Leadership

Our Expertise

Our expertise is grounded in years of academic research, study, product testing and development, and consultation conducted by recognized faculty, students, and campus-wide resources. We collaborate frequently with organizations and industry leaders locally and globally to create new and exciting products, services, and studies in the sports world.

All of this equals a comprehensive and extensive list of people, places, and products we can provide to your company to work with you and deliver exceptional results. 

Leadership

Liz Wanless Headshot

Liz Wanless, Ed.D.

Institute Director

lwanless@iu.edu

As the Sports Innovation Institute leader, Liz Wanless and her students collaborate on the business side of sports with the likes of the Indianapolis Colts, Indianapolis Indians, NCAA, Incrediplex, Grand Park, Beyond Monumental, and more. Wanless' work in sports fan experiences, marketing, and management, delivers evidence-based solutions to clients. 

Career Highlights & Credentials

Geoffre Sherman, Ph.D.

Communications Manager

gnsherma@iu.edu

Geoff Sherman's decade of industry experience includes professional teams and college athletics. He and his students work with the Indianapolis Colts and Indians as well as the Indiana Pacers and Fever, transforming the classroom and offering client solutions via industry-based consulting projects.

Career Highlights & Credentials

David A. Pierce, Ph.D.

Project Manager

dpierce3@iu.edu

David Pierce is the Founding Editor of the Sports Innovation Journal and served as the Director of the Sports Innovation Institute from 2017–2024. He is a dedicated problem solver and innovator in youth sports. He currently serves as director of the technical team for the Center for Sports Transformation in charge of working with Indiana communities to build a healthy youth sports ecosystem using the principles of long-term program development.

Career Highlights & Credentials