long-term goal of being
an athletic director or general manager of a college/franchise.
Sarah Brickersmith
Sarah Brickersmith grew up in Westerville, Ohio. She graduated from University of
Kentucky in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in Sport Communications and a minor in Health
Promotion. Previously, Brickersmith worked as a student assistant with UK’s Athletic
Operations. She also assisted with the Kentucky High School Athletic Association,
and NCAA hosting. She is currently in her second year of the program working as the
marketing fellow at the Vinik Sports Group. Upon graduation she hopes to work in social
media marketing, gameday marketing and promotions, or operations for a major league
team or in SEC athletics.
Sarah Coco
Sarah Coco grew up in Seminole, Florida. She graduated from the University of West
Alabama in 2022 with her bachelor’s in Sports Management and a minor in Business.
Previously, she was an assistant soccer coach with the USL W League and an athletic
department intern at UWA. Coco is currently in her second year of the program working
as the events fellow at the Tampa Bay Sports Commission. Upon graduation, she hopes
to work within a sport organization in operations, event management, or partnerships.
Isaac Connelly
Isaac Connelly grew up in Sharon, Pennsylvania. He graduated from the University of
Florida in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in Statistics and a minor in Actuarial Science.
Connelly graduated this year with his MBA in Sports and Entertainment Management and
he currently works as a strategy and analystics analyst for the E15 Group.
Marley Dubberly
Marley Dubberly grew up in Stafford, Virginia. She graduated from James Madison University
in 2021 with her bachelor’s degree in Sports and Recreation Management with minors
in General Business and Communications. Previously, Dubberly worked within the JMU
Athletics marketing department, interned in administration and events with the Town
of Palm Beach Recreation Department, and served as an undergraduate research assistant
for the Sports and Recreation Management Department at JMU. She is currently in her
second year of the program working as the events vellow at the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Upon graduation, she hopes to work in community relations for a professional hockey
team.
Alexandra Finnan
Alexandra (Ali) Finnan grew up in Spring Hill, Florida. Finnan graduated from the
University of South Florida in 2022 and earned her bachelor’s degree in Marketing
with a concentration in Sport and Entertainment Management. Previously, she has worked
in USF Athletics in the marketing department. She is currently in her second year
of the program working as the events fellow at the Tampa Bay Sports Commission. Upon
graduation, she hopes to work in the NHL in marketing or fan development.
Daniel (Danny) Fitzsimmons
Daniel (Danny) Fitzsimmons grew up in Malverne, New York. He graduated from Adelphi
University in 2022 with bachelor’s degrees in Marketing and Sports Management. Previously,
Fitzsimmons has worked in operations for the American Junior Golf Association and
in finance for the United Entertainment Group. He is currently in his second year
working as a consumer and marketing intelligence fellow at the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Upon graduation, he hopes to work in event planning and sponsorships.
Esteban Guzman
Esteban Guzman grew up in Cali, Colombia. He graduated from the University of South
Florida in 2022 with a bachelor's in Marketing and a minor in Management. Previously,
he was involved with the Collegiate Leadership Tampa Bay Chamber, worked as a sports
program supervisor at USF, and interned for USF Athletics in marketing. Currently,
Guzman holds a graduate assistant position for Strategic Academic Initiatives. Upon
graduation, he hopes to work in game day operations for an MLS team.
Thomas Hughes
Thomas Hughes grew up in Riverview, Florida. He graduated the University of South
Florida in 2019 with a degree in Criminology. After undergrad, Hughes interned for
a judge and worked for an attorney. Upon graduation he hopes to work for the NFL or
NHL in finance or partnerships.
Mark Jannuzzi
Mark Jannuzzi grew up in Hillsborough, New Jersey. He graduated from DeSales University
in 2022 earning his bachelor's degree in Sports Management and a minor in Marketing.
Previously, he interned in marketing for the United States Golf Association and MSG
Promotions, and a Sports Marketing Intern for the 2022 US Open. Jannuzzi graduated
this year with an MBA in Sports and Entertainment Management and he currently works
as the sales, partnerships, and community outreach intern at Valspar.
Richard Jasen
Richard Jasen grew up in Hollywood, Florida. He graduated from Norwich University
in 2021 with his bachelor’s degree in Strategic Studies and Defense Analysis. Previously,
Jasen served as a Green Beret and a Special Operations Senior Advisor to Future Operations.
Currently, he is an assistant tournament director for USA Baseball. Upon graduation
he hopes to work in sport operations or player/staff development using his past military
experience and translate it to the sport industry.
Justin Keller
Justin Keller grew up in Tampa, Florida. Keller graduated from University of South
Florida in 2021 with a bachelor's in Statistics. He has been with USF Womens Basketball
since 2018 as a student manager. Currently, he is a graduate assistant for the Womens
Basketball team at USF. Upon graduation he hopes to work in operations and analytics
for a professional or collegiate team or media company.
Saar Koren
Saar Koren grew up in Jerusalem, Israel. He graduated from the University of South
Florida in 2021 where he earned his bachelor's in Marketing with a concentration in
Spot and Entertainment Management. Previously, Koren worked with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
in marketing and customer service, and as an account executive at Guac Digital. He
graduated in 2023 with an MBA in Sports and Entertainment Management and he currently
works at Secret Collagen as a sales representative.
Adam Kupferman
Adam Kupferman up in Tampa, Florida. Kupferman graduated from the University of South
Florida in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and a minor in Leadership.
He has worked for the Bolts Blue Crew since 2021. He graduated in 2023 with an MBA
in Sports and Entertainment Management and he currently works as the executive secretary
at USF's Ice Hockey Club.
Bethany Luke
Bethany Luke grew up in Belmont, North Carolina. Luke graduated from Samford University
in 2022 where she earned her bachelor's degree in Marketing and Sport Administration.
Previously, she was a promotional team member for the Birmingham Barons, a marketing
representative and an operation assistant for Samford Athletics. She is currently
in her second year, working as a partnerships fellow at the Tampa Bay Lightning. Upon
graduation she hopes to working in marketing or partnerships for a major league sports
team.
Emily Lund
Emily Lund grew up in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Lund graduated from the University
of Calgary in 2022 with a bachelor's degree in General Commerce, a minor in Law and
Society, and a certificate in Leadership Studies. Previously, she worked as a game
night assistant for the Calgary Flames specializing in premium experiences as well
as a tournament assistant for the 2021 Shaw Charity Classic PGA Tour Champions event
held in Canada. She graduated in 2023 with an MBA in Sports and Entertainment Management
and currently works as an event and marketing coordinator at Launchpoint Sport and
Event Strategies.
Emina Muratovic
Emina Muratovic grew up in Saint Louis, Missouri. She graduated from Saint Louis University
in 2022 with a bachelor's in Marketing and Sports Business. Previously, Muratovic
worked in SLU’s marketing department, marketed for the university’s hockey team, and
worked as game day staff for the XFL BattleHawks. She is currently in her second year
of the program working as an insights and strategy fellow at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Upon graduation she hopes to work in analytics or marketing for a professional hockey
team.
Astrid Navarro
Astrid Navarro grew up in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. Navarro graduated from the University
of South Florida in 2021 with a bachelor's in Marketing with a concentration in Sport
and Entertainment Management. Previously, she worked as a sales team leader for Superbowl
LV and Wrestlymania 37. She also served as a soccer camp operation assistant at IMG
Academy. Navarro is currently in her second year working as a special events fellow
at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Upon graduation she hopes to work in sponsorships
or partnerships for a professional sports team or league. Upon graduation she hopes
to work in event management or marketing with a professional soccer league or team.
Mollie Patmore
Mollie Patmore grew up in Manalapan, New Jersey. Patmore graduated from the University
of Delaware in 2022 with a bachelor's in Sport Management and a minor in Event Management.
Previously, she was the University of Delaware’s head manager for women’s basketball
and a tournament management assistant intern for Perfect Game. Currently, she is a
graduate assistant for the womens basketball team at USF. Upon graduation she hopes
to work in operations for women’s college basketball.
Laura Pellicer Perello
Laura Perello grew up in Gandia, Spain. Pellicer graduated from the University of
South Florida in 2022 with a bachelor's in Business Management and a minor in Leadership
Studies. Previously, she held an internship position in the business office with USF
Athletics. She is currently in her second year of the program working as a communications
fellow at the Women’s Tennis Association. Upon graduation, she hopes to work in the
finance department of collegiate sports.
Aldo Puccini
Aldo Puccini grew up in Miami, Florida. Puccini graduated from the University of South
Florida in 2020 where he earned his bachelor's degree in Mass Communications and a
minor in Magazine/Journalism. Previously, he was a communications intern with USF
Athletics, a digital intern with West Central Florida’s NPR affiliate WUSF, and interned
at Florida’s 14th Congressional District Office. He is currently in his second year
of the program working as a data analyst fellow at IMG Academy. Upon graduation, he
hopes to work in sports sponsorship activation or be the technical director of a football
club.
Justin Richards
Justin Richards grew up in Tampa, Florida. Justin graduated from Florida State University
in 2021 with a bachelor's degree in Sport Management. Previously, he was a community
hockey ambassador for the Tampa Bay Lightning. Richards is currently in his second
year of the program working as a partnership services coordinator fellow at Fanatics,
Inc. Upon graduation, he hopes to work in the sports industry as an executive or in
business operations. Richards is currently in his second year working as a partnership
services coordinator fellow for Fanatics. He would like to spend a portion of his
time working and living overseas.
Meghan Root
Meghan Root grew up in Arcade, New York. Root graduated from Syracuse University in
2022 with a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and minors in Political Science
and Psychology. Previously, she was an international communications fellow for the
Special Olympics and a communications intern for Syracuse University Athletics. She
played four years of Division 1 soccer at Syracuse University and is currently playing
her fifth year at USF. Root graduated in 2023 with an MBA in Sports and Entertainment
Management and she currently works at Secret Collagen as a sales representative.
Lauren Stillman
Lauren Stillman grew up in Tallahassee, Florida. Stillman graduated from the College
of Coastal Georgia in 2021 earning her bachelor’s in Marketing with a concentration
in Business. Previously, she worked with Michael Waltrip in digital marketing for
his brewing company as well as an event and program intern with Leadership Florida.
Stillman is currently in her second year of the program working as an events fellow
at the Tampa Bay Lightning. Upon graduation she hopes to work as an event coordinator
or promoter for an arena or stadium.
Mackenzie Tolrud
Mackenzie Tolrud grew up in St. Petersburg, Florida. She graduated from Florida State
University in 2022 where she earned her bachelor’s degrees in Media/Communication
Studies and Sport Management. Previously, she was a team manager for the FSU softball
team and a content creation intern for Pyper, Inc. Tolrud is currently in her second
year working as a strategic partnerships fellow at Advent Health. Upon graduation
she hopes to work in sponsorships or partnerships for a professional sports team or
league.
Ansel Triebe-Pay
Ansel Triebe-Pay grew up in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada. He graduated from the University
of Waterloo in 2020 with his bachelor's degree in Recreation and Sport Business and
minors in Human Resources and Event Management. Previously, he worked as a sport program
associate at the City of Waterloo. Triebe-Pay is currently in his second year working
as a ticketing fellow at USF Athletics. Upon graduation, he hopes to work for one
of the four major sports organizations in North America.