The Faces Behind the Fun
At Par 5 Group, our team is made up of experienced event professionals, creative marketers, and operational leaders who live at the intersection of sport, entertainment, and unforgettable guest experiences. From large-scale global tournaments to community-driven activations, we bring passion, precision, and people-first thinking to every project.
What truly sets us apart, however, is the people behind the work. Our team is hands-on, detail-obsessed, and deeply invested in the success of every event we touch. Each individual brings a unique background, perspective, and skill set—whether that’s years of experience on major championship operations teams, a creative eye for fan engagement, or the ability to solve complex challenges in real time on site. We take pride in being collaborative, adaptable, and relentlessly committed to delivering best-in-class experiences for our clients, partners, and fans.
Our Team
Nancy Adams
-
-
Nancy brings deep financial and operational expertise to Par 5 Group, with a background in public accounting and outsourced financial leadership. Prior to joining the team, Nancy worked as an outsourced CFO and Controller for a diverse portfolio of clients, many of whom were private equity–backed startups in the life sciences and biotechnology sectors.
In her role, Nancy partnered closely with leadership teams across nearly every function of the business, supporting corporate and event budgeting, tax strategy, payroll and benefits administration, human resources, risk management, and procurement. Her broad, hands-on approach ensures that both internal teams and clients have the financial structure and operational support needed to operate efficiently and confidently.
Nancy’s collaborative mindset and cross-functional experience allow her to seamlessly support the evolving needs of Par 5 Group, helping teams focus on execution while she manages the critical financial and operational details behind the scenes.
-
From: A little bit of everywhere
Lives in: Melbourne, FL
Studied at: Transylvania University
Dinner with famous people?
Tim and Demi TebowFavorite sports team?
University of Kentucky Volleyball
Best sporting event you’ve been to?
“Basketbowl at Ford Field, Detroit where Michigan State and Kentucky played and set a record for college basketball attendance…and Kentucky won
Sr. Director, Administration
Emily Branch
-
-
Emily brings extensive financial and operational expertise to Par 5 Group, with a background spanning public accounting, corporate finance, and event management. She previously served as Interim Controller at McLeod Software and spent a decade at EBSCO Industries, where she focused on process improvement, budgeting, and cross-functional collaboration.
Earlier in her career, Emily worked at KPMG as a tax accountant after graduating from Auburn University and spent five years with Bruno Event Team, expanding her experience within the event management space. At Par 5 Group, she manages event budgets and accounts payable, serving as a trusted resource to ensure financial accuracy and operational efficiency across the organization. -
From: Atmore, AL
Lives in: Birmingham, AL
Studied at: Auburn University
Best Advice Received?
“Know your role and shut your mouth” - My HS Basketball Coach
Dinner with one famous person?
Nate BargatzeUnpopular Opinion?
The 90’s were betterFavorite sports team?
Auburn Tigers
Best sporting event you’ve been to?
Braves v Phillies 2023 NLDS Game 2
Senior Accountant
Zach DeCicco
Director, Operations-
-
Zach serves as an Operations Director at Par 5 Group, playing a central role in the execution of professional golf tournaments and on-site programming. He oversees all on-course operations and serves as the primary point of contact for operational vendors, ensuring seamless coordination across every element of the event.
Prior to joining Par 5 Group, Zach held operations roles with Global Golf Management and the Pittsburgh Pirates, further strengthening his hands-on experience in live event execution. From tournament delivery to additional programming and activations, he supports all aspects of on-site operations with a solutions-oriented, detail-driven approach. -
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Lives in: Dallas, TX
Studied at: Washington and Jefferson College
Dinner with one famous person?
Conor McGregorFavorite sports team?
Pitt Panthers
Best sporting event you’ve been to?
Rose Bowl
Tim Flaherty
-
-
Tim brings more than two decades of leadership experience in championship operations and competition management at the highest levels of golf. He spent 20 years with the USGA in Rules and Competitions, serving as the primary staff lead for the U.S. Senior Open for two decades, the U.S. Amateur for 15 years, and the U.S. Women’s Open for five years.
Throughout his career, Tim has been committed not only to delivering world-class championships, but also to mentoring staff, officials, and volunteers within complex tournament environments. His background as a high school basketball coach further reflects a lifelong dedication to leadership, mentorship, and developing teams both on and off the court. -
From: Worcester, MA
Lives in: Narragansett Pier, RI
Studied at: Amherst College
Best Advice Received?
Running events is not about spreadsheets and fancy maps, its about relationships and getting along with people
Dinner with one famous person? Larry Bird
Unpopular Opinion?
Adam Vinatieri is the greatest Patriot everFavorite sports team?
Cal Tech Baseball Team
Best sporting event you’ve been to?
Mountain View Little League Minor League Championship
Partner, Event Delivery
Brian Flajole
-
-
Brian is a Partner at Par 5 Group and brings more than 35 years of experience in professional golf tournament management. His career spans every facet of event operations, including roles as Volunteer Manager, Operations Director, Sales and Marketing Director, and Tournament Director.
Prior to co-founding Par 5 Group, Brian served as President of the Golf Management Division at Bruno Event Team, where he oversaw financials, human resources, staffing, and large-scale event operations while managing teams of more than 50 people. Since 2022, he has played a key leadership role at Par 5 Group, helping manage and deliver professional events for LIV Golf with a focus on operational excellence and organizational leadership. -
From: Seattle, WA
Lives in: Issaquah, WA
Studied at: Washington State University
Best Advice Received?
Smile, work hard, have fun, and don’t be afraid to take a chance on yourself
Dinner with one famous person? My favorite dinners are with family, friends, and partnersFavorite sports team?
Seattle Seahawks
Best sporting event you’ve been to?
World Series
Partner, Event Experience
-
-
David serves as Vice President of Operations at Par 5 Group, overseeing the execution and delivery of the company’s golf event portfolio. He brings extensive experience in professional golf operations, having previously worked with Bruno Event Team on events for the USGA, PGA Tour, PGA Tour Champions, and Korn Ferry Tour.
In his role at Par 5 Group, David leads operational planning and on-site execution while also providing dedicated support for the company’s USGA events. His background across multiple tours and governing bodies has equipped him with a deep understanding of the operational precision, logistics, and coordination required to deliver world-class tournaments.
David’s leadership, attention to detail, and steady presence on-site play a critical role in ensuring Par 5 Group consistently delivers exceptional event experiences.
-
From: Hannibal, MO
Lives in: Colorado Springs, CO
Studied at: Kansas State University
Dinner with one famous person? Tiger WoodsFavorite sports team?
Kansas State Wildcats
Vice President, OperationsDavid Fox
Sierra Gruss
-
-
Sierra brings over 10 years of experience across the sport and events industry. With a decade spent managing PGA TOUR Golf events, she has developed a profound understanding of the intricacies involved in high-stakes sporting events. Sierra holds a degree in Sport Management from Cal Poly SLO, where she gained valuable experience working with notable organizations such as NASCAR and MLB.
At Par 5 Group, Sierra is an integral part of the event experience team, where she focuses on pro-am tournaments, hospitality services, fan engagement, and special events. She is dedicated to ensuring that every touchpoint for attendees is memorable and exceeds expectations, making each event a standout experience for guests and participants alike.
-
From: Discovery Bay, CA
Lives in: Walnut Creek, CA
Studied at: California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo
Dinner with one famous person?
Steve JobsFavorite sports team?
SF GiantsBest advice received?
It is what it is, so control what you can control.
Sr. Manager, Event Experience
Remi Guthman
-
-
Remi brings extensive experience across large-scale sporting events, municipal special events, and nonprofit organizations, with a background rooted in event operations, logistics, volunteer management, and venue coordination. Prior to joining Par 5 Group, she supported events from planning through on-site execution, holding leadership roles across PGA events, city-run facilities, and regional coalitions. Her experience spans complex, multi-stakeholder environments where organization, adaptability, and attention to detail are essential.
At Par 5 Group, Remi leads logistics and operations planning for large-scale events, overseeing equipment sourcing, venue infrastructure, warehouse operations, vendor coordination, and volunteer logistics. She works closely with internal teams and external partners to align timelines, resources, and operational details across multiple venues, ensuring each event is thoughtfully planned and seamlessly executed. With a practical, detail-driven approach, Remi plays a key role in creating high-quality event environments that support both exceptional guest experiences and smooth operational delivery.
-
From: Minneapolis, MN
Lives in: St. Paul, MN
Studied at: Minnesota State University, MankatoBest piece of advice you ever received?
“What you create for yourself, no one can take from you.”Dinner with one famous person?
Adam SandlerWho is your favorite sports team?
Green Bay PackersBest sporting event you’ve ever attended?
LIV Golf Event Season 2025
Project Manager, Event Experience
-
-
Doug is a Partner at Par 5 Group and brings more than two decades of experience in professional event management across golf and major sports properties. He began his career with Executive Sports International, a division of Golden Bear Inc., before spending 20 years with Eventive Sports staging events for the USGA, PGA TOUR, PGA TOUR Champions, LPGA TOUR, motorsports, and college football.
At Par 5 Group, Doug helps manage day-to-day company operations alongside his fellow partners while serving as the lead on several of the organization’s most important events. He also plays a key role in driving new business opportunities and advancing event marketing initiatives across the portfolio. -
From: Philadelphia, PA
Lives in: Des Moines, IA
Studied at: University of South Carolina
Best Advice Received?
The fast eat the slow
Dinner with one famous person?
Lindsey VonnFavorite sports team?
Philadelphia Phillies
Best sporting event you’ve been to?
LSU v Alabama 2019
Partner, Business DevelopmentDouglas K. Habgood
Gypsie Hutchinson
-
-
Gypsie brings seven years of experience across the sport and entertainment industries, with a background spanning professional golf and large-scale music festivals. A former college golfer, she began her career in professional golf before spending two years in the music industry overseeing festivals across the United States, then returning to the golf world.
At Par 5 Group, Gypsie serves as Volunteer Director, overseeing the full volunteer program for professional golf tournaments, including recruitment, scheduling, training, and on-site operations. She has worked on high-profile events for the PGA TOUR, Ladies European Tour, and Breeders’ Cup, and holds a master’s degree in Sport Management from Morehead State University. -
From: Lexington, KY
Lives in: Charleston, SC
Studied at: Morehead State UniversityBest advice ever received?
Protect your time like it’s your most valuable asset — because it is.
Dinner with a famous person?
Barack and Michelle ObamaUnpopular Opinion?
Early mornings > late nightsFavorite sports team?
Kansas City Chiefs
Best sporting event you’ve been to?
The Masters
Volunteer Director
John Palacioz
-
-
JP brings more than 20 years of experience in professional sports operations, with a background spanning major golf championships and league events. Prior to joining Par 5 Group, he worked on operations teams at the United States Golf Association and Bruno Event Team, contributing to the planning and execution of some of the sport’s most prestigious tournaments.
At Par 5 Group, JP develops and manages operational timelines, event budgets, and planning documentation to clearly communicate scope, status, and execution strategy. His experience includes work across multiple U.S. Open, U.S. Senior Open, U.S. Women’s Open, and U.S. Adaptive Open Championships, as well as multiple seasons with LIV Golf, with a consistent focus on presentation and delivering an exemplary fan experience. -
From: Hutchinson, KS
Lives in: Pinehurst, NC
Studied at: Wichita State UniversityBest advice ever received?
Never Give Up
Dinner with a famous person?
Steve PrefontaineFavorite sports team?
Kansas City Chiefs
Best sporting event you’ve been to?
Superbowl LIV
Sr. Director, Operations
-
-
Beth brings a diverse background in sports, events, and hospitality, with a career rooted in creating exceptional guest experiences. A graduate of the University of Minnesota and the Golf Academy of the South, she has spent the majority of her career in the professional golf and live events industry, supporting large-scale, high-volume events.
Prior to joining Par 5 Group, Beth worked with a startup specializing in large-scale sports and event catering and contributed to high-profile events including the National Senior Games and the Saint Paul Winter Carnival. At Par 5 Group, she works within the experience team to design and deliver guest-focused programming, hospitality, and food and beverage operations that bring events to life from start to finish. -
From: Hoyt Lakes, MN
Lives in: Woodbury, MN
Studied at: University of Minnesota - Twin CitiesBest advice ever received?
Everybody puts on their pants the same way.
Dinner with famous people?
1980s USA Olympic Gold Medal-Winning Hockey Team
Unpopular Opinion?
Behind-the-scenes planning is more impressive than anything that happens on stage.Favorite sports team?
Anything Minnesota!!
Best sporting event you’ve been to?
Walker Cup at Chicago Golf Club
Director, Event Experience Beth Pinkney
Derek Porter
-
sean.sovacool@par5group.com
-
Sean is a Partner at Par 5 Group and brings more than 35 years of experience in professional golf tournament management. Throughout his career, Sean has held leadership roles including Volunteer Manager, Operations Director, Sales and Marketing Director, and Tournament Director, giving him a comprehensive understanding of both the operational and commercial sides of major sporting events.
Prior to co-founding Par 5 Group, Sean served as President of the Golf Management Division at Bruno Event Team, where he oversaw company financials, human resources, staffing, and large-scale event execution, managing teams of more than 50 staff members across multiple tournaments.
Since 2022, Sean has played a key leadership role in Par 5 Group’s partnership with LIV Golf, providing strategic direction and operational oversight for tournaments across the United States. His deep industry knowledge, steady leadership, and hands-on approach continue to shape Par 5 Group’s reputation for delivering world-class golf events.
-
From: Atlanta, GA
Lives in: Atlanta, GA
Studied at: Georgia Tech UniversityBest advice ever received?
Be myself and lead with example
Dinner self with famous people?
Walter Payton
Unpopular Opinion?
Work hard and it will work out for youFavorite sports team?
All Georgia Tech teams
Best sporting event you’ve been to?
Stanley Cup Finals
Manager, Event Experience
Laura Caleal Seguin
-
-
With a current focus on event experience and grassroots marketing, Derek draws on a young but diverse background across the sports industry. He previously interned with the USGA in Championship Administration and assisted with the 2022 Sentry Tournament of Champions, where his collegiate experience became deeply rooted in the golf industry.
Prior to joining Par 5 Group, Derek interned with the NBA’s Marketing Partnerships & Media department, gaining hands-on experience in building and activating high-quality marketing partnerships while continuing to develop his ability to foster genuine, long-term relationships -- bringing a relationship-first, community-driven approach to every event and activation. -
From: Scotch Plains, NJ
Lives in: Waretown, NJ
Studied at: Montclair State UniversityBest advice ever received?
You can’t expect others to react the same way you would in a situation.
Dinner with famous people?
Tony Romo
Unpopular Opinion?
Pineapple does not belong on pizzaFavorite sports team?
Dallas Cowboys
Best sporting event you’ve been to?
2025 NBA Finals Game 6
Vice President, Event Experience
-
-
Laura brings more than 20 years of experience in event management and major golf championships, with a career spanning consulting, agency work, and professional golf operations. She spent nine years with Bruno Event Team, two years with IMG, and five years as an independent consultant on USGA Championships, including the 2021 Walker Cup Match at Seminole Golf Club and the 2021 U.S. Amateur at Oakmont Country Club.
A graduate of the University of Dayton and former competitive golfer, Laura has been with Par 5 Group since its inception in 2022. She focuses on fan, player, and guest experience, overseeing specialized teams that execute complex event elements within the overall tournament environment. -
From: Bloomfield, MI
Lives in: Martha’s Vineyard
Studied at: University of Dayton
Dinner with a famous person?
Ernest HemingwayFavorite sports team?
Detroit Lions | Notre Dame Football
Best sporting event you’ve been to?
The Masters
Partner, Chief Operating Officer