Edutainment Learning

Erik Stromquist is co-founder and Chairman of CTL. He has served as CTL's CEO for 30+ years in various roles including CEO. He was a rising star recognized by Portland Business Journal, and enjoys running, music, and quality family time in beautiful Portland, OR.

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Justin Bernard is a dynamic figure in the combat sports industry, serving as the Announcer and Chief Operations Officer for Tuff-N-Uff since March 2010. In this role, he has been instrumental in promoting emerging mixed martial arts (MMA) talent, contributing significantly to the organization's growth and reputation.

In addition to his work with Tuff-N-Uff, Bernard has been the Octagon Announcer for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) since September 2021, further solidifying his presence in the MMA community. His versatility extends to other combat sports platforms, including roles with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship and Bellator MMA. ​

Standing at 6 feet tall, Bernard proudly embraces his Hawaiian and Asian heritage. Based in Las Vegas, Nevada, he actively engages with fans through social media platforms, sharing insights into his professional journey and personal experiences.

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Tom Mauriello is a senior lecturer in the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice and manages the department's Teaching Crime Laboratory. A sought-after forensic sciences consultant, Mauriello is regularly interviewed by media and has appeared on ABC World News, CBS Sunday Morning News, and Fox and MSNBC cable shows. He has been featured on television documentaries, including The Discovery Channel’s “The Lizzie Borden Murders,” and Investigation Discovery Channel’s series “Forensics: You Decide.”

Mauriello is author of "Criminal Investigation Handbook Strategy, Law and Science" and "The Dollhouse Murders." In 2011, Mauriello formed a forensic consultant company, ForensIQ, Inc., which provides forensic investigation services; criminal case and evidence assessments; security and counterintelligence services; education, training and motivational public speaking; and news media, film, and TV production consultation.

In 2012, Mauriello retired from the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) after 30 years of service. His assignments with DoD included special agent, chief of police, senior polygraph examiner, congressional staff investigator for the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, and chief of polygraph for the Associate Directorate for Security and Counterintelligence. He is a former police officer and criminal investigator.

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Dynamic industry executive, Label Manager at Mr. 305 Records, the music label owned by Grammy Winning International artist and business entrepreneur "Pitbull". With over a decade of experience in the music industry, Barbara Rivas, affectionately known as 'Barbie,' has been able to have a proven track record of growth and success. Beginning her career in broadcasting, working in radio and TV for over nine years interviewing some of the top talent in the industry such as Anuel AA, Anitta, Farruko, Rauw Alejandro, Jbalvin, Jhayco, Myke Towers, Eladio Carrion, Jessie Reyes, The Black Eyed Peas, among many others before transitioning to the business side of the industry.

Since then, she has worked with over twelve artists (both known and upcoming) under Mr.305 Records, including Pitbull, Lenier, Omar Courtz, IAmchino, and Vikina, to develop and promote their music careers. As the Label Manager at Mr.305 Records, she is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the label's operations, from signing and managing to marketing artists. Her passion for music and commitment to excellence can be seen through her successful projects such as Pitbull's 'Trackhouse' and 'Trackhouse Daytona 500,' as well as Omar Courtz's viral 'Elevate' TikTok campaign, which have helped the label achieve unprecedented success in the industry.

In addition to her business achievements, Barbie is a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in the industry, and actively works to empower women and the Latin community to pursue their careers in music through the Recording Academy's Grammy U national mentorship program. She is an advocate for physical, mental, and spiritual health through her own initiative "The Blissful Project," providing valuable resources, tools, and support empowering industry professionals and fostering artistic and personal growth.

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Jay Vickers is the Chief Operating Officer for UNLV’s Sports Innovation Initiative providing direction and leadership to position UNLV as the hub of the global intellectual capital of sport and entertainment, Las Vegas. Vickers, is a senior leader with more than 20 years of experience in the areas of management, fundraising, sales, marketing, and customer service, with a proven record of measurable outcomes. A graduate of Notre Dame, Vickers was a member of the Fighting Irish football team from 1996-2000 and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He is a founding member of Game Changers United, the U.S. Soccer Federation Board for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging and leads the Las Vegas Super Bowl Host Committee internship program partnership with UNLV.

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Alex Dixon is a strategic CEO, Board Member, and former Investment Banker with over 20 years of executive leadership across M&A, business restructuring, and hospitality development. He has contributed to iconic and Fortune 500 companies such as MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Goldman Sachs.

As President and CEO of the Q Casino and DRA, a 501c4 and one of only two non-profit casinos in the U.S., Alex leads efforts to distribute net income equally among the City of Dubuque, local charities, and Schmitt Island development, driving over $1B in economic impact. He began his career at Goldman Sachs, where he worked on the $638M IPO of Jackson Hewitt and Disney’s $7.5B Pixar acquisition.

Transitioning to the gaming industry, Alex held leadership roles at MGM and Caesars, spearheading high-growth transformations. He served as President & COO of MGM’s Circus Circus, overseeing its sale, and as GM, led the opening and scaling of Springfield Casino into a $960M resort. At Caesars, he established and scaled the $442M Horseshoe Baltimore Casino.

In addition to his executive roles, Alex serves on the Board of Dubuque Bank & Trust, an advisory board member for Mogul Hospitality, and as Co-Chair of African-Americans in Gaming. He is also Vice-Chair of the Greater Dubuque Development Corporation, former Chair-Elect of the Vegas Chamber, and a Board Member of the International Center for Responsible Gaming, YPO Iowa, and MedStar Harbor Hospital. He was appointed by Nevada Governor Sisolak to serve on The Nevada COVID-19 Response, Relief & Recovery Task Force.

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Armstrong Williams is an American political commentator, entrepreneur, author, and talk show host. Williams writes a nationally syndicated conservative newspaper column, has hosted a daily radio show, and hosts a nationally syndicated television program called The Armstrong Williams Show.

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Gary Alan Sinise is an award-winning American actor, director, producer, and musician whose career has spanned over four decades. He's known for his roles as Lieutenant Dan Taylor in Forrest Gump (1994) and Detective Mac Taylor on CSI: New York for nine seasons. Sinise has won a Primetime Emmy, Golden Globe, Tony, and four Screen Actors Guild Awards, and has been nominated for an Academy Award.

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Nick Bodine serves as the Church Location Pastor of Central Henderson. He grew up in Albuquerque, NM, and moved to the Las Vegas area in 2000. He graduated from Foothill High School and started his career in management at Target, followed by Starbucks, and joined the Central team in 2007. He has a Biblical Studies Certificate through Liberty University. Nick and his wife, Laura, live in the Las Vegas area with their three daughters, Avery, Quinn, and Cosette, along with their dogs Zoe & Olive.

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Scott's road to CEO has taken an unconventional route as he began his career in show business. Whether he was teaching performance to competitive ice skaters alongside Olympic medalist, Ron Ludington, to becoming the official blogger for Project Runway Season 3, Scott has always been the first to raise his hand when an opportunity presented itself. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Scott grew up in Scottsdale, Arizona and has lived in several states along the way. He moved to Las Vegas in 1999 with his husband, Michael, and joined Make-A-Wish in 2018 as the Vice President of Mission Advancement before taking over as CEO in October 2021.

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