Board of Directors & Officers
General Powers. The affairs of USA Cheer are managed and governed by a Board of Directors. The Board of Directors has primary responsibility for the programs of USA Cheer by determining strategy and policy and exercising oversight related thereto, and approving actions of any committees it appoints to administer or implement these programs.
Board Makeup. The Board consists of fifteen individuals. Members of the Board may consist of both males and females, and shall be selected without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex or national origin.
Election. The current Board of Directors is composed as follows, and elected or appointed to represent the constituencies set forth below:
Ben Schreiber’s career spans nearly three decades of excellence as a coach, athlete, and administrator. Most recently, he served as the head coach of The Ohio State University cheerleading team from 2014 to 2025, leading the Buckeyes to national prominence. Under his leadership, Ohio State secured multiple top-three finishes at the UCA Collegiate National Championships, including a historic second-place finish in 2019—the highest for the program since 2001. In both 2024 and 2025, Ohio State’s spirit program, in collaboration with the university’s dance team, captured back-to-back Gameday National Championships.
Before his time at Ohio State, Schreiber was the head cheerleading coach at the University of Delaware, where he guided the Blue Hens to a 2014 UCA Division I Large Coed National Championship and several national runner-up finishes. He was instrumental in expanding Delaware’s program, establishing an all-girl team that reached the STUNT National Championship Final Four in 2014.
Schreiber’s impact extends well beyond the sidelines. As a decorated former athlete, he cheered for the Buckeyes from 2004 to 2007 and later represented the USA Coed National Team, winning a gold medal at the 2010 ICU World Cheerleading Championships. In 2015, he again competed for the premier coed national team, underscoring his ongoing dedication to excellence on the mat. He also earned individual accolades in partner stunt competitions, including a first-place finish in the 2008 UCA College Partner Stunt qualification and second place in the 2011 NCA Collegiate Open Partner Stunt National Championship.
A native of Ohio, Schreiber holds a bachelor’s degree in sports humanities from Ohio State and a master’s in higher education administration from the University of Delaware. He spent over a decade as a staff member with the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA), including nine years teaching at college camps both across the United States and internationally.
Most recently, Schreiber served as the Director of Active Athletes on the USA Cheer Board of Directors, where he played a key role in expanding the voice and representation of current athletes within the organization. Through his leadership, new initiatives were launched to increase athlete involvement and ensure their perspectives are integrated into the strategic direction of USA Cheer.
Christa Grizzle Sanford cheered at the high school and college level, attending Raceland High School in Raceland, KY and then cheered on the all-girl and coed squads at Morehead State University. She then coached at Morehead and Shelton State Community College, both resulting in multiple national titles. Christa currently serves as the head coach for the University of Alabama coed program as well as assistant coordinator for all of the UA spirit programs. Christa has coached the USA Cheer Coed National Team since 2014 to multiple gold medal finishes!
Bob Dunsheath comes to USA Cheer with a broad range of experience, specializing in finance. Since being appointed in 2011, Bob currently works for the Shelby County Trustee’s Office in Memphis, TN. He has worked as a business consultant, stock trader, real estate investor, and financial consultant after leaving Varsity Brands in 1996. Bob has served as a secretary/treasurer for multiple organizations including Elevate Athletics, Have a Standard Foundation, and Crosscheck Athletics.
Vontae Johnson is the Head Cheer Coach at Trinity Valley Community College (TVCC), one of the most prestigious and competitive collegiate cheer programs in the nation. Known for his intense passion, technical precision, and athlete-centered leadership, Vontae has played a pivotal role in maintaining TVCC’s legacy as a powerhouse in the world of competitive cheerleading.
A standout athlete himself, Vontae represented the United States as a member of the USA Cheer National Team, where he competed at the highest international level. His time on Team USA gave him a global perspective on performance, preparation, and discipline—experience he now brings to every practice, routine, and athlete he coaches.
Under his guidance, TVCC has consistently remained at the forefront of collegiate cheer, earning national titles and international recognition. Vontae is deeply committed to not only building winning teams but also shaping strong, confident, and driven individuals who carry their cheer experience into all areas of life.
Beyond the mat, Vontae is an advocate for excellence, resilience, and representation in the sport. He is widely respected for his authenticity, high standards, and the positive culture he cultivates within his program.
Whether coaching on campus or representing his country on the world stage, Vontae Johnson continues to raise the bar for what’s possible in cheerleading.
Dr. Maria Wisman is the founder of The Cheer Doctor, a pioneering platform dedicated to the mental health and holistic development of athletes in the cheerleading and performance sports communities. A licensed mental health professional and decorated former athlete, Dr. Wisman brings a powerful combination of clinical expertise and lived experience to her work—helping athletes navigate the psychological demands of elite performance.
A proud alumna of The Ohio State University, Dr. Wisman cheered at the collegiate level while earning her degree, developing a deep understanding of the pressures and expectations placed on student-athletes. She later earned a spot on the prestigious USA Cheer National Team, representing her country on the world stage and gaining insight into the mindset and resilience required to compete at the highest level.
Today, through The Cheer Doctor, Dr. Wisman provides counseling services, mental performance coaching, and educational workshops to athletes, coaches, and teams across the country. Her work focuses on promoting mental wellness, managing performance anxiety, building confidence, and supporting long-term athlete development.
As a speaker, consultant, and clinician, Dr. Wisman is committed to changing the conversation around mental health in athletics. Her mission is to ensure that athletes are equipped not just to succeed in sport—but to thrive in every area of life.
Jasmine Braddock brings extensive experience as both an elite athlete and coach to the USA Cheer Board of Directors. Her career spans success at the collegiate, national, and international levels, providing valuable insight into the needs and perspectives of today’s athletes.
Jasmine was a three-time Coed National Champion as a student-athlete at the University of West Georgia before transitioning into coaching, where she has helped lead the program to two additional national championships in both the Coed and All Girl divisions. She is entering her second season as an assistant cheer coach at the University of West Georgia.
On the international stage, Jasmine has proudly represented the United States as a member of the U.S. National Team. She earned three gold medals with the U.S. All Girl Premier National Team at the ICU World Cheerleading Championships and an additional gold medal at the FISU World University Cheerleading Championship. She has also captured multiple partner stunt national titles, including two NCA All Girl Partner Stunt National Championships and one UCA All Girl Partner Stunt National Championship.
Beyond coaching, Jasmine is entering her sixth year as a Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) Instructor, where she works with athletes and coaches across the country to promote technical excellence, safety, and leadership within the sport.
Jasmine earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Community Wellness with a minor in Psychology from the University of West Georgia and holds a Master of Science degree in Integrative Health and Wellness. As a 10-Year Athlete Representative, she provides the Board with the perspective of a recent elite athlete while drawing on her experience as a coach, instructor, and international champion to help advance the future of cheerleading.
After spending her childhood in gymnastics, Molly McLeod made the transition to cheerleading during high school in her hometown of Colorado. What began as a new athletic pursuit very quickly became a lifelong passion, leading her to relocate to Texas to begin her college cheer career at Trinity Valley Community College.
Throughout her time there, Molly became the first true freshman to make the U.S. National Coed Cheer Team, became an Allstar World Champion, 2x ICU World Champion, and a FISU World Champion as a member of the first U.S. National Team to compete overseas. Molly continued her collegiate career at Weber State University, where she earned two NCA Collegiate National Championships and represented USA Cheer for a third season.
Following her competitive career, Molly immediately transitioned into coaching at Trinity Valley Community College. While there, she helped lead the Large Coed and Small Coed programs to four National Championships as well as the program’s first-ever Grand National Championship. She now coaches at Weber State University, where she continues to develop collegiate athletes both on and off the mat.
While Molly values competitive excellence, her greatest passion lies in athlete development and the future of cheerleading. She strives not only to help athletes build exceptional technical skills- but also to develop the confidence, resilience, and leadership that will empower them long after the music stops.
Davis Whitfield has been the NFHS Chief Operating Officer since July 1, 2015, after serving five years as commissioner of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA). In his role, he oversees the NFHS Rules Review Committee, NFHS Foundation, Center for Officials Services, NFHS Network Holdings Company, June Scholastic Events, committee nominations process, and NFHS professional organizations.
Before joining the NFHS, Whitfield led the NCHSAA, implementing a five-year strategic plan, enhancing championship experiences, and directing the organization’s 100th anniversary celebration. He previously spent 7½ years with the Atlantic Coast Conference, including 2½ years as associate commissioner. His earlier roles include positions in athletic administration at Wake Forest University and Campbell University.
A former college baseball player, Whitfield attended East Carolina University before transferring to the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in 1993 and a master’s in sports administration in 1995.
Bill Seely is a graduate of George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia where he received a degree in sports management and was a four-year letterman. Bill is a husband and father of four and currently serves as President of Varsity Spirit. Bill was on the founding board for the USASF, helped to create USA Cheer, the US National Teams and STUNT the Sport. Bill served as the inaugural Executive Director of USA Cheer, then as the President of the Board and currently serves on the board of directors. In addition, Bill commentates for ESPN and CBS Sports.
Bill is very active in the Memphis community as well. Bill founded Crosscheck Athletics, a Christian youth sports organization in Memphis that develops the total athlete and provides programming for at risk youth. He is chairman of the board for the Leadership Empowerment Center, a youth leadership program in Memphis, has served 8 years as the President of the Tennessee Girls Lacrosse Association, Chairs the Memphis Youth Mentoring committee for the city of Memphis as a Chairmans Circle Member of the Chamber of Commerce and was recognized by the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) as the West Tennessee Community Leader of the Year.
Ali Stangle serves as the Executive Director of the U.S. All Star Federation, bringing a dynamic blend of leadership, industry knowledge, and passion for youth sports to the organization. With a career rooted in athlete advocacy and program development, Ali is dedicated to advancing the mission of USASF: to support and enrich the lives of All Star athletes and those who work with them.
With over a decade of experience in the cheer and dance industry, Ali has been instrumental in shaping policy, promoting athlete safety, and strengthening the integrity of All Star programs across the country. Her collaborative leadership style and strategic vision have positioned USASF as a driving force in fostering safe, inclusive, and competitive environments for athletes at all levels.
Ali is known for her commitment to community engagement, transparency, and innovation. Under her direction, USASF continues to evolve to meet the needs of today’s athletes, families, and coaches—ensuring that the All Star experience remains one of growth, teamwork, and excellence.
Outside of her work with USASF, Ali is a passionate advocate for youth development and empowering the next generation of leaders through sport.
Darian Packard is a global leader in inclusive sports, known for pioneering the development of Cheer within Special Olympics. As founder of SO Cheer and former director of the JOY Cheerleaders in Maryland, she has created transformative opportunities for athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the U.S. and abroad.
Darian currently serves as Global Sport Co-Advisor for Cheer and Co-Chair of the Special Olympics Cheer Sport Resource Teams for both Special Olympics International and North America. She’s also a representative on the International Cheer Union’s Adaptive Abilities Committee, where she champions athlete inclusion on a global scale.
In addition to her sports leadership, Darian is a certified Health and Wellness Coach and a partner with Juice Plus, promoting holistic health for women and individuals with disabilities. She is also a real estate investor, focused on developing inclusive housing for neurodiverse individuals.
Darian was honored with the International Cheer Union Leadership Award in 2019 and holds a B.A. from the University of Southern California.
Brandon Seagondollar is the Head STUNT Coach at California Baptist University, where he leads one of the nation’s emerging collegiate programs in the rapidly growing sport of STUNT. Known for his strategic mindset, athlete-first philosophy, and commitment to excellence, Brandon has quickly become a respected figure in the STUNT community.
With a deep background in competitive cheer and athletic coaching, Brandon brings a unique blend of technical precision and motivational leadership to the mat. Since taking the helm at CBU, he has played a key role in building a competitive and disciplined program rooted in integrity, teamwork, and continuous development.
Under Brandon’s leadership, CBU’s STUNT team has gained recognition for its performance, sportsmanship, and strong culture. His focus on cultivating not only skilled athletes but also confident, character-driven individuals sets the tone for long-term success both on and off the mat.
Brandon is a vocal advocate for the growth of STUNT as a collegiate sport and is committed to creating opportunities for young athletes to excel through structure, support, and strategic coaching.
Laura Powell brings a unique combination of elite cheerleading experience, legal expertise, and sports governance to the USA Cheer Board of Directors.
Laura began her athletic career in gymnastics before transitioning to All Star cheerleading in 2002. She competed with the Stingray Allstars from 2002 through 2010 and was a member of Stingrays Smoke during the 2008-09 season, helping the team capture an NCA National Championship and compete at The Cheerleading Worlds. She continued her cheerleading career at the Georgia Institute of Technology, making the transition from an All Star back spot to a collegiate flyer.
Professionally, Laura is an attorney with WilmerHale in Washington, D.C., where she focuses on intellectual property litigation. She also serves as counsel representative for the firm’s Sports & Gaming Practice, advising clients on matters involving intellectual property, branding, and emerging issues in the sports industry.
Laura has extensive experience in athlete governance and advocacy, having served on boards dedicated to advancing Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) protections for NCAA student-athletes. Her work includes advising on athlete rights, governance, and brand protection, providing valuable insight into the evolving legal landscape affecting amateur athletics.
In addition to her sports law practice, Laura has represented artists in protecting their personal brands and intellectual property. She is also a SAG-AFTRA voting member and has experience producing films under SAG-AFTRA agreements, giving her a broad perspective on entertainment, media, and intellectual property issues.
As an At Large Director, Laura contributes a distinctive blend of high-level cheerleading experience, legal acumen, and governance expertise to support USA Cheer and the continued growth of the sport.
Jeffrey R. Dugas, M.D., treats all types of orthopedic sports injuries, including injuries of the shoulder, elbow and knee. He maintains a special interest in throwing athletes, since much of his research concentrates in this area. He is board certified in Orthopaedic Surgery and the sub-specialty of Sports Medicine.
Dr. Dugas has contributed significantly to the research of sports medicine. He has published articles and textbook chapters related to injuries of the shoulder and elbow in throwing athletes, vascular injuries in throwers and rotator cuff injuries. He has also published manuscripts on the treatment of knee ligament injuries and the treatment of cartilaginous defects of the knee.
Following his orthopedic training, Dr. Dugas accepted a fellowship in sports medicine at the American Sports Medicine Institute (ASMI) in Birmingham, Alabama, under the direction of James R. Andrews, M.D., and William G. Clancy, Jr., M.D. He was then invited to become a member of the Alabama Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center. After its dissolution he became a partner in the Andrews Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center. Additionally, he serves on the Board ofTrustees at ASMI and the American Baseball Foundation (ABF). As a Fellowship Director at ASMI he takes part in clinical and basic research and assists in the instruction of the ASM I sports medicine fellows.
Dr. Dugas holds memberships in numerous medical societies including the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine
American Medical Association. He is also a member of the NCAA committee for the Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sports (CSMAS).
Dr. Dugas is the co-medical director for WWE. He also participates as a team physician for Troy University, Miles College, Vestavia Hills High School, Hoover High School, Spain Park High School, Cordova High School and Bessemer Academy. Dr. Dugas also provides sports medicine assistance for the
Birmingham Barons, the AA affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, USA Cheer, and the Alabama Ballet.
Dr. Dugas and his wife, Tracie, have a son, Christopher and a daughter, Caroline. They are both avid sports fans and enjoy time together with their children and their families.
Jeff Geldien, Ph.D. is the Assistant Vice President for Academic Development and Major & Planned Gifts at Gonzaga University. Jeff Geldien oversees the major and planned gifts team for the division of University Advancement at Gonzaga. He works collaboratively with all academic deans, athletics and the Office of the Provost to drive resources to support Gonzaga’s strategic plan and University priorities through major and planned giving vehicles.
As Assistant Vice President, Geldien has helped expand the relationship between advancement and academic leadership in which deans are able to more effectively work with gift officers and University Advancement. A 14-year veteran in higher education leadership, Geldien joined Gonzaga University in 2008.
Prior to being appointed as Assistant Vice President in 2018, he most recently served as Assistant Dean of External Relations for the School of Law at Gonzaga where he oversaw all development, alumni relations, marketing, communications, and campaign efforts for the unit. In addition to his development duties, Geldien has spent the past 14 years serving on various University committees which has allowed him to develop a deep understanding of the higher education enterprise as well as higher education philanthropy. Geldien holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wyoming and a Master’s and Doctorate in Leadership Studies from Gonzaga University. He is also a 2022 graduate of the American Academic Leadership Institute’s (AALI) Senior Leadership Academy.
USA Cheer Staff
Lauri Harris
Executive Director
lharris@usacheer.org
Kristine Paulson
Executive Assistant
kpaulson@usacheer.org
Jim Lord
Director of Education and Programs
jlord@usacheer.org
Kaitlyn Lyday
Director of Marketing & Social Media
klyday@usacheer.org
Katelin Townsend
STUNT Operations Director
ktownsend@usacheer.org
Amy Haney
Director of Scholastic STUNT
ahaney@usacheer.org
Shayna Danielsen
Director of Club STUNT
sdanielsen@usacheer.org
Ransome Harper
Membership & Event Director
rharper@usacheer.org
For media inquiries, email media@usacheer.org.
Board Minutes
Board minutes will be posted once approved at the following board meeting.
2026
2025
2024
2023
2022
2021