A new Board of Directors has been established for Spartan Ventures, consisting of seven dedicated members who will guide the organization’s future. The board includes Phil Hickey (Chair), J Batt, April Clobes, Kevin Guskiewicz, Rick Lasch, Brianna Scott, and Aaron Zeigler.
Phil Hickey emphasizes that this board will play a crucial role in launching Spartan Ventures this summer. He believes these members will work towards the best interests of Michigan State University, aligning with its values as they navigate changes in athletics.
Spartan Ventures aims to officially launch on July 1, 2026. The organization will focus on maximizing revenue, supporting name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities for student-athletes, and improving fundraising efforts. This initiative is essential for enhancing the overall experience of student-athletes and their supporters.
Among the next steps for Spartan Ventures is naming a CEO, a key role for driving the organization forward.
Board Member Highlights
Phil Hickey: A veteran in the restaurant industry, Hickey brings a wealth of leadership experience. He has held top positions at Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q and Miller’s Ale House, overseeing their growth and success. His commitment to service is evident in his multiple board positions and previous leadership roles in the National Restaurant Association.
J Batt: As Michigan State’s Vice President and Director of Athletics, Batt has a strong track record in fundraising. He led Georgia Tech’s athletic department before bringing his expertise to MSU. His vision includes a significant $1 billion capital initiative called “For Sparta,” aimed at bolstering athletic resources.
April Clobes: As the CEO of Michigan State University Federal Credit Union, Clobes manages over $8.4 billion in assets. She’s actively involved in various boards, showcasing her strong community leadership and commitment to education.
Kevin Guskiewicz: The current MSU President, Guskiewicz is known for his groundbreaking research in concussion prevention. His academic and administrative experience at various institutions enriches the Board’s capabilities.
Rick Lasch: A tech entrepreneur, Lasch has extensive experience in healthcare analytics. His philanthropic efforts and involvement in MSU’s Research Foundation demonstrate a commitment to community and innovation.
Brianna Scott: As Chair of the MSU Board of Trustees, Scott is an accomplished attorney with a rich history of community service and leadership roles, particularly in promoting diversity and inclusion.
Aaron Zeigler: Leading the Zeigler Auto Group, Zeigler’s expertise in business development has driven significant growth in his organization. His dedication to leadership and community service sets a powerful example.
Moving Forward
The establishment of this board signifies a strategic step for Spartan Ventures in a rapidly changing sports landscape. With informed leadership and a clear mission, they aim to tackle new challenges head-on. Recent discussions in the sports community highlight the importance of adapting to changes like NIL, showing the urgency of strategic initiatives like those of Spartan Ventures.
For more about the initiatives and future plans of Spartan Ventures, you can visit MSU’s official website.
