WHO WE ARE
OUR ADMINISTRATION TEAM
CHRISTIAN NEISWONGER
Executive Director
He began volunteering for SAGE Global in 2018, he currently leads our global directors and ensures all projects are met. His goals for this year are to encourage the cohesion and coordination of our team in a virtual environment to deliver a smooth national and global SAGE Competition.
SHANE HOOKER
Director Of Coaching
I oversee and support teen entrepreneurs preparing for the SAGE U.S. Competition and World Cup. Since joining SAGE in 2016, I have focused on guiding participants through the annual report and oral presentation formats, setting goals, and conducting monthly check-ins. I collaborate with the Directors of Recruiting and Innovation to ensure smooth transitions for new businesses and introduce them to the competition timeline and structure. Additionally, I ensure that our team is familiar with competition guidelines and coordinate the submission of materials. My goal every year is to make every SAGE business feel like they are prepared for success.
LINDSEY ALFORD
Director of Recruiting
Worked with SAGE during her freshman year of college and has stayed with the organization for the last four years. In these four years Lindsey has held the position of Director of Communications, Director of Sales and Marketing.
DALSIN ALVES
Communications Manager
Dalsin Alves holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from California State University, Chico, and is currently pursuing a Master's in Public Health at UC Irvine. New to SAGE as of 2024, Dalsin is dedicated to empowering others and supporting their success. She is passionate about contributing to the development of entrepreneurial leaders whose innovative solutions and social enterprises meet significant global needs.
BLAKE GUILLEN
Director of Integration
Joining SAGE opened my eyes to what is achievable on a global level! Having the opportunity to meet so many fantastic individuals and work with such an excellent team has created lifelong memories! Each time I watch these brave entrepreneurs from around the world, it reminds me of why I joined SAGE.
JONATHAN GOMEZ
Co Director of Web Development
A Los Angeles native and Mechanical Engineering graduate from Chico, California, is a dedicated individual with a diverse skill set. His passion for engineering and relentless curiosity drive his professional growth. In 2016, he joined Sage, enriching his life through interactions with diverse cultures and individuals. This experience, combined with his technical expertise, makes Jonathan a well-rounded individual, continually inspired by his journey from Los Angeles to Chico and his achievements in engineering.
MIGUEL RAMIREZ
Co Director of Web Development
Miguel has worked with SAGE since 2016. He started as the Director of Technology bringing new ideas to enhance everyone’s competition experience. He now brings his knowledge in technology and business to reimagine SAGE’s technological foundation.
DAVID MILLER
Director of Marketing
As the Director of Marketing, David is responsible for developing and executing marketing strategies that drive business growth. David is a creative thinker with a passion for innovation and a proven track record of delivering results. In his free time, he enjoys hiking and exploring new places with his family.
LEADERSHIP
ROB J. BEST
CEO
Supporting SAGE Global since before our incorporation in 2002, Rob is now our CEO and is focused on guiding us toward being a world-leading example of inclusion, diversity and equality.
CAROL FURTADO
COO
Since 2003 Carol has supported the SAGE Global team with attention to detail that has helped our organization achieve sustainable norms that continue to exceed expectations. Carol is responsible for global operations and ensuring that all of the systems, resources, and people are in place to achieve our goals.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PETER FAGEN
Chairman
Peter K. Fagen is a founding partner of Fagen Friedman & Fulfrost. Established in 2006, the firm is recognized as the premier full-service education law firm in California, representing nearly 500 clients across the state.
KELBY THORNTON
Board Member
Kelby Thornton is the Information Management leader in San Joaquin Valley Business Unit for Chevron North America Exploration & Production Operation Company. Kelby has over 15 years energy industry experience.
VAN AJEMIAN
Board Member
Van Ajemian is an attorney by profession and a social entrepreneur by passion. Having graduated UCLA, he now manages two charities in Montebello, California.
DANIELLE HARMONY
Board Member
Danielle Harmony has been volunteering with SAGE Global since its inception in 2002 and is proud to join the board in 2016. She is a data analyst at heart and enjoys using data.