Todd Kowalski named Executive Director of the PA Esports Coalition
HARRISBURG, Pa. (Monday, Aug. 31, 2020) – The Pennsylvania Esports Coalition (PA ESC) has brought Todd Kowalski on as its new Executive Director. Kowalski, a seasoned professional in grassroots advocacy and coalition management, will continue to build awareness of the economic, educational and social benefits associated with esports in Pennsylvania by further promoting partnerships; both in public and private spaces.
Kowalski has been involved in state and local politics for the last 15 years, working in the Pennsylvania Senate and Lieutenant Governor’s office from 2009 to 2014. Most recently, he worked for the PFM Group, developing business and partnership opportunities for the company, as well as government affairs responsibilities. He is currently the principal of Cornerstone Strategies, a business development and government affairs practice.
Personally, outside of his professional career, Kowalski has passionately promoted the economic impact and emphasized the growth opportunity of esports across industries over the last several years. His commitment to the industry is what caught the eye of the Coalition.
“Todd’s experience and success within the advocacy, partnership development and government relations sectors are well-known and comprehensive, and his relationships throughout the Commonwealth are impressive,” said Bill Thomas, Chairman of the PA ESC. “Over the years his interest and commitment to growing the esports industry in Pennsylvania, on his own time, is something the Coalition has seen firsthand, and when the opportunity to officially bring Todd onto our team, we jump at the chance. We know this relationship will expand our reach and help Pennsylvania continue to be a leader in the esports ecosystem.”
Kowalski said that he is looking forward to his new role with the Coalition, mainly because it is a rare opportunity to witness the transformative power of a new industry’s growth.
“I have been passionate about playing video games for the last 3 decades and I now have the opportunity to advocate and participate in something I love,” Kowalski said. “This is a great opportunity and I look forward to working with our Board and members, current and future, to advance Pennsylvania’s economy through this innovative and growing industry.”
In the coming weeks, Kowalski said he will be working to advocate on behalf of members to the economic impact of the industry. Primarily, he said he will be working to advance a resolution, recently announced by state Sen. Tom Killion (R-Chester and Delaware), which would compel the Pennsylvania Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to commission a study on esports’ future in the Commonwealth. Kowalski said the Coalition has been working with Killion on this study, which will provide a roadmap for how the state should promote and grow the industry.
Kowalski said he also intends to continue growing opportunities for members throughout industries to network and communicate their vision of esports growth. He intends to work with the board to grow social media, newsletter content, educational opportunities, and cross-selling networking events. And he wants to grow the Coalition’s membership so that all potential partners, those endemic and nonendemic to the industry, have their voices heard.
“Pennsylvania is a regional, national and global leader within esports already, but there is so much more we can do to solidify our place as the preeminent location for esports,” Kowalski added. “The state needs to see the potential esports brings for economic, educational and social growth, and support the groups that are already working to make our Commonwealth the epicenter of esports activity.”
For more information on this announcement, please contact Todd Kowalski at 215-589-8458, or via email at tkowalski@paesports.org, or Bill Thomas at 717-857-7435, or via email at info@paesports.org.