PA Esports Coalition Launches and Names Initial Board of Directors
HARRISBURG, Pa. (Wednesday, May 30, 2018) – The newly formed, Pennsylvania Esports Coalition (PA ESC) launches its mission by naming its initial Board of Directors. PA ESC is a non-profit organization created to advance the development, growth and integrity of esports in the Commonwealth. Its Board includes individuals from various fields of the esports industry, including those who are at the forefront of establishing Pennsylvania as a leading esports market. The group will focus on growing the esports industry across the state through advocacy, education and promotion.
Bill Thomas, Chairman of the PA ESC Board of Directors, said the coalition will build upon the strong momentum that already exists in Pennsylvania regarding esports and work toward being a unified voice for the industry.
“This is an exciting time for those involved in esports,” Thomas said. “Competitive video gaming has been around for a while, but to see this industry explode over the last few years is electrifying. Our coalition will be out in front, advocating for positive public policies, rules and regulations that will allow this industry to continue to grow, while ensuring integrity and safety for those involved.”
In addition to building a strong Board of Directors, the PA ESC also recruited the services of Nick “Megatron_rox8190” Kratz, an avid amateur gamer, who works as a government relations professional for Capital Associates in Harrisburg. Kratz will serve as the Coalition’s Executive Director. He said it will be a centralized entity for the esports industry in Pennsylvania, allowing groups and individuals to make connections and build relationships, as well as encouraging collaboration between stakeholders.
“The coalition will focus on three key areas: advocacy, education and promotion,” he added. “We want to connect people and businesses together, so that Pennsylvania can continue to be a leader in the esports industry. As someone who loves competitive gaming and who also works in government, there is a definite need for this coalition.”
PA ESC Board member Rob Ambrose is a former Major League Gaming professional player and World Cyber Games national finalist. He currently lives in Philadelphia and is an esports analyst for the Gears Pro Circuit and Call of Duty World League, and is the owner of Trick Strat: Esports Drawing App. He says he is honored to be a part of the PA ESC.
"As a life-long advocate of competitive gaming, advising the Coalition is an absolute privilege,” he said. “I look forward to exploring the benefits and opportunity of esports within Pennsylvania and beyond.”
Bob Ancharski, also a Board member, is the Director of Events and Ticketing for the Whitaker Center, which is a non-profit center for the arts, education, entertainment and cultural enrichment located in downtown Harrisburg. The Whitaker Center has outlined a plan for esports to be a building block of the science and arts center's future. Ancharski said the coalition will be a key component of Pennsylvania’s esports future.
“I feel that the formation of the Pennsylvania Esports Coalition will not only aid in the education of the Pennsylvania gaming market, but will also give the Commonwealth a firm position as an industry leader,” he added.
Below is a full list of the ESC Board of Directors:
Bill Thomas, Chairman
President, Mid-Atlantic Strategic Solutions, LLC
John Fazio, Member
CEO, N3rd Street Gamers and Chairman, Jarvus Innovations
Bob Ancharski, Member
Director, Events & Ticketing at The Whitaker Center
Rob “Immortal Spawn” Ambrose, Member
Developer, Trick Strat Esports Drawing App and Owner, Ambrose Gaming
Thomas "Choppaz" Yantis, Member
Amateur Gamer and Senior at Bishop McDevitt High School
Dave Feidt, Treasurer
Senior Associate, Community Networking Resources
In addition, the PA ESC has established an Advisory Board, which includes:
Nick “Megatron_rox8190” Kratz, Executive Director
Senior Associate, Capital Associates, LLC
Sasha Sacavage, Legal Advisor
Of Counsel, McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC
The PA ESC names McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC as its go-to law firm. Sasha Sacavage, an attorney, has extensive experience in the regulated gaming world, formerly working as Assistant Enforcement Counsel with the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board; Assistant Chief Counsel with the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board; and, Legal Counsel for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
For more information about the PA ESC, visit www.paesports.org. Press inquiries can be made to Nick Kratz at 717-857-7420, or via email at info@paesports.org.