Hear the behind the scenes story of how the Thunder escalated new areas of customer engagement while networking with the marketing community at ONEOK Field.
Michelle Matthews Bio:
Over a decade of experience in the sports industry has equipped Michelle Matthews with a passion and skill for fueling fandom for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Launching her career with the Thunder's
development team in 2009, Michelle's various roles throughout the organization have given her a unique appreciation for cross-collaboration projects. It's also allowed her to leverage her natural knack for program development, evidenced by her impact in the Thunder youth programming space. Her time with the Thunder has taught her how authentic connections can propel the fan journey
forward and elevate a casual fan into a fan who is loyal beyond reason. In 2019 Michelle transitioned from manager of Youth Basketball Programs to manager of Fan Development. This opportunity was
the catalyst for a new division. Fan Development ensures the Thunder is maximizing opportunities for fan data collection and engagement. Fan Development works closely with the Business Intelligence
department to connect leads and other analytic information that helps position the Thunder for continued long-term growth. As manager of Fan Development, Michelle oversees Thunder youth
programming, segment marketing initiatives, Thunder retail development and, most recently, influencer marketing tactics. Michelle's idea of the perfect date is April 25. Because it's not too hot, not too cold.
Erin Lewis Bio:
Erin is a people-watcher. Airports, malls, the DMV, the middle seat in coach - she sees them all as laboratories, places to observe behavior and tease out human truths. Erin's natural curiosity about others motivations made her a natural for brand planning and strategy, a calling she took up at The Richards Group, a Dallas-based advertising agency, after graduating from the University of Oklahoma. Her major in advertising and minor in sociology gave the Sooner a deep appreciation for the humor and irony of moving closer to the Texas Longhorns. While at The Richards Group, Erin worked on brands including The Home Depot. Chick-fil-A, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Ram Trucks, Grocery Outlet, CAN Capital and with The Richards Group's design affiliate, RBMM. After a nearly decade-long career in the Lone Star State, Erin ventured back north to her home state of Oklahoma, where she currently leads brand strategy for the NBA team the Oklahoma City Thunder - a unique opportunity to combine her love for sports and her home state with her love for building strong brands. At the Thunder, Erin is responsible for the development. oversight and implementation of brand strategy and planning, as well as general marketing executions. She's the gatekeeper and the protector, the
disruptor and the problem solver, the point guard and the coach - each day driving more intentionality and purpose; challenging the norm; pushing forward the culture, thinking, and ideology; and uncovering new and relevant ways to connect this already beloved brand to people in even deeper and more meaningful ways. When not at work, Erin loves to travel, practice yoga, ski, and get lost in a good book (especially when a beach is involved). She also loves to explore and discover unique shops and restaurants in OKC's micro-communities. To shop and eat. sure. But mostly to watch.
Honors and involvement:
-2019 40 Under 40, Oklahoma Magazine
-2019 CA World Congress of Sports Eventellect Young Executives Program
-S.A.L.LT. (Salt and Light Leadership Training), Class 17
-American Marketing Association (OKC), member and committee volunteer
-American Advertising Federation/OKC Ad Club, member
-University of Oklahoma JAYMAC Alumni Association, member
-Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma Community Engagement Committee, member
-Founding and Sitting Member of OKC Thunder Diversity & Inclusion Council
-Co-Chair of OKC Thunder Native American Advisory Group
