MEET OUR TEAM OF INDUSTRY INSIDERS
LEADERSHIP TEAM
As the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Gameday Gateway, a nationally certified Women’s Business Enterprise, Mylinda Viola is the force behind the company’s business strategy, overall vision and day-to-day operations.
A successful entrepreneur, in 2001 she founded Gameday Giveaway, a sports marketing, sponsorship and import company that grew from a concept into a multi-million-dollar business serving Fortune 500 companies and globally recognized sports franchises. Mylinda started her career in sales with the San Diego Chargers, led national accounts for Uniforms to You, a division of Cintas, served as Regional Marketing Director of Time Warner Theme Parks, and worked at ESPN Radio selling advertising to major corporate brands. She also served on the Board of Directors, Finance Committee for Switzerland’s International Baccalaureate.
“I’ve always possessed an entrepreneurial spirit, which is what led to the creation of Gameday Gateway,” states Mylinda. “I believe that to be a leader in any industry, you have to actively seek out a way to improve something that many others may simply accept. Technology has changed how all of us live and operate, but it hadn’t yet impacted sports advertising. I’m proud to lead a forward-thinking team that embraces innovation, as well as diversity and inclusion.”
Mylinda holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from San Diego State University, and a Master of Business Administration. She is a passionate supporter of JDRF, which leads the global type 1 diabetes research effort. Mylinda, her husband, John, and their three children reside in Corona Del Mar, Calif.
Connect with Mylinda on LinkedIn.
Connect with Mylinda on LinkedIn.
As President of Gameday Gateway, John oversees business development, leading team and advertiser engagement and participation.
John’s track record is highlighted by 30 years of generating revenue, building and managing successful sales teams, and forming long-term partnerships. He spent a decade in professional sports, serving as Vice President of Corporate Sales for the Chicago Bulls and United Center, and as Chief Revenue Officer of the NHL’s Anaheim Ducks. Previously, John worked in broadcast advertising sales and management in Boston, New York and Chicago.
“Teams are always looking for innovative ways to generate incremental revenue,” states Viola. “Using online technology to supplement their commercial sales efforts was only a matter of time, and that time has arrived.”
John received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Virginia, where he was a four-year starter and captain of the wrestling team. John, his wife, Mylinda, and their three children reside in Corona Del Mar, Calif.
ADVISORY BOARD
- Scottie Pippen
- 6-time NBA champion with the Chicago Bulls
6-time NBA champion with the Chicago Bulls
A six-time NBA champion and member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, Pippen is well-known around the world for his illustrious 17-year NBA career. In addition to winning six NBA world championship titles with the Chicago Bulls in the 1990s, he appeared in seven NBA All-Star Games and claimed a pair of Olympic gold medals. In 1996, he was named as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History.
- Jacques Tortoroli
- Executive Vice President & Chief Administration Officer, President & CEO of Bacardi International Limited
Executive Vice President & Chief Administration Officer, President & CEO of Bacardi International Limited
Tortoroli was responsible for global finance, treasury, operations, information technology and real estate functions, including brand homes. He has more than 35 years of leadership roles across strategic and financial planning, sourcing, risk management, knowledge management, internal audit and investor relations. Prior to joining Bacardi in 2014, Tortoroli held the dual role of Executive Vice President of Financial Services for Viacom and EVP & Chief Financial Officer for Viacom Media Networks (formerly MTV Networks).
- Jim Compton
- Former Vice Chairman and Chief Revenue Officer - United Airlines
Former Vice Chairman and Chief Revenue Officer - United Airlines
Compton served as Chief Revenue Officer of United Continental Holdings, Inc. until December 2016. Mr. Compton served as Vice Chairman of United Continental Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiary, United Airlines, Inc. from December 2012 to December 2016. During his two-decade tenure at Continental and United Continental, Jim was responsible for overseeing United’s sales, alliances, network pricing and revenue management, network planning, marketing functions, which includes brand, product, ecommerce, distribution, merchandising, loyalty and Mileage Plus Holdings, LLC, media sales and external partnerships.
- Doug Heller
- Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Finance, Anaheim Ducks
Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Finance, Anaheim Ducks
Heller spent nine seasons with the Anaheim Ducks. Prior to joining the Ducks, Heller spent five years (2002-06) with Long Term Care Group, Inc. as its CFO. Prior to his time in the insurance industry, Heller spent 10 years with Pacific National Bank where he served first as CFO and then as President of PNB Mortgage, a subdivision of the company.
- Reginald Gilyard
- Dean, The Argyros School of Business and Economics
Dean, The Argyros School of Business and Economics
Dean Gilyard was formerly a Partner and Managing Director in the Los Angeles office of The Boston Consulting Group. He received his Bachelor of Science from the United States Air Force Academy and a Master of Science from the Air Force Institute of Technology. In addition, he received a Master of Business Administration from Harvard University.