Advisory Board
George Manias
ABLL PRESIDENT, COO & LEAGUE CO-FOUNDER
George Manias is the Co-Founder, President & Chief Operating Officer of the American Box Lacrosse League (ABLL), where he oversees league operations, strategic growth, franchise development, and business initiatives designed to elevate the sport of box lacrosse across North America.
A veteran sports executive with more than two decades of leadership experience, Manias is also the Co-Owner and Chief Operating Officer of the Corpus Christi IceRays of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) and the Founder & President of GemCo Sports & Entertainment (GSE), a boutique sports marketing and management agency specializing in the launch, operation, and growth of professional sports teams, leagues, and venues.
Prior to founding GSE, Manias served as President & CEO of the Orlando Valkyries of the Pro Volleyball Federation, leading the organization through a championship-winning season in just its second year. He previously held the role of President & COO of the Albany FireWolves of the National Lacrosse League and President & COO of the three-time Arena Football League Champion Albany Empire. His executive leadership also includes serving as President & COO of several professional hockey organizations across the Central Hockey League, United Hockey League, and ECHL.
Before leading franchises as a team president, Manias built an accomplished career driving ticket sales, corporate partnerships, and business operations for several major professional sports organizations, including the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins—where he was part of the organization during its back-to-back Stanley Cup championships—the Tampa Bay Lightning, and the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers.
Manias has also been a leader in the sports consulting industry, helping establish and grow two of the most respected revenue-generation firms in professional sports: Legends Global Sales, the premium sales and consulting company backed by the New York Yankees and Dallas Cowboys, and Front Row Marketing Services, formerly owned by Global Spectrum.
Recognized for his expertise in organizational leadership, revenue generation, franchise development, and operational excellence, Manias has built a reputation for transforming sports organizations into championship-caliber businesses both on and off the field. His diverse experience across the NHL, NBA, NLL, professional hockey, arena football, volleyball, and now box lacrosse provides a unique perspective on building sustainable, fan-focused sports properties and driving long-term growth throughout the industry.
Steve Donner
ABLL COMMISSIONER & LEAGUE CO-FOUNDER:
Steve Donner is a Co-Founder and Commissioner of the American Box Lacrosse League (ABLL), bringing more than four decades of leadership and innovation across professional sports. Widely recognized as one of the pioneering executives in modern lacrosse, Donner was an original and influential founder and operator of the National Lacrosse League (NLL), helping establish and grow the sport at the professional level.
Today, Donner serves as Co-Owner and CEO of the Corpus Christi IceRays of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) and is the majority owner of Dothan United Soccer Club of USL League Two (USL2). He was also a co-owner of the Elmira Mammoth of the Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL).
Throughout his distinguished career, Donner has founded and led several successful professional sports franchises, including serving as Founder and CEO of the Rochester Knighthawks (NLL), the Rochester Rattlers (Major League Lacrosse), and the Rochester Raging Rhinos (United Soccer League). He also served as President and CEO of the Rochester Americans of the American Hockey League (AHL), one of hockey’s most storied franchises, and has held chief executive leadership positions with numerous other professional sports teams and ventures.
As Co-Founder and Commissioner of the ABLL, Donner leverages his extensive experience in league operations, franchise development, and sports business to help drive the growth of box lacrosse across the United States. His proven track record of building successful organizations and expanding professional sports has made him one of the industry’s most respected executives.
Nathaniel Pierce
GENERAL COUNCIL
Nathaniel (Nat) Pierce Is An Experienced Attorney And Advisor With A 15+ Year Demonstrated History Of Working In The Legal Services Industry. Skilled In Mergers & Acquisitions, Securities Regulation, Entrepreneurial Finance, Nonprofit Organizations And Strategic Planning. At Pierce / Mccoy I Am Focusing On Building And Leading Teams Of Legal Talent To Provide The Highest Level Of Service To Our Firm’s Individuals And Business Clients In Various Practice Areas. Current Areas Of Focus For Expansion Include NYC, New England And Texas.
Nat Also Dedicates Himself To Coaching Lacrosse And Is The Founder Of Local Lacrosse Programs Aimed At Fostering A Deep Appreciation And Enduring Love For The Sport. Through These Initiatives, He Strives To Expand The Reach And Impact Of Lacrosse Within His Community, Empowering Aspiring Athletes And Instilling The Sport’s Inherent Values.
Ashleigh Martinovich
ABLL LEAGUE INVESTOR
CEO OF ASH BUSINESS ADVISORY, CEO 40 TOURS REGISTERED INVESTMENT ADVISOR, CEO CARLEIGH’S CLOSET, CEO ASH PRESS PUBLISHING
Ashleigh Martinovich Utilizing their broad experience as founders, entrepreneurs and corporate and military leaders, Ash Business Advisory provides comprehensive growth and performance solutions for America’s small and mid-sized companies. ABA’s credentialed teammates have served as Chairman, CEO, CFO, COO, Branch & Division Manager, and Founder in a broad array of organizations. This experience helps their clients implement proven systems and strategies – no need to reinvent the wheel.
ABA’s Advisor success speaks for itself but, many times even more impactful, their experience with crisis management, failure and wildly successful comebacks provide clients with a virtual library of company protection strategies and the ability to see around corners.