Meet the Staff at AAO

At AAO, our staff are committed to creating a positive, high-impact environment where young athletes can grow. Through thoughtful guidance, exceptional programs, and a dedication to putting player development first, our team works to transform games and change lives.

Josh Pauley, Executive Director

Hometown: Tyler, TX 

Favorite Athlete: Galen Rupp

Josh is passionate about strengthening families and creating positive experiences for young people through sports. He has been married to his wife, Mary, for 12 years, and together they are raising two wonderful kids. Outside of work, Josh enjoys spending time outdoors running, hiking, and floating the Buffalo River. He believes radically in the mission of AAO because he has seen firsthand the lasting impact coaches can have in shaping the confidence, character, and future of youth through athletics. 

Staci Thrasher Sweeden, Director of Operations

Hometown: Mountain Home, Arkansas

Favorite Athlete: Bri Ellis

Staci moved to Fayetteville in 2009 to study Theatre at the University of Arkansas and joined the AAO team as the Director of Operations in 2024. She has coached youth softball for several years, in both local recreational and travel programs.

Staci and her husband live in Farmington with their 12-year-old daughter and two dogs. When they are not calling the Hogs at Bogle Park or Baum-Walker Stadium, they are at a softball field with their daughter or enjoying hosting friends in their home

Gage Jensen, Director of Sports

Hometown: Alma, Arkansas

Favorite Athlete: Dirk Nowitzski

I’m a driven individual who enjoys learning, creating, and connecting with others. I thrive in collaborative environments where I can bring creativity, problem-solving, and a positive attitude to every project. I’m always looking for new opportunities to challenge myself and make a meaningful impact. Outside of work, I enjoy exploring new ideas, staying active, and spending time with friends and family.

Reilly Hopper, Director of Developments

Hometown: New Braunfels, TX

Favorite Athlete: Tim Duncan

Reilly graduated from the University of Arkansas with a degree in Recreation and Sport Management. She started with AAO in 2025 as the Director of Development. Prior to her time in Development, she has coached an AAO Rookie League team and provided operational support to the organization.

Reilly and her husband, Justin, live in Lincoln with their dog Fitz. They enjoy house projects and traveling. 

Landon Hambrick, Programs Director

Hometown: Searcy, Arkansas

Favorite Athlete: Damian Lillard

Landon came to Fayetteville to attend the University of Arkansas and earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Management. He has had over 17 years of basketball experience, both as an athlete and a coach. 

Landon started with AAO in 2023 as an intern and trainer, and joined the team Full-Time as a Program Director in 2025. He currently lives in Fayetteville and enjoys fishing and golfing when he isn’t on the court.

Nehemiah Horace, Programs Director

Hometown: Phenix City, Alabama

Favorite Athlete: Michael Jordan

Nehemiah is an Alabama native, where he attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham and earned his degree in Computer Science Software Development. He moved to Northwest Arkansas in 2024 to join the AAO Programs team. He has 15 years of experience as a basketball trainer and has been involved with multiple camps around the country including: Snow Valley, CP3, and MADE Hoops.

Nehemiah and his wife currently reside in Rogers with their five and two-year-old sons. He enjoys working out and spending time with his family.

Sean Siler, Programs Director

Hometown: Alma, Arkansas

Favorite Athlete: Marcus Smart

Sean joined the AAO team in 2017. He has over 11 years of basketball experience, and in addition to his role as a Program Director, he serves as the Boys Flight Director and coaches multiple Flight teams.

Maci Herron, Operations Administrator

Hometown: Bentonville, AR

Favorite Athlete: Josh Allen

Maci loves spending time with her friends and family, especially when it involves playing board games. She has 3 cats, Frankie, Finn, and Feebee, who make life so fun. She is always looking forward to her next trip with her husband, ideally one on a cruise! 

Parker Willis, Marketing Coordinator

Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee

Favorite Athlete: Tim Tebow

Parker joined AAO in 2025 as the Marketing Coordinator. He has 5 years of experience helping nonprofits build their online presence and better engage their audience. He enjoys helping others discover passions that drive them and inspire them to become the best version of themselves. 

Meet our Board of Directors

Board Chairman - Michael Klaas

General Mills

Sales Director, Walmart Inc. Snacking

Board Treasurer - Phil Shellhammer

University of Arkansas

Executive Director, Office of Entrepreneurship & Innovation

Vice President of the Board - Kristi Coats

Vendor Mint

Senior Account Director

Board Secretary - Chase Miller

Encore Bank

Mortgage Banker

Jami Ingling

Mars

Global Network Lead - Customer

Lindsay Letterle

Clorox

Senior Director of Sales

Jake Lyssy

Pepsico

Senior Director, Walmart Customer Team

Tyler Gill

MJ Holding

Walmart Sales Team Lead

Sarah Lowrance

Krispy Kreme

Senior Director of Sales

Jeff Soderquist

Retired

John Brown University

Dustin Davis

Ambassador Home Maintenance

Founder

Kevin Pate

Walmart

SVP, GMM

Ryland Allen

Walmart

SVP- Health and Wellness

William Silcott

Walmart

Senior Vice President & Chief Counsel, Sam's Club

Meet the AAO Team

Our team serves students all across Northwest Arkansas and strive towards shining a light in the world of youth sports.