HOMETOWN: Glenview, Illinois AFL EXP: 27^th Season

EDUCATION: University of Oklahoma (B.A.) / Northern Illinois (J.D.)

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:

After successfully resurrecting the AFL in 2009, Kurz returns for his fourth season as the League’s Commissioner… Kurz has been involved with Arena Football for 27 years, including five seasons as President of the af2…In efforts to relaunch the AFL in 2009, Kurz developed a unique economic model for the league… Led a group of enthusiastic investors in the acquisition of the AFL’s assets in bankruptcy court and revived the Arena Football League in 2010.

OTHER AFL EXPERIENCE:

Served as the AFL’s Vice President of International Development from 1987-2008… Responsible for administering the H3 Visa Program, allowing international players to play for AFL teams stateside… While serving as the Vice President of International Development, Kurz promoted and conducted 21 international games.

OTHER PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

Founding member of Gridiron Enterprises, Inc., a sports consulting firm based out of Chicago, Ill.… Gridiron Enterprises, Inc., which was the original founder of the AFL, includes Kurz, Jim Foster, the creator of Arena Football, and attorney William Niro.

PERSONAL:

Kurz has been a player, a coach, a general manager and an owner during his lifelong involvement with the game of football… A member of four football Hall of Fame’s…. Membership in the first class of the Arena Football Hall of Fame…. Membership in the af2 Hall of Fame… Wife Kathryn and father of Matthew Kurz… Son, Matthew, played collegiate football at Indiana University and was teammates with Joe Kleinsmith, Sr. Director of Football Operations (AFL)… Matthew is now the Director of Player Personnel for the AFL.

COLLEGE: Purdue (B.A.) / Southern Nazarene (M.B.A)

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:

With over 15 years of leadership experience and multiple accounting and finance positions across numerous industries, Gomez brings a dynamic background to the AFL….Before joining the AFL, Gomez served as the Director of Accounts Receivable for Vanguard Car Rental with responsibility over credit, billing, collection and cash applications functions in addition to working closely with sales and operations negotiating favorable contract terms with top clients…Gomez oversees the new economic model on a league-wide basis.

PERSONAL:

Gomez is a Purdue graduate who has lived and worked abroad and enjoys foreign travel.

HOMETOWN: Cleveland, Ohio AFL EXP: Fourth Season

COLLEGE: Indiana University

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:

Enters his fourth season in the AFL and fourth with the League Office… Joined the AFL in 2010 after its one-year absence as the Manager of Football Operations… After jumpstarting football operations league-wide in 2010, Kleinsmith was promoted to Director of Football Operations… Utilizing his extensive football background, Kleinsmith also played professionally for the Mahoning Valley Thunder (af2) and collegiately for Indiana University.

COLLEGE:

This highly touted recruit received a full-scholarship to play football at Indiana University…. Began his career with the Hoosiers as a kicker and was one of just three freshmen to see action… Almost immediately, Kleinsmith had impact and tacked a career-long 39-yard field goal… During his sophomore season, Kleinsmith transitioned to defensive back… While notching eight starts, Kleinsmith was a three-time Academic All-Big Ten selection in four years… Kleinsmith ranked third on the team with tackles during his senior campaign after tallying 56 tackles.

PERSONAL:

Born Joseph Anthony Kleinsmith in Cleveland, Oh…. Son of Anne and Kevin Kleinsmith and sister, Jane… Enjoys playing sports and spending time with his English Bulldog, Bernie.

COLLEGE: University of Oklahoma

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:

Cook is entering her 13th year with the Arena Football League and second as a member of the League office staff … After working with Oklahoma Wrangers (AFL) from 2000-03, Cook joined the Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz (af2) in 2004… After just one year, Cook was promoted to Assistant General Manager… In November 2006, Cook’s role was elevated to the role of General Manager of the Oklahoma City franchise.

OTHER PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

Prior to joining the Yard Dawgz, Cook was a member of the Oklahoma Wranglers of the Arena Football League… In 2000, she worked as a marketing and promotions intern and game day operations assistant… In 2001, Cook was promoted to Director of Floor Operations.

COLLEGE EXPERIENCE:

Cook attended the University of Oklahoma where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Health & Sports Sciences in 1999 and her Master of Science in Sports Management in 2002… Cook began her sports career at the University of Oklahoma working in the Athletic Department as a Student Athletic Trainer for both football and women’s basketball.

PERSONAL:

Cook has a strong reputation as a leader and innovator in the field of game operations and production… She has also helped serve as a liaison for the All College Basketball Tournament and NBA exhibition games… Cook also spent the 2004-05 hockey season as Producer for all home games for the Oklahoma City Blazers… In 2006, Cook served as the Director of Game Day Operations for the University of Central Oklahoma Athletic Department (football)... Daughter of Mike and Glenda Cook of Norman, Okla.

Anthony Herron

VP of Broadcast, Communications & Branding 
aherron@arenafootball.com
PH: (312) 465-2212

HOMETOWN: Bolingbrook, Illinois AFL EXP: Seventh Season

HOMETOWN: Eau Claire, Wisconsin AFL EXP: Third Season

COLLEGE: University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (B.A.) / University of Washington (M.Ed.)

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:

Enters his third season in the AFL and third with the League Office… Served as a Media Services and Public Relations intern for the AFL before joining the staff full-time in 2011 as the League's New Media Coordinator… Member of the 2011 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament Media Relations staff.

OTHER PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

Spent the 2010 NBA season working in Public Relations for the Philadelphia 76ers… Since 2006, Pickard has coached football at the elementary, middle, high school, college and semi-pro levels, serving as a Quarterbacks Coach, Offensive Coordinator, and Consultant… He also worked as a student sports information writer and a software trainer as an undergrad at UW-Eau Claire.

COLLEGE EXPERIENCE:

Was a four-year varsity competitor on the nationally renowned University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Forensics team… A 2010 American Forensics Association All-America nominee, Pickard was a National Forensics Association national quarterfinalist in 2010 and national runner-up in 2008… A two-time Wisconsin Collegiate Forensics Association state champion, Pickard was named Most Outstanding First-Year competitor in 2007.

PERSONAL:

Born Benjamin James Pickard in Eau Claire, WI… Son of Brent and Jan Pickard… The oldest of five children, Pickard enjoys coaching, writing, and spending time with his fiancee, Holly... He is also Green Bay Packers shareholder.