CEO, Founder, and Chairman of The Board

Ira W. Miller is the Founder of the First Inning Holdings Special Opportunity Fund, a diversified private equity firm launched in January 2025. The fund invests in the rapidly expanding sports ecosystem, focusing on sports teams, leagues, and the arbitrage of European athletes, alongside a real estate–driven Opportunity Zone strategy that offers tax incentives for investors.

With a background in private equity, venture capital, and M&A consulting, Ira has represented over $8.5 billion in market capitalization since 2008, helping companies uplist to the NYSE and Nasdaq or pursue strategic acquisitions. His deal experience includes Amedisys, a home healthcare company that grew from a $50M valuation to over $3Bn; Epicor, an enterprise software solutions company acquired by KKR for $865M; and Orko Silver, sold to Coeur Mining for $382M.

A graduate of UC Irvine, Ira holds a degree in Economics with a minor in Psychology. He has served on UCLA’s Board of Economics and launched educational platforms at Duke’s Fuqua School of Business and Yale University to support students pursuing careers in sports private equity and M&A. Ira is a proud father of two, Jason and Danielle.

Chief Financial Officer

Russell is a seasoned finance professional with 20 years of experience across various industries, including working for the Washington Football Team, Fannie Mae, and serving as a financial consultant to the federal government. He has leveraged his extensive expertise to create financial reports for mid-level managers to C-suite executives, develop financial controls, build financial systems, re-engineer business processes, and underwrite multi-million dollar structured finance deals. Russell is skilled in financial planning and analysis, financial statement analysis, equity analysis, financial modeling, M&A analysis, risk assessment, LBO analysis, and financial auditing. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with a focus on Sports Management and Business from the University of Maryland, College Park, and holds an M.B.A. and a Master’s in Finance from the same institution.

Managing Director

Ava Kennerly is Managing Director at First Innings Holdings. With expertise in private equity, venture capital, and real estate funds, she brings a deep understanding of complex investment structures and strategic growth initiatives. Ava has successfully navigated capital markets, structured high-value deals, and driven investment success.

Beyond her professional achievements, Ava is passionate about mentorship and financial education. In her spare time, she leads a group of aspiring investors, teaching them about emerging funds, capital markets trading, and innovative investment strategies. With her sharp analytical skills and leadership, she continues to shape the future of finance—one deal, one student, and one firm at a time.

Managing Partner (London)

Rahul Mehta is the Director at Parker Lloyd Group, where he has been since 2010, focusing on business development and raising capital for companies in sectors such as oil & gas, mining, and clean-tech. He has built strong relationships with high-net-worth investors and family offices across Europe, Africa, Asia, and India. More recently, Rahul co-founded King Football and Grvty Technologies with Dimitar Berbatov, focusing on sports merchandise and social media monetization for athletes. He also serves as a partner at Outdrive GP, an events business involving F1 drivers and e-sports sim racers, and continues to advise sports franchises globally.

Managing Partner (Melbourne)

Jamieson is the Founder of G2G Sports and a Senior Lawyer at Horne Legal, with extensive experience in both the sports industry and legal field. As the founder of G2G Sports, Jamieson helps athletes and teams by offering player management, consulting, and elite mindset coaching. G2G Sports provides a fresh approach to player management and creates unique opportunities for its clients. Jamieson leverages an elite corporate network to develop innovative solutions for athletes and teams, focusing on enhancing performance through mindset coaching. Well-connected both domestically and internationally, Jamieson possesses strong negotiation, business development, and client relationship skills. He holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B. Honours) and a Bachelor of Business (Accounting) from Griffith University, Queensland, Australia.

Chief Operating Officer

Brian is the CFO and Financial Operations Principal for multiple broker dealers and hedge funds, with over 25 years of experience as a CPA specializing in the securities industry. He began his career as a Senior Consultant at Deloitte Haskins and Sells and Price Waterhouse, providing accounting services to hedge funds, broker dealers, and high-net-worth individuals. He has held leadership roles at Atlantis Business Development Corp., Natcore Solar Technology, and American Frontier Financial Corp. Brian holds CPA licenses in NJ and NY, various FINRA licenses, and is a member of the NJSCPA, NYSCPA, and AICPA.

Advisor

Randall advised America Online (AOL) and served as General Counsel for Monumental Sports & Entertainment, bringing extensive experience in sports, media, entertainment, and technology. As the former CEO and Commissioner of the Arena Football League, he has worked with teams, leagues, financial institutions, private equity firms, and high-net-worth individuals. He has handled major transactions across the NBA, WNBA, NHL, NFL, MLB, and MLS, including arena and stadium development, media distribution deals, and sports betting agreements. With deep expertise in content distribution and media strategy, Randall helps clients navigate the evolving landscape of streaming, alternative media, and emerging technologies like VR, AR, and AI in sports and entertainment.

Managing Director

Sandor has expertise in investment analysis, market research, product development, and strategic partnerships. He has been responsible for sourcing deals, conducting due diligence, and consulting for start-up companies focused on dual-use AI, SaaS technologies, and sports. Sandor has played a key role in expanding the Athenian Capital’s operations in Silicon Valley and London. His previous experience includes leadership roles at Techstars Boston Accelerator and Yale Undergraduate Capital Partners, where he mentored students and worked with early-stage startups. Sandor holds a BA in Economics from Yale University where he also played soccer, and is bilingual in English and Spanish.

Investment Analyst

Jason Thomas is a finance student at Rutgers New Brunswick Business School, expected to graduate in May 2024. He has demonstrated academic excellence, earning Dean’s List honors and the Rutgers Scarlet Scholarship. His work experience includes roles as an Investment Analyst at First Inning Ventures, where he contributed to fundraising efforts, and as a Private Equity Analyst Intern at Catalyst Investments. Jason has led multiple financial projects, including the MSD Partners National Stock Pitch Competition, and has a strong interest in supercars, weightlifting, choral performance, and Muay Thai. He is skilled in financial analysis and investment strategy. He is preparing to achieve his CFA certification.

CPA, CGMA, CIA, MBA
Chief Compliance Officer, First Inning Holdings

Julia Yu is a finance executive and investor with 20+ years of experience in private equity, capital markets, and strategic finance. She has served as CFO and advisor to public and private companies, leading capital raises, M&A, and business transformations across multiple industries.

She began her career at HSBC before taking senior finance roles at Unilever. An expert in pre- and post-IPO strategy, SEC reporting, and investor relations, she helps companies scale and navigate complex financial landscapes.

A Best Woman CFO Finalist (FEI Silicon Valley), Julia is a CPA, CGMA, and CIA. She holds a dual MBA from Shanghai University of Finance and Economics and Webster University and is Six Sigma Black Belt Certified.

Passionate about education and financial empowerment, she has served as Treasurer and Board Director for Brooklyn Music School and Dwight-Englewood School.

At First Inning Holdings, Julia applies her expertise in private equity, M&A, and investment strategy to optimize financial performance and drive long-term growth.

Managing Director & Chief Marketing Officer

Tricia Vanderslice is the Managing Director and Chief Marketing Officer at First Inning Holdings, where she leads brand strategy, investor relations, and revenue growth across the firm’s sports-focused private equity portfolio. With over 16 years of experience, she played a pivotal role in scaling ETFMG from $500K to $4B AUM, pioneering investor education in emerging sectors like cannabis and cybersecurity, and leading global multi-platform strategies for brands including USA Swimming and Ironman Triathlon.

Her work spans Emmy-nominated content, globally trademarked ETF brands, and industry-first partnerships across finance, sports, and over 100 consumer brands. Tricia’s expertise in content-first marketing, strategic partnerships, and performance-driven growth makes her a driving force behind First Inning Holdings’ brand and commercial expansion.

She holds a BA in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Alabama, with minors in Spanish and Communication Studies, and is a proud mother of two.