CEO, Founder, and Chairman of The Board

As the CEO and Founder of First Inning Holdings Inc., Ira leverages his extensive experience in Private Equity, Venture Capital, and M&A Consulting to provide strategic solutions for sports-related businesses. Founded in January 2024, First Inning Holdings offers corporate consulting, collegiate branding services, and sports team acquisitions with a global vision. Since 2008, Ira has represented over $ 8.5 billion in market capitalization, assisting public companies like Amedisys and Orko Silver with uplisting to the NYSE and Nasdaq or facilitating acquisitions. He has also launched platforms at Rutgers, Duke, and Yale Universities to support students in sports private equity and M&A. Passionate about sports philanthropy, Ira advises the Sports Philanthropy Network and supports U.S. and Israeli military veteran charities. He is also a father of two children — Jason and Danielle Miller.

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 Partner (North America) Principal Boston Office

Ava, also known to us as Jasmine, is the new Managing Partner at First Innings Holdings. With extensive 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 and conducting due diligence on companies focused on dual-use AI and SaaS technologies. 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 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.

VP of Sponsorships

Tricia Vanderslice, VP of Sponsorships at First Innings Holdings, drives revenue growth and strategic partnerships by leveraging AI-powered marketing, investor relations, and large-scale media strategy. With a track record of scaling brands to market leadership, she helped grow ETFMG from $500K to $4B AUM and delivered 40M+ impressions with 840K+ engagements for USA Swimming’s 2016 Rio Olympics campaign. Tricia has led digital transformations that doubled web traffic, increased social impressions by 1.2M+, and developed omnichannel demand and monetization strategies that drive measurable business growth. Her expertise in content-driven marketing, revenue optimization, and performance strategy makes her a driving force in expanding First Innings Holdings’ brand presence and sponsorship portfolio.