Staff

Staff

Brandon Ikard

Commissioner

Brandon Ikard serves as Commissioner of the National Arena League, where he overseas league operations, strategic development, and long-term planning. With over a decade of experience in sports business and branding, Ikard has played a key role in revitalizing the NAL through increased professionalism, financial structure, and expanded national visibility. 

Brandon Ikard serves as Commissioner of the National Arena League, where he overseas league operations, strategic development, and long-term planning. With over a decade of experience in sports business and branding, Ikard has played a key role in revitalizing the NAL through increased professionalism, financial structure, and expanded national visibility. 

Before becoming Commissioner, Brandon Ikard built a successful career in custom sportswear and corporate branding as the co-founder of Ai Apparel Group and GOAT Sports Marketing, both of which he continues to operate. Ikard remains committed to growing the league, enhancing fan engagement, and creating meaningful opportunities for teams and players both on and off the field.

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Steven Shotola

Special Assistant to the Commissioner

Steven joins the NAL after seven seasons of working on the team level as the Director of Multimedia of the Jacksonville Sharks. Steven has won multiple league awards for "Best Media" and "Best Website" and is now spearheading media demands on a league level where he works directly with teams in the realms of social media, website, and public relation integration. His role is responsible for covering the league media & news outreach of the National Arena League. Currently Steven oversees technology & digital advancements for the NAL and works with partnering companies on major future projects for the NAL online and on the turf. 

Steven joins the NAL after seven seasons of working on the team level as the Director of Multimedia of the Jacksonville Sharks. Steven has won multiple league awards for "Best Media" and "Best Website" and is now spearheading media demands on a league level where he works directly with teams in the realms of social media, website, and public relation integration. His role is responsible for covering the league media & news outreach of the National Arena League. Currently Steven oversees technology & digital advancements for the NAL and works with partnering companies on major future projects for the NAL online and on the turf. 

Steven has also been instrumental in coordinating special events for the National Arena League including NAL Championship Media Days, Annual Award Banquets, and served as the lead media contact for National Arena League Championship games. In addition to arena football, Steven has worked in the NFL with the New York Jets and works in the Technology field for Production & Events for the Jacksonville Jaguars where he has been nominated for Front Office award in 2024.

Steven currently lives in St. Augustine, FL where his hobbies include fishing, grilling, golf, and taking Disney World trips with his wife & kids. 

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Chris Reynolds

Director of Operations & Corporate Partnerships
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Reynolds joins the National Arena League front office bringing years of experience as a former player, team owner, league executive, and community builder. As the Owner and General Manager of the Idaho Horsemen, Chris has established a reputation for building a championship-caliber organization on and off the field.

Reynolds joins the National Arena League front office bringing years of experience as a former player, team owner, league executive, and community builder. As the Owner and General Manager of the Idaho Horsemen, Chris has established a reputation for building a championship-caliber organization on and off the field.

Before bringing the Horsemen into the NAL, Chris founded and led the American West Football Conference (AWFC), operating the league successfully for four seasons. Under his leadership, the AWFC created opportunities for athletes, coaches, and fans to experience professional arena football across the western United States. After multiple seasons as Commissioner of the AWFC, Chris made the decision to transition the Horsemen into the NAL, expanding their platform to a national stage.

Known for his vision, business acumen, and passion for the game, Chris has a proven track record in sponsorship development, fan engagement, and operations. His ability to secure key partnerships, grow loyal fan bases, and inspire athletes has made him a trusted figure in arena football.

In his new role with the NAL, Chris will continue to focus on league growth, community impact, and strengthening the connection between teams and fans across all markets. His commitment remains centered on using football not only as entertainment but as a platform for opportunity, unity, and giving back.

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Craig Helser

Director of Officials

Hesler enters his third year serving as Supervisor of Officials for the National Arena League. Craig began officiating indoor football in 1998 and has since become one of the most respected officials in the sport. Over his 26-year career, he has worked as a Back Judge in AF2 for five seasons and has served as a Referee in the IFL, CIF, AFL, and AF1.

Hesler enters his third year serving as Supervisor of Officials for the National Arena League. Craig began officiating indoor football in 1998 and has since become one of the most respected officials in the sport. Over his 26-year career, he has worked as a Back Judge in AF2 for five seasons and has served as a Referee in the IFL, CIF, AFL, and AF1.

Craig has officiated multiple championship games across AF2, IFL, CIF, and AFL and was inducted into the Kansas Indoor Professional Football Hall of Fame in 2018—where he remains the only official ever honored.

He currently resides in Wichita, Kansas, and also serves as a Referee at the NCAA level in the Southland Conference.

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Leif Kertis

Vice President of Expansion & Growth

Kertis plays a critical role in advancing the league’s long-term vision through market development, franchise relations, and strategic league expansion. His responsibilities include overseeing the vetting and onboarding process for new ownership groups, ensuring all prospective teams meet the NAL’s operational and compliance standards, and supporting sustainable growth across all member organizations.

Kertis plays a critical role in advancing the league’s long-term vision through market development, franchise relations, and strategic league expansion. His responsibilities include overseeing the vetting and onboarding process for new ownership groups, ensuring all prospective teams meet the NAL’s operational and compliance standards, and supporting sustainable growth across all member organizations.

Leif brings a results-driven approach focused on strengthening league infrastructure, enhancing team stability, and identifying new opportunities for market entry and strategic partnerships. His leadership ensures that each addition to the league not only elevates the competitive landscape but also aligns with the NAL’s commitment to professionalism.

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Jim Meunier

Head of Digital Media

Meunier leads the league’s digital strategy, content creation, and online engagement initiatives. With a strong background in sports media and storytelling, Jim oversees the production and distribution of digital content across all NAL platforms, ensuring fans stay connected to the league year-round.

Meunier leads the league’s digital strategy, content creation, and online engagement initiatives. With a strong background in sports media and storytelling, Jim oversees the production and distribution of digital content across all NAL platforms, ensuring fans stay connected to the league year-round.

He is responsible for managing multimedia coverage, coordinating with team media departments, and driving innovative campaigns that enhance fan experience and league visibility. Jim’s commitment to creative excellence and his deep understanding of digital trends help position the NAL as a leader in professional indoor football entertainment across streaming, social, and digital media spaces.

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