Allison Citelli

Vice President, Events & Business Development at the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission (LASEC)

“As Vice President of Events & Business Development at the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission, Allison helps bring some of the world’s biggest events to LA—like the FIFA World Cup 2026 and Super Bowl LXI—while overseeing partnerships, legacy programs, government relations, and event operations. From her early days with the Oakland Raiders and Washington Nationals to landing her dream role with LASEC, she’s built her career on networking, saying “yes” to opportunities, and embracing variety. She thrives on LA’s unmatched run of major events, balances work with time outdoors and with loved ones, and encourages young women in sports to volunteer, network, and never stop learning. Bonus: She’s dog mom to the legendary Teddy Pinkman, a once-pink Chihuahua.

A huge thanks to Allison for sharing her journey, advice, and the behind-the-scenes magic of bringing global events to LA.“

– Zara

Please describe your role & responsibilities at that position?

The LASEC is currently acting as the Official Host Committee for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the Super Bowl LXI. In my role, I cover a variety of functional areas including partnership sales and activation, external (governmental) affairs, legacy programs (including human rights initiatives, workforce, sustainability and our Business Connect program) and our event operations. I also work on responding to any requests for proposals (RFP’s) to bring new major events to the region.

What did you study in college and how did your educational background shape your career in the sports industry?

I went to UC Santa Barbara and majored in Communications and Psychology. While I was there, I took a class on sports sponsorships where we heard from professionals from major teams and leagues which led me to an opportunity with the Oakland Raiders. I also participated in UCDC, where I worked a semester with the Washington Nationals and helped their ticket operations team open the new (2008) stadium. These opportunities really shaped my understanding of the sports industry and helped me learn where I wanted to focus my energy when I began my post-graduate career.

Can you share the key milestones in your career that led you to your current position in the sports industry?

When I graduated from college the economy wasn’t in the greatest shape, so I started my professional career at a modeling agency, working as an assistant. I quickly learned that this wasn’t going to be a fit for me long-term and I immediately went to work finding a new job back in the sports industry. I must have sent applications in on Teamwork Online to just about every role in sports in LA and was so happy to land a role in the Event Suites team at AEG. In my position, I got to know someone from nearly every department in the company and made some great friendships and learned about the business from some incredible leaders. One of the people I worked with was in a program called the Young Leadership Forum that was run by my current boss, Kathy Schloessman at LASEC. My coworker recommended me for the program and from there, Kathy offered me a position on her team when she had something open up. If I hadn’t said yes to joining this professional network (YLF), I likely would not be where I am today.

What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a woman in the sports business, & how have you overcome them?

At this point, the biggest challenge I’m facing is making sure that the Los Angeles region takes advantage of the incredible opportunity we have in hosting mega events like the FIFA World Cup, Super Bowl, NBA All-Star, U.S. Open Championship and supporting our partners at LA28 on their work with the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Ensuring we deliver safe, secure events that leave a lasting impact on both the economy and the community is my top priority.

​Balancing a career is demanding. How do you manage a work-life balance? What strategies have worked well for you?

A colleague and friend of mine once said “the work we are doing is PR not ER” and that phrase really stuck with me. For me, I really enjoy what I’m doing so disconnecting can be a little tough. At the end of the day I know I’ll perform my best at work when I’m able to fill my social tank with time outside, time with friends and most of all time with family.

How important is mentorship for women in the sports industry? Have you had mentors or role models who played a significant role in your career and can give some details?

Mentorship is so important and I’ve had many role models who I’m lucky to say have become mentors of mine. When you work in an industry like this, where most people enjoy what they do, it’s easy to find passionate, talented people to look up to. Mentors from as far back as my time interning with the Oakland Raiders have helped act as a sounding board for me and have cheered me on throughout my career. One of my first mentors, Kathy Schloessman, is now my boss at the LASEC.

In a male-dominated industry, do you feel women are given equal opportunities? What steps do you think can be taken to promote gender equality in the sports industry?

I think the sports industry has become much more balanced in terms of male to female ratio. At the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission there are actually more women than men on the team!

What aspects of your work in the sports industry do you enjoy the most? What parts do you find the most challenging ?

I love that no two days are the same and that I am able to work on all sorts of projects and initiatives – from event operations to communications to government affairs to sustainability. My role at the LASEC has introduced me to people from every league, venue, team, hotel, production company, etc. the list goes on and on. I love that variety and the opportunity to work with people from all over the world.

Right now the most challenging aspect of my role is also the biggest opportunity. No other city in the world has had the run of major events that the Los Angeles region has had (and will have) from 2021-2028. It’s been a little bit like drinking out of a firehose… but a really fun firehose.

What advice do you have for young women aspiring to build a successful career in the sports industry?

Use volunteer opportunities as a chance to grow your network. Getting out and meeting people, showing up and being an amazing volunteer is a great way to get your foot in the door.

It may take a few different roles to figure out what you like! You may have your dream role, and soon realize it’s not actually your dream role, and that’s so okay. It’s all a process, but if you work hard, are a good person, and continue to be a lifelong learner, you are in good shape.

What are your long term personal goals that you still want to achieve both business wise and personal?

Health, wealth, happiness!

Any fun facts you’d like the world to learn about you?

I have a chihuahua named Teddy who my husband and I adopted 12 years ago. When we adopted him he was dyed pink and weighed just a few lbs. His full name is Teddy Pinkman.