SEAT Global Magazine - Exclusive Interviews of Global Sport Executive Issue 05 June/July 2017 Special Edition | Page 28

Erik Jones

CTO

University of Washington Athletics

Washington, United States

When was your first SEAT Event?

SEAT San Francisco 2015

How would you describe SEAT?

"SEAT provides a great network of people that are influencing the next generation of technology in sports globally."

Mountains or the beach and why?

The beach. The beach typically includes warmth and the sun and we seldom see those things in Seattle.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I am an IT professional, what is spare time? ;-)

What was your first job?

My first 'real' job as a teenager, I worked as a field crew member (aka garbage man) at an event called the Taste of Chicago. I ate very well that summer.

What is the funniest thing that has happened to your recently?

I was running behind my 7 year old as she rode her bicycle and she drops me... I can hear her singing "slow-poke" in the distance as she waited for me to catch up. Not my proudest moment but needless to say I have been in the gym twice a day since.

... Favorite quote or words you live by:

"We are never prepared for what we expect." -- Michener

I like this quote in the context of life because no matter how much you prepare there will always be on opportunity that you have not foreseen but somehow, through grit and determination you create a solution and find a path forward.

What I like most about the sports industry or the business of sports?

There are many things that enjoy about working in sports e.g. the camaraderie, the teamwork, the many opportunities to improve. the industry is changing and growing rapidly and is never dull.

What are you most thankful for?

Two things: Family and the ability to do something that I love each day and not call it work.

Upclose & Personal with SEAT Steering Committee Members:

www.seatconsortium.com @SEATconference

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