Elizabeth Leininger
Bozeman,MT
Summary
Senior client and partnerships leader with 20 years of experience across sports, luxury, media, and experiential brands. Known for building high-touch client relationships, delivering premium member experiences, and achieving record-breaking revenue performance while representing brands with professionalism and polish. Proven ability to grow and retain high-value client portfolios, lead complex partnerships, and operate in high-visibility environments with demanding clientele. Brings a strong commercial mindset without a transactional sales approach.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Director, Member Experience & Partnerships
Epic Golf Club
Remote
01.2023 - Current
- Lead lifecycle strategy and relationship management for a high-value private member portfolio within an ultra-premium club environment.
- Delivered record-breaking membership growth and revenue performance, consistently ranking as the top-performing executive in company history.
- Represent the brand in high-visibility client environments, cultivating long-term relationships with high-net-worth members and partners.
- Partner cross-functionally across partnerships, marketing, and operations to enhance member experience, engagement, and retention.
- Launched and scaled the company's corporate partnerships vertical, including strategy, pricing, positioning, and integrated brand activations.
- Structured partnerships with global premium brands including BMW, G/FORE, LA GOLF, and DraftKings.
Sports Media & Client Strategy Lead
USA TODAY Sports
Los Angeles, CA
08.2021 - 01.2023
- Led development of integrated brand and partnership strategies aligning content, experiential platforms, and client engagement goals.
- Served as a strategic partner to brands and agencies on audience engagement and premium storytelling initiatives.
- Collaborated with national leadership teams to identify scalable growth opportunities across media and experiential platforms.
- Played a key role in senior-level presentations and strategic partnership development.
- Led RFP strategy, campaign development, partnership planning, and execution.
Senior Account Executive & Talent Manager
Norris Sports Group
Naples, FL
12.2015 - 07.2021
- Executed 75+ high-profile promotional events annually for major sports organizations, associations, and media partners.
- Designed and delivered VIP client experiences and relationship programs for high-profile partners and talent.
- Advised clients on sponsorship strategy, celebrity endorsements, and talent-driven brand campaigns.
- Negotiated contracts, appearance fees, usage rights, and partnership agreements for elite athletes and sports personalities.
- Managed full lifecycle of talent engagements including logistics, media coordination, and client relations.
- Served as an on-air spokesperson representing clients across national television and radio platforms.
Tournament Services Manager, Championship Management
PGA TOUR
San Francisco, CA
06.2012 - 11.2015
- Led end-to-end planning and execution of PGA TOUR and Champions Tour events, including tournaments, Pro-Ams, charitable initiatives, and sponsor activations.
- Served as primary liaison for sponsors and partners, overseeing brand integration, hospitality strategy, and player engagement.
- Directed budgeting, vendor negotiations, and operational strategy from concept through post-event analysis.
- Built and led volunteer programs exceeding 700 participants annually.
- Reduced annual operational expenses by 30% through vendor optimization and process improvements.
Client Relations Events Coordinator
PGA TOUR
Scottsdale, AZ
04.2010 - 06.2012
- Produced large-scale corporate and sponsor events hosting more than 30,000 guests.
- Coordinated athlete participation in sponsor activations and hospitality programs.
- Negotiated vendor and venue partnerships.
- Contributed to PGA TOUR best practices and signature program development.
Marketing Assistant, Corporate Marketing & Business Development
PGA TOUR
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
06.2008 - 04.2010
- Supported business development initiatives through research, outreach, and proposal development.
- Assisted in execution of internal and external growth initiatives.
Intern, International Marketing
GOLF CHANNEL
Orlando, FL
05.2006 - 09.2007
Education
Bachelor of Science - Selling & Sales Management
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN05-2008
Skills
- Client Success & Retention Strategy
- Client Experience Leadership
- Strategic Partnerships & Relationship Development
- Luxury Client & Member Relations
- High-Value Relationship Management
- Program & Experience Development
- Cross-Functional Leadership
- Executive Stakeholder Communication
- Brand Representation & External Relations
- Revenue Strategy & Commercial Growth
Accomplishments
- Delivered record-breaking membership growth and revenue performance within a luxury private club environment
- Built and scaled a corporate partnerships vertical from concept through execution
- Managed high-value client portfolios across sports, luxury, media, and experiential industries
- Designed and delivered VIP client experiences and large-scale premium events
- Led cross-functional initiatives improving client engagement, retention, and brand positioning
Languages
Italian
Timeline
Senior Director, Member Experience & Partnerships
Epic Golf Club
01.2023 - Current
Sports Media & Client Strategy Lead
USA TODAY Sports
08.2021 - 01.2023
Senior Account Executive & Talent Manager
Norris Sports Group
12.2015 - 07.2021
Tournament Services Manager, Championship Management
PGA TOUR
06.2012 - 11.2015
Client Relations Events Coordinator
PGA TOUR
04.2010 - 06.2012
Marketing Assistant, Corporate Marketing & Business Development
PGA TOUR
06.2008 - 04.2010
Intern, International Marketing
GOLF CHANNEL
05.2006 - 09.2007
Bachelor of Science - Selling & Sales Management
Purdue University