Chris Walker – CEO
Chris Walker is a seasoned leader with a rich background in collegiate coaching and sports marketing consultancy for industry giants like Adidas and Under Armour. A former Villanova University basketball player under the tutelage of Hall of Fame coach Rollie Massimino, Chris went on to coach at esteemed institutions including Vanderbilt, Cal-Berkeley, Villanova, UMASS, Pepperdine, New Mexico, and Loyola Marymount. His coaching pinnacle came when he became the first African American head coach at Texas Tech University.
As a global basketball ambassador, Chris has crisscrossed the globe, collaborating with USA Basketball and journeying through Greece, China, Russia, Finland, Germany, and the Netherlands. These experiences have enriched his perspective and spurred personal growth.
Chris envisions bringing his unique leadership approach to a wider audience, revolutionizing conventional standards. Now, as a sports analytical executive, author, docu-series producer, and motivational speaker, his voice resonates through podcasts, and he graces the screens of CBS Sports Network during the basketball season
Alan Branch – VICE PRESIDENT/CBO
Dallas native Alan Branch, originally a Civil Engineering major at the University of Texas and Prairie View A&M University, embarked on his career in construction management. After a decade in the industry, he founded and operated Branch Landscape & Irrigation, undertaking projects in both private and public sectors. In the mid-late 90s, Alan transitioned to his second passion, grassroots basketball.
With 25 years of experience in high school and grassroots basketball, he seamlessly moved into collegiate and professional levels. Over 13 years of coaching at the club level, he nurtured 107 D1 players, guided 4 NBA players, and supported 12 overseas professionals. For the past 16 years, he’s been a NCAA certified scouting analyst and event operator, leveraging relationships and extensive experience to inform his perspective. Alan currently serves as the senior editor at Texasboysbasketball.com and as a Consultant to Sports Resources.
Kevin Shelby – COO
Kevin Shelby’s career in motion picture marketing and distribution spans an impressive 30 years, during which he held pivotal positions at major industry players such as Columbia Pictures, MGM, and New Line Cinema. His contributions have been instrumental in the success of some of the most iconic films in cinematic history. Notable examples include the Lord of the Rings Trilogy, a monumental fantasy epic that captivated audiences worldwide. The Austin Powers Trilogy, a comedic masterpiece, also owes a significant portion of its success to Kevin’s strategic insights.
A Few Good Men, a riveting legal drama, saw Kevin’s influence in its marketing and distribution strategy, resulting in its widespread acclaim. The perennial holiday favorite Elf, and the uproarious Wedding Crashers, stand as further testaments to his expertise. Kevin’s contributions were also evident in the marketing campaigns for the Blade Trilogy, which successfully captured the essence of this cult classic vampire franchise.
The financial scale of Kevin’s undertakings is staggering, managing marketing budgets that exceeded $100 million on several occasions. This not only demonstrates his financial acumen but also underscores the immense trust placed in his strategic vision. This trust is further evidenced by his oversight of movies that have collectively grossed over $10 billion worldwide, a testament to his ability to navigate the complex landscape of motion picture marketing.
In recognition of his exceptional contributions to the industry, Kevin received the esteemed honor of being inducted into the Academy of Motion Pictures last year. This accolade is a fitting tribute to his enduring influence and expertise. Even in his most recent role as senior vice-president of theatrical marketing and distribution for Orion Pictures, Kevin continued to make significant strides, solidifying his status as a trailblazer in the field.
Kevin Shelby’s legacy in motion picture marketing and distribution is marked by a level of detail-oriented expertise that has left an indelible mark on the industry. His strategic acumen, combined with a deep understanding of audience dynamics, has been the driving force behind the success of numerous blockbuster films.
