The Corporate Playbook

The Corporate Playbook Team

Chad Smith
Chief Executive Officer

Chad Smith currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of The Corporate Playbook, LLC, based in Louisville, KY.

Over the last decade, Chad’s experience has included his latest role as Senior Vice President for JobPlex/DHR International, the 5th largest executive recruiting firm internationally. Chad specialized in sales and media recruiting and corporate business development while partnering with directors in over 40 states nationwide.

Prior to joining JobPlex/DHR International, Chad was a Regional Sales Manager, District Sales Manager, Corporate Trainer, and a leading Senior Account executive at Yellow Book, USA, and TransWestern Publishing, both advertising companies that focused on print and online advertising. Chad was responsible for developing offices in several different states and worked with executives from a variety of fields to help create positive business solutions. Chad managed all sales and business development functions, including new product rollouts, key account management, customer relationship development, and contract negotiations. He provided cross-functional team training, coaching, and mentoring to a direct network of sales managers and account executives located throughout Kentucky, Indiana, and Tennessee. Chad worked with regional offices throughout the country to develop new training techniques in order to improve the value of the training structure throughout the organization and was heavily involved with the recruiting process for TransWestern Publishing and Yellow Book, USA.

Chad’s experience also includes, working for Boss Advertising based out of Detroit, MI where he promoted the professional sports teams in the Detroit area as a sports marketing professional.

Chad received his BA in Business Administration / Marketing from Rochester College in Rochester Hills, MI. Chad was a college letterman in both football at Abilene Christian University and Texas Tech University where he was awarded the ‘Wes Taphin’ Top Athlete Award.

Dave Utley
Chief Technology Officer

David Utley currently serves as the Chief Technology Officer for The Corporate Playbook, LLC, based in Detroit, MI.

Over the last 12 years, Dave has acquired a variety of leadership, technical and design skills. In 1995, he took on his first graphic design project while working for Utley Brothers in Detroit, MI. Utley Brothers provided Dave the resources and ability to also learn web design and create a website for Heritage Business Cards, a division of Utley Brothers. After several months of learning basic html code and how to animate websites using Macromedia Flash, Dave was hooked on web development.

In early 2002, Rainey Graphic Design Group based in Detroit, MI hired Dave to head up the new web creation department as the companyís Web Master. While at Rainey Graphics, Dave expanded his web skills, especially in Flash animation.

In Jan of 2004, Dave was the senior partner in creating Real Focus Media, LLC, a marketing company specializing in web development, flash animation and dynamic web content. Acting as President and Web Master for Real Focus Media, Dave was responsible for the designs, programming and animation for over 40 high-end websites for businesses throughout the Metro Detroit area. Real Focusí customers range from top end jewelry shops and engineering companies to large Detroit icons such as The Detroit Beer Co and Cobo Hall.

Chad Pinkston
Chief Sales Officer

Chad Pinkston currently serves as the Chief Sales Officer of The Corporate Playbook, LLC, based in Louisville, KY.

Chadís experience includes his most recent position as a Client Development Specialist for LexisNexisÆ, a leading provider of comprehensive information and business solutions to professionals in a variety of areasólegal, risk management, corporate, government, law enforcement, accounting and academic. Chad also specialized in recruiting for Fortune 500 companies and business development within the healthcare, finance, pharmaceutical and advertising/media industries as a Director of Development with JobPlex, Inc.

Prior to joining JobPlex, Chad served as a District Sales Manager, Area Sales Manager and Senior Account Executive for Yellow Book, USA and TransWestern Publishing in the directory and online advertising industry. Chadís primary focus was in the hiring, developing and mentoring of account executives throughout Kentucky, Tennessee, and Indiana. In conjunction with the development of many sales forces, Chad was integral in the development of innovative training programs, key account management, new territory expansions and the formation of strategic business partnerships. Having worked on the hiring side of a sales organization for the last several years, Chad brings a tangible real world perspective to the challenges faced by todayís hiring mangers.

Chad Pinkston is a graduate of the University of Louisville with a B.A. in Communications along with a concentration on Marketing/Advertising. As a football letterman at the University of Louisville, Chad was appointed to the athletic directorís honor role three times, while winning back to back conference championshipsÝand competing in four Nationally televised bowl games. Chad was a recipient of the Johnny Unitas Scholar Athlete Award.

Derek Boris
Vice President of Marketing and Technology

Derek Boris currently serves as the Director of Marketing and Technology for The Corporate Playbook, LLC, based in Troy, MI.

Derek is responsible for the development, day to day programming and innovative technology that The Corporate Playbook website employs for its network of college and professional athletes, top companies, and successful recruiters. With the ever-growing popularity of web 2.0, Derek is experienced and current with the latest trends in this newest technology. Derek is also responsible for the numerous online, print, and advertising mediums that The Corporate Playbook uses to provide continued brand awareness to the public about the numerous resources provided through our online career development and training programs.

Derek has proven experience through many years of web engineering along with the expertise of growing and marketing internet avenues like The Corporate Playbook. He brings to the table an unsurpassed knowledge of internet technology and a yearning to make the company the number #1 resource online for connecting college and alumni athletes to growing organizations.

Derek, with a degree in computer science, has worked at numerous online marketing agencies with top national clients such as Chrysler, Sprint, Best Buy and many other name brand corporations. As a successful entrepreneur, he has been creating and managing his own internet endeavors while being involved with the internet technology industry for over 10 years.

Leonard Wheeler
President of Athlete Development & Communication

Leonard T. Wheeler was born in Toccoa, GA. He played football for two years at Lees McRae College in Banner Elk, NC. He would go on to be drafted in the 3rd round from Troy State University in 1992 to the Cincinnati Bengals, where he completed 5 years; free agency landed him with the Minnesota Vikings for 1 year in. Leonard would complete his journey with the Carolina Panthers in 2001.

Leonard possesses a Business degree and minor in psychology. He began his speaking circuit in 1992, which ranges from businesses, colleges, high schools, churches, and ministries. such as, FCA, AIA, CAUSE, and even spoke on the Word Network and at the first gospel concert sanctioned by the NFL on BET. Leonard serves as a board of director for the "Youth Commission International" that reaches out to 132 cites in 32 states to better educate our youth. He is also a board member for 2XSalt ministries in Charlotte with Hall of Fame NBA greats like David Thompson and Bobby Jones. His most memorable journey is going out to the Columbine tragedy in 1999.

Leonard has completed roles in several commercials both Local and National. He has had speaking roles in the Movie ìRadioî with Cuba Gooding Jr. and on the television series ìOne Tree Hillî on the WB. He is also a columnist for Savior Faire magazine that goes out to over 40,000 readers. Leonard serves as the President of the National Football Players Association (NFLPA) Charlotte Retired Players Chapter and was recently selected as the only retired player on the Financial Committee for the NFLPA that regulates over 500 financial advisors for the active NFL players and is now also a member of the National Steering Committee for the (NFLPA), which is the governing body for all retired NFL players. Leonard is also the President of the TNBA4athletes (The National Business Association), which is a networking event where professional athletes network with business professional in their city www.TNBA.net. The President of Player Development for the www.thecorporateplaybook.com.

His focus is now on his company Wheeler Enterprises, Inc, which helps to create opportunities for individuals and companies to truly become the change they want to see through applied Axiology. Wheeler Enterprises is a company that focuses on helping identify, maximize strengths, and create leadership qualities within our thinking through workshops and teleconferences on how produce infinite possibilities with clarity within companies and individuals. Leonard is working with National Gypsum, Davis Capital Group, Home Owners Club of America Franchise Owners, Brady Distribution, EQ Mentor, The Corporate Playbook, Premier Financial Solutions, The Stanford Group and Capital One to name a few.

He resides in Charlotte, NC with his beautiful wife Chandra and 11 year old daughter Lindsey.

Eugene Curtain
President of Diversity Programs

Eugene Curtain currently serves as the President of Diversity Programs for The Corporate Playbook, LLC, based in Columbus, OH.

Eugene is President & CEO of Diversity Search Partners, LLC., and also leads the Firm's Integrated Services and Client Strategy efforts worldwide. Mr. Curtain is responsible for overseeing a group of offices across North America, as well as driving the Firm's state-of-the-art account management capability across all global markets and for delivering the Firm's best resources to its core clients via its proprietary product offerings. In addition, Mr. Curtain remains an active, hands-on executive recruiter. Mr. Curtain also serves as the Chairman of The Curtain Group , which holds Diversity Search Partners, Diversity Job List, Diversity Times.net, and Curtain Media. Mr. Curtainís additional relationships include recruiting consultant to HBCU Connect, the nations largest HBCU web resource and career web site for African American's. Over the course of 15 years in management, Mr. Curtain has built a world-class reputation for excellence and service delivery among consumer-oriented, marketing-driven companies around the world. Additional boards and committees include, Chair of the Minority Search Council, former Co-Chair, Political Action Committee, NAACP, Hampton, VA, Social Service Advisory Board, Hampton, VA and Delegate to the Democratic Party, State of Virginia. Formerly, Mr. Curtain served in management positions with L-3 Communications, and AT&T. Mr. Curtain is a former U.S. Army Paratrooper and Jumpmaster serving with the elite 82nd Airborne Division. Mr. Curtain has served in combat operations during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm and peacekeeping missions in Europe. Mr. Curtain attended Alabama A&M University, Hampton University and University of Maryland, Europe an holds degrees in Management, Leadership and Organizational Theory, and a Doctorate in Business Administration. Mr. Curtain is named to the National Deanís List and Who's Who in Black Columbus. Mr. Curtain is a member of The Professional Tennis Registry and USTA.

Karl Mecklenburg
Director of Development

Karl Mecklenburg, a graduate from the University of Minnesota and a former Denver Broncoís captain and All-Pro, rose from being a college walk-on and a 12th round draft pick to a NFL pro career that included six Pro Bowl and three Super Bowl appearances. Considered the NFL's most versatile player, Karl played all seven defensive front positions. Bronco coaches wanted him at the point of attack and would move him throughout the game. There were many games where Mecklenburg played all 7 positions in the course of a single game. Since retiring from the NFL in 95, Karl divides his time between family, motivational speaking, charity involvements and The Corporate Playbook.

Karl has had numerous speaking engagements with church, school and civic groups. Karl has served on the board of directors for Pros With A Purpose, working with the Denver Rescue Mission to pair homeless families with community mentor-teams [volunteers]. These teams help the families to help themselves by providing budgeting, spiritual and vocational guidance as well as financial support such as apartment security deposit funds. Karl is a Trustee of Colorado Youth Outdoors. www.coloradoyo.org CYO brings high school youth and their parents together to learn about and experience traditional outdoor sports. Karl has also served as an honorary board member with The Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Aspen Youth Experience.

Karl is a member of the National Speakers Association and has enjoyed speaking to a variety of groups over the years, and his story is both humorous and inspirational. The lessons life in the NFL taught him about teamwork, courage, dedication, honesty and forgiveness can be applied anywhere. He has hosted radio programs, done television sideline reporting and studio work, written columns for the Denver Post and magazine articles published nationally. In 1987, he was the co-author of "Meck for The Defense", published by McGraw-Hill. In 2001 Karl was inducted into the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame and the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame. He also serves on the Broncos Alumni Council and has also served as an honorary board member with The Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Aspen Youth Experience. He has a new book coming out, "Heart of a Student Athlete" highlighting the challenges and overcoming obstacles as an athlete.

Dwight Hollier
Director of Transitional Counseling

Dwight Hollier is a National Board Certified Counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor with extensive experience working with children, families, and adults. Mr. Hollier developed his passion for helping individuals reach their maximum potential through his experience as an elite athlete. He is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a dual degree in psychology and speech communication. He was also an All-Conference Linebacker, Academic All-Conference member, Defensive MVP and 2-Time Team Captain in college. As a senior, he was awarded the Patterson Metal which is given to the top Senior Athlete at the University of North Carolina. He went on to obtain a Masterís Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University in Davie, Florida where he worked on and completed his Masterís Degree and Practicum work in Mental Health Counseling while playing for the Miami Dolphins. Dwight played professional football for 9 years in the NFL.

Dwight is dedicated to "smoothing transitions" for individuals who are faced with a changing environment. Utilizing personal experience and professional training, Dwight helps professional and collegiate athletes as well as other professionals move from stagnation to productivity. Eliminating distractions and gaining mental clarity while pursuing passions are key goals to success. Dwight facilitated the NFL Life Skills Seminar /Former Player Panel on Finances and Transitions for the Baltimore Ravens last year and conducted a seminar on Stress and Time Management with the Indianapolis Colts Rookies. He currently sits on the boards of Residential & Support Services http://www.rssweb.org/ , Life Enrichment Network, Vice President of NFL Alumni Carolinas Chapter, and Vice President of the Charlotte Chapter of NFL Retired Players Union. Dwight provides "real life" transitional training for the many athletes in The Playbook Network.

Christie Luckett
Director of Development/Recruiting

Christie Luckett currently serves as Director of Development/Recruiting for the Corporate Playbook, based in Louisville, KY.

Christie comes to the Corporate Playbook with a successful background in both sales and management. Having owned her own successful restaurant business for 4 years and working in senior management / corporate trainer for 10 years for PepsiCo she has a well-rounded background of tools that she contributes to The Corporate Playbook team. While serving as an Area Manager and Corporate Trainer with the Taco Bell Division, Christie trained General Managers in employee relations, financial analysis, new store opening, new product introductions, hiring/training employees and restaurant management throughout Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee as well as working out of the Atlanta training center. Christie played a vital role in the writing of training materials and manuals used by employees. She was also awarded ìRegional Manager of the Yearî for the Northeast Region. Christie also served as President of the advisory committee to the Executive Board of Taco Bell in Orange County California, which was instrumental in developing management performance incentives. Christie also worked with Trans Western Publishing/Yellow Book as an Account Executive and was rewarded numerous times for top performance within her region.

Christie brings enthusiasm and energy to The Playbook team and a wealth of knowledge from hiring and development of candidates along with insight to what makes a great employee.

Christie attended Indiana University in New Albany and majored in Fine Arts. She also holds a state position with Tri Kappa Sorority and spends time with many of the different chapters in the state of Indiana.

Amy Hataway
Director of Training and Development

Amy Hataway currently serves as the Director of Training and Development for The Corporate Playbook, LLC, based in Denton, TX.

Prior to joining The Corporate Playbook, Amy was a District Sales Manager, Senior Corporate Trainer, and a Senior Account executive at Yellow Book, USA, and TransWestern Publishing, both advertising companies that focused on print and online advertising. Amy was responsible for the managing operations of the North TX regional office and her experience includes recruiting, training and development of both new and experienced account managers, while maintaining clients and developing new business opportunities. As a Senior Corporate Trainer Amy was responsible for training and developing trainers and new account managers from around the country. She was also instrumental in updating and creating new training ideas for the initial sales training program.

Prior to joining TransWestern Publishing, Amy was a Regional Recruiter for Volt Services Group, where her responsibilities included conducting all local job fairs, maintaining and building relationships with business owners/managers and local job placement facilities to assist in all of their current and future recruitment needs. Amy developed new recruiting ideas that were implemented throughout the entire company.

Amy attended the University of Mississippi, where she studied vocal performance and was a member of Alpha Omicron Pi in which she is still an active alumnae member.

Melissa Smith
Director of Human Resources

Melissa Smith currently serves as the Director of HR and Organizational Development for The Corporate Playbook, LLC, based in Louisville, KY.

Prior to joining The Corporate Playbook, Melissa served as the Director of Human Resources and Organizational Development for the Frazier International History Museum. As a member of the senior management team, Melissa was responsible for spearheading the full start up and development of the Human Resource Department for this museum while providing resources to over 75 employees. These resources included: benefits and payroll administration, policy and procedure development, recruiting and staffing, budgeting and organizational audits, team leadership and coaching, and development and implementation of training initiatives. Melissa was instrumental in the development of new business strategies as well as the creation of a company individual performance appraisal system. Melissa monitored and enforced personnel compliance with federal, state, and company regulations. By working closely with the Executive Director and the Board of Directors, Melissa also implemented organizational restructures to meet the growing needs of the organization.

Prior to joining the Frazier International History Museum, Melissa served as a Special Investigator for the U.S. Investigation Services providing protection to the United States by conducting thorough background investigations on individuals in positions of either public trust or national security.

Melissa is a member of the National Society for Human Resource Management and National Notary Association (Notary Public)

Chad Gatlin
Director of Operations/Controller

Chad Gatlin currently serves as the Director of Operations and Controller for The Corporate Playbook, LLC, based in Dallas, TX.

Chadís primary responsibility is to analyze the operational structure and set policies to ensure efficiency and accuracy. Chadís career experience has included a broad range of public and private accounting as well as operations. Previously, he held the position as Controller of AOS, Inc. in Dallas, TX. Chadís primary functions include preparing monthly financial packages to present to mgmt/board, prepare and maintain budgets side by side with management, oversee daily accounting transactions and operations including sales tax return preparation and filing and preparing the annual tax return documentation and schedules for tax accountants. Prior to AOS, Inc., he served as Director of Operations for Caudalie U.S.A. in Dallas, TX, Controller for Laura Mercier Cosmetics/Gurwitch Products, L.L.C. in Plano, TX, staff accountant at Campbell & Company C.P.A.ís in Richardson, TX and staff auditor at McCall, Gibson & Company in Houston, TX.

Chad received his Bachelors of Science in Accounting from Lubbock Christian University in Lubbock, TX, where he played baseball during his last two years of eligibility. Chad also attended Odessa Junior College in Odessa, TX his first two years of college and played baseball. Chad was a member of the Team U.S.A. baseball team in 1995, participating in the First Pacific Ocean Games in Cali, Columbia and earning a bronze medal during the games. He followed his senior year of college by playing one season with the Springfield Capitals (Illinois) in the Frontier League of the Independent Professional Baseball League.

Tory Stephens
Director of Strength/Fitness and Nutritional Programs

Tory Stephens currently serves as the Director of Strength/Fitness and Nutritional Programs for The Corporate Playbook, LLC, based in Lubbock, TX.

Tory works with the numerous athletes, administrators, and coaches within The Corporate Playbook network in providing strength and nutrition information through monthly news letters and direct contact initiatives. Tory also provides active work-out and diet programs for the clients of The Corporate Playbook within the ìLocker Roomî resource center online.

Tory is in his tenth year as a strength and conditioning coach at Texas Tech University and in his third year as associate head strength coach and head of nutrition and supplementation. Stephens, who is Sports Performance Nutrition (SPN) certified and Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coach certified (CSCC), oversees the Red Raider basketball team, baseball, softball, soccer, and has assisted with football the past ten seasons. He designs and implements all phases of strength, conditioning, agility, power, and speed development.

Stephens personally trains many professional athletes during their respective off-seasons and consults them during the in-season. Stephens designs and works closely with coaches to implement strength, speed, and conditioning programs for many High Schools and Jr. High Schools across the state of Texas. Additionally, Stephens oversees the distribution of nutritional supplements and educates student-athletes on safe and NCAA compliant supplements along with nutritional analysis. He is a certified member of the Collegiate Strength & Conditioning Coaches Association.

Stephens, who graduated from Texas Tech in 1998 with a degree in exercise and sports science, was a letterman in football, baseball and track at Sweetwater High School. As a football player, he was chosen to the All -West Texas, All - South Plains and All ñState football teams. He was also all-state and 3 time All-District selection in baseball.

Alex Lindle
Vice President, Eastern U.S. Region

Alex Lindle currently serves as the Vice President for the Eastern U.S. Division of The Corporate Playbook, LLC, based in Louisville, KY.

Alex heads up a team of directors and account managers for The Playbook by providing direct resources to fill key positions in top companies nationwide. Alex also provides training, support, and financial resources to the numerous athletes and companies in the network.

Alexís experience includes his most recent role as the owner of a personal financial and insurance planning firm located in Louisville, KY. Alexís firm specializes in personal and business insurance and investment strategies for individuals, business owners and corporations with tailored comprehensive financial strategies.

Prior to starting his own company, Alex was a Divisional Vice President for AXA Advisors, the largest financial planning firm in the World and 15th largest company worldwide based on the Fortune Global 500 list. Over the eight years with AXA Advisors, Alex helped individuals and businesses establish a clear portrait of their present financial resources, liabilities and goals, and to help determine their comfort level of risk. Then working with the clients, he developed a strategy that allocated their financial resources with specific goals and objectives in mind.

Alex was a scholarship athlete in soccer, golf and academics at Brescia University in Owensboro, KY before completing his BS/BA with a focus in finance from the University of Louisville.

Toby Stephens
Vice President, Southern U.S. Region

Toby Stephens currently serves as the Vice President of the Southern U.S. Division for The Corporate Playbook, LLC, based in Lubbock, TX.

Toby currently helps with the numerous companies and recruiters in which The Corporate Playbook provides on-line services. Toby is responsible for setting up career fairs on campuses for athletes to attend, providing support to the athletes with their career coaching and online profile support. Toby is also instrumental in the communication process between the universities and national employers that are interested in posting jobs, working with job shadow programs, and setting up internships for the hiring of The Corporate Playbookís top talent.

Tobyís experience includes his most recent roll as a senior sales manager for one of the top 5 sales organizations in the country, Toby has also been a top performing account executive and manger both in the advertising/media fields as well as the pharmaceutical industry.

Toby was a two sport standout letterman at Abilene Christian University where he lettered in both Football and Baseball for the Wildcats prior to transferring and receiving his BA in Advertising from Texas Tech University.