Sept. 18, 2009

22272 Oxford
Dearborn, MI 48124

Phone: 313-277-2351

Email: chignite@umich.edu

CHAD HIGNITE C: 313.492.1959 - chignite@umich.edu 22272 Oxford - Dearborn, MI 48124

SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS

Executive who draws on extensive Sports Operations and Management experience, as well as comprehensive Marketing and Finance education and background to help organizations strengthen revenue, profit and competitive market position. Exceptional understanding of operations management in a professional sports environment. Well-versed in leading-edge consumer/interactive marketing, communications, branding, digital media, and community outreach methods and strategies. Creates integrated marketing initiatives that zero in on customer wants and needs, and communicates that data across the entire organization, impacting product development, R&D, brand management, manufacturing, and all other functional areas.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Enterprise Marketing Management Sports Operations Management Sales & Marketing New Media / Web 2.0 Marketing Marketing Asset Management Strategy Development / Execution Brand Positioning / Management Campaign Creation / Execution Public / Community Relations Client Relationship Management (CRM) Communication / Presentation Promotions / Event Marketing

EDUCATION

Masters Program in Sports Management, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, graduation - December 2009

Bachelor of Science in Finance; Minor in Economics, Baker University, Baldwin City, KS, 1994

Study abroad (one semester), Harlaxton College, Grantham, Lincolnshire, UK, 1992

Sports Management Courses: Financial Management in the Sports Industry, Marketing Management in Sport, Legal Aspects of Sport, Sport Economics, Organizational Behavior & Human Resources in Sport, Strategic Management in Sport

Graduate School Project: Worked with the Detroit Pistons to define strategies for improving Relationship Marketing and Return on Marketing Investment (ROMI). Developed ROMI data related to customer/demographic variables; calculated Lifetime Value of fan groups and leveraged data to benefit Pistons by strengthening ties with fans and improving the overall fan experience.

EXPERIENCE

UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT, Lawrence, KS, 2009

Internship - Marketing Department

Developed processes to help determine ROMI on marketing activities and improve future marketing decisions.

Assisted with data capture, CRM, response tracking, monitoring, evaluation, and analysis to provide the organization with ways to continuously adapt the marketing message to customer wants and expectations.

Assisted in broadening the marketing message by helping to cultivate corporate sponsor relationships.

Provided recommendations on ways to expand marketing efforts, mine data, and utilize leading-edge marketing tools to communicate on a continuing basis with alumni, season ticket holders, fans, and the community at large.

ILMOR ENGINEERING, Plymouth, MI, 2008 - 2009

Consultant - Financial Analyst (4-month engagement)

Retained as consultant to advise and assist startup race engine plant with establishing finance function, including budget formulation, staffing, payroll matters, and capital projects.

DODGE MOTORSPORTS, CHRYSLER LLC, Auburn Hills, MI, 2005 - 2008

Operations Manager / Program (Marketing) Manager / Business Manager / Finance Manager

Led Motorsports Website redesign, increasing unique visitors by 470K (160%+) in the 1st 6 months.

Managed Program and Marketing that resulted in winning 2 Manufacturing Championships for MTRA (Monster Truck Racing Association) and ARCA (Automobile Racing Club of America); achieved dramatic return on limited marketing spend.

Managed all Web-based marketing initiatives stemming from event promotions at NASCAR races and venues.

Assisted with and advised on NASCAR Race Team contract negotiations.

Worked with ad agency representatives to developed corporate sponsor partnerships and product placements with market leaders including Best Buy, Allstate, Alltel, Stanley Tools, Mobile 1, Budweiser, and MillerCoors.

DODGE MOTORSPORTS, CHRYSLER LLC, Auburn Hills, MI, 2005 - 2008 (continued)

Conducted and provided monthly, quarterly, and yearly budget forecasts, accruals, reviews, and analysis.

Developed and implemented new media strategies, as well as digital marketing tools to establish connection between racing efforts and Dodge vehicle sales, and determine true ROI; achieved significant 180-day rate of return (ROR).

Designed custom messaging based on Website click-throughs and cross-referenced data with corporate sales database.

Implemented closed-loop marketing methods designed to provide direct customer feedback to a variety of functional areas including engineering, financing, product development, sales, and manufacturing.

VISTEON CORPORATION, Van Buren, MI, 2004 - 2005

Financial Analyst

Accountable for daily financial business activities pertaining to cost management for $750+ million organization that provided virtual manufacturing services to Ford, Mazda and Nissan.

RMA TRANSPORTATION, INC., Lake Zurich, IL, 2003 - 2004

Finance Manager

Retained as finance consultant to startup 3rd-party logistics company; retained full-time to manage finance function.

Evaluated and advised on the financial implications of operating decisions.

Implemented cost-control strategies and internal processes that led to a 10% cost annual savings ($150K+).

GATEWAY GOLF CLUB, Romulus, MI, 2000 - 2003

Assistant General Manager / Assistant Golf Professional

Managed all facets of day-to-day operations and marketing initiatives for startup golf course.

Initiated community outreach marketing activities centered on job creation, tax revenue generation, and civic involvement with the mayor, state representatives, and local government luminaries.

Conducted direct mail, cold calling, print advertising and word-of-mouth marketing campaigns.

Exceeded 1st year revenue projections by more than 12%.

Prepared and conducted analysis of daily, weekly, & monthly financials. Managed and trained more than 40 employees.

AMERICAN GOLF CORPORATIONS, Kansas City, KS / Detroit, MI, 1997 - 2000

Assistant General Manager / Assistant Golf Professional / Pro Shop Manager

Oversaw daily operations; hired, trained, managed and evaluated up to 60 staff members.

Managed and analyzed monthly revenue and expense for Golf Operations, and Food & Beverage Operations

Increased annual revenue by as much as 10% by introducing promotions that increased course utilization.

UNITED MISSOURI BANK, NA, Kansas City, MO, 1997- 1998

Trust Accountant

Part of team that reconciled thousands of accounts and worked to transition customers from paper to electronic statements.

Worked with mutual fund/brokerage firms to facilitate transfers, reconcile accounts, and establish fund server agreements.

MIDLAND LOAN SERVICES, Kansas City, MO, 1995 - 1997

Manager of Bank Operations / Treasury Manager / Treasury Analyst

Promoted 2 times in 2 years. Managed bank operations over all assets (multibillion-dollar portfolio).

Directed daily fund transfers for cash requirements, calculated daily cash availability, evaluated investments, and reviewed liquidity requirements. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Member, North American Society for Sport Management (NASSM)

Selection Committee, University of Michigan, Professor of Sport Management Guest Lecturer, University of Michigan, Undergraduate School of Sport Management - Topic: Sport Sponsorship, Franchising, and Return on Investment

Applications: SAP, Essbase/Hyperion, MS Office Suite, Macros and Pivot Tables, Lotus Notes, Quick Books, MICS and CPARS Systems, Aljex Transportation Software, Manugistics, ESP, Viper Financials