meet the team
Jeff Bain
Jeff brings forty years of leadership and experience in successfully molding and guiding others to successful results. He prides his successes in facilities enhancements, leadership success and peer relationships.
During his 28-year tenure as the Director of Athletics, Bain’s leadership was recognized by his peers twelve times, most recently: 2023 NACMA Hall of Fame, 2022 NACDA Hall of Fame, 2021 NAIA Hall of Fame, four time NACDA-NAIA Athletic Director of the Year and six time Conference Athletic Director of the Year. Bain has served as a president on two national boards: NACMA – National Association of Collegiate Marketing Administrators and NAIA – Athletic Director Association; as well as, served on the prestigious Executive Committee of NACDA – National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics. A native of Jackson, Tennessee and a graduate of the University of Memphis.
Bain holds two Master degrees: Educational Administration/Supervision and Athletic Administration/Sport Management.
Securing the skills needed to be able to succeed within a network of new responsibilities and opportunities are the most critical components of success, but the hardest to master. Jeff has the background to share, with you, the critical traits to best enhance your opportunities and funding needs.
dr. ava johnsey
Strategic Planning & Tactical Positioning
Ava L. Johnsey has more than thirty years of both domestic and international corporate experience as a Human Resources executive. Her global leadership roles cut across all areas of Human Resources – Organizational Design, Talent Acquisition, Total Rewards, and Training & Development. Her accomplishments include creating and leading new organizations to meet emerging business strategies, developing and implementing “people plans” for mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures, and designing corporate leadership development programs. From jump-starting new hires to accelerating mid-careers to energizing late-careers, Ava’s insight and personalized coaching assist individuals in creating multi-phased strategic plans that ensure career expectations are met and full potential is realized. Ava earned her Bachelor’s degree from Union University in Jackson, Tennessee and her Master’s and Doctorate degrees from the University of Memphis.
Goals and objectives control the vision, while outlying the inclusive processes for excellence. Ava has the vision and experience to align you toward your goals while articulating the long-term vision in identifying the true north and the guiding principles.
kim smith
Public Relations & Crisis Management
Kim Smith brings over two decades of sports media and communications experience in four different markets, ranging from New York to Nashville to Tampa to Dallas where she currently works as a player/agent coordinator for the Creative Arts Agency – Football. Smith’s previous term was with the Titans since 2017, where she acted as a liaison between players and coaches with members of the local and national media to coordinate media coverage for the team in print, digital, and on broadcasting platforms. She also served as the team’s point of contact for all requests pertaining to the NFL’s 2019 and 2020 rushing champion Derrick Henry. Smith contributed to team publications by updating and maintaining records, facts and statistics, and served as a trusted resource for players and coaches. A native of Seaford, New York, Smith’s previous stops include the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Detroit Lions, and she has worked in a gameday capacity for the New York Giants, New York Knicks, and New York Rangers.
Place yourself in the best position publicly and protect your brand while navigating issues that may arise. If you do not protect your brand, no one else will. Do not let one’s misled perception become their reality. Kim’s experience will help you best reflect your brand.
dr. darin wilson
Professional Career Coaching
Darin Wilson brings over twenty-five years of service, leadership, and sportsmanship within the collegiate sports world. A two-time National Athletics Director of the Year, Wilson established the Office of Athletics at Georgia Gwinnett College in 2011, where he currently serves as the Associate Vice President of Athletics. Under his guidance, the Grizzlies have captured 14 NAIA National Championships, 21 A.I.I. Championships, and an NAIA Champions of Character team award. In addition, dozens of student-athletes have earned All-American status, Scholar-Athlete recognition, and President’s List distinction. Wilson also hosts a highly successful “Life Coaching for Men Podcast”, a resource for men to aid in the development of their best selves. Wilson’s previous stops include 18 years at his Alma Mater, Union College, where was a three-time Appalachian Athletic Conference Athletic Director of the Year. A resident of Gwinnett County, Georgia, Wilson earned his Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership.
Enhancing work fills people to create balance and new levels of success with both career and family. Assistance on how to thrive in all settings, knowing that all successful leaders have and need guidance. Darin’s evaluation techniques will help you be the best of you.
Nate Bain
Digital Media Influencer
Nate Bain brings elite experience in digital and social media marketing and strategy at both the Power Five collegiate and NFL levels. Entering his eighth season with the Tennessee Titans, Bain currently works as the team’s Director of Social Media and Influencer Marketing Strategy, where he is responsible for the club’s social media accounts, strategy, and content ideation and execution. Bain continues to successfully navigate the ever-changing landscape of social media, most recently by identifying the power of influencers and how that equates to branding, and ultimately strategizing how to incorporate influencer marketing as a method to grow the team’s footprint. Prior to the Titans, Bain coordinated and managed digital media for the St. Louis Rams/Los Angeles Rams from 2014-17, and also had previous stops working with both the University of Tennessee and University of Oregon’s men’s basketball teams. A native of Pulaski, Tennessee, Bain graduated from the University of Oregon with a Bachelor’s in sociology and the University of Tennessee with a Master’s in sport management.
Having a social media presence that aligns with your values while targeting your audience. Social media is a necessity not an option, as you work to leave a positive professional footprint. Nate has the network and experience to proactively keep you relevant.
kris bazen
Digital Marketing Design
Kris Bazen, a graduate of the Art Institute of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Science degree in graphic design, brings over 20 years of experience working as a proven brand specialist and creative leader with an extensive resume of graphic design. As skilled freelance designer, Bazen’s work ranges from simplistic small private start-up businesses to the NFL Tennessee Titans, developing the club’s creative vision for revenue generation.
An established leader in the Sports Design industry, Kris has a successful portfolio of designs that boasts work both on the team side (NBA, NFL, NHL, MLB, MLS, NCAA and XFL), as well as on the brand side, (Nike, Jordan Brand, Under Armour, Adidas and Reebok), Bazen is well-versed in producing content that matches the different tones and voices of organizations across the digital world.
Creating content that creates and reflects interest for your brand and resonates within your profession. It is the guidance and reflections that aligns visual remembrance. Kris can help establish your visible brand and bring it to life.
wade neely
Operations Officer
Wade Neely is a communications and operations specialist who has a decade-plus of award-winning collegiate and professional experience. Neely currently serves as Sports Editor and Digital Content Manager for the Pulaski Citizen Newspaper a post he has held since August of 2021. Prior to his arrival at the Citizen, Neely spent ten years as Assistant Athletic Director for Communications at Martin Methodist College (now University of Tennessee Southern).
During his tenure at Martin Methodist, Neely was recognized by his peers on numerous occasions, including being named the Southern States Athletic Conference’s SID of the Year in 2019. Neely has also served as a Social Media Assistant for Nashville’s Nissan Stadium since August of 2021. Neely has also spent 10-plus years as a professional play-by-play announcer, having worked with the Ohio Valley Conference, Middle Tennessee State University, and Tennessee State University.
