About US

Mission:
Our mission is to help clients attract sports events and programs that inspire community pride, engage youth, drive economic growth, and foster a lasting legacy. We are dedicated to delivering innovative solutions, strategic partnerships, and unparalleled expertise to help cities shine on the national stage.

Vision:
Our vision is to be the go-to partner for organizations seeking to enhance their impact and create moments that matter.

We specialize in helping clients secure and host world-class sporting events. With years of experience in event strategy, planning, and execution, our team has successfully partnered with municipalities, sports organizations, and event stakeholders to create unforgettable experiences. We believe in the power of sports to unite communities, boost local economies, and showcase cities to the world.

Founded on a passion for sports and a commitment to excellence, we lean in on the knowledge, relationships and partnerships forged for over 30 years in high level sports to facilitate successful outcomes for their clients. Our comprehensive approach ensures that every project we undertake not only meets but exceeds expectations, leaving a lasting impact on the communities we serve.

The SSG team is led by Kelly Mehrtens. Kelly, is a seasoned professional with over 30 years of leadership experience in the sports industry. She is recognized for her strategic planning and partnership-building capabilities, fostering effective engagement, and implementing innovative marketing strategies.

With a proven track record in fiscal management and program development, Kelly has successfully led teams to achieve significant outcomes, including notable increases in attendance and revenue generation. Her commitment to transparency and organizational excellence, combined with a collaborative mindset, allows her to enhance customer service and drive measurable improvements in various programs. Her background in budgeting, fundraising, and community partnership development underpins her effective leadership style, aimed at fostering growth and enhancing the sports experience for all involved.

Kelly’s experience includes marquee projects at The Trust (Power by the NFLPA), The University of Miami, The University of Illinois, The University of Maryland, and the National Consortium for Academics and Sports.

She is originally from Panama City, Florida and is a former high school state champion in the discus. Kelly received her undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama, where she was an All-American student-athlete. She received her graduate degree from the University of Illinois.

Anthony I. Butler is a seasoned executive leader and management consultant with extensive experience in organizational development and strategic operations. As a corporate leader, Anthony has held pivotal roles leading organizations focused on supportive housing services and youth programming, overseeing staff, program implementation, expansion, and mission execution.
As a management consultant, Anthony specializes in comprehensive human resources strategy, with particular expertise in culture + people initiatives, policy development, and strategic talent acquisition. He provides executive coaching and training to organizational leaders, helping them build more inclusive and effective workplace cultures. His consulting work encompasses the full spectrum of human resource management, from policy formation to implementation of organization-wide strategic initiatives.

His leadership extends into significant board governance roles, where he has served multiple nonprofit organizations focused on community service and legal advocacy. Anthony has held several leadership positions in professional associations, including chairperson roles for state bar association committees and national leadership positions in prominent legal organizations.

Anthony received his B.A. in Political Science from Truman State University and a Juris Doctor from St. Louis University School of Law, where he earned specialized certification in Employment Law.