Congratulations to Jené Elzie, CDI.D, for joining the board of Varsity Brands, a portfolio company of Bain Capital Private Equity. Jené's extensive leadership and operational experience, including as an executive with the NBA, have built a strong understanding of corporate issues, including forward-looking media and digital trends, intra-generational management dynamics, public relations crisis management, and brand stewardship. This combination, along with her board certified status, qualifies her to be a valuable contributor to a public board.

FOR RELEASE -- June 7, 2021 -- Denver, CO

ACE LLC Announces the Appointment of Jené Elzie, CDI.D, to Varsity Brands, Dallas, TX

Jené Elzie Joins Varsity Brands Board of Directors

Dallas, TX, June 3, 2021 -- Varsity Brands, the market leader in sport, spirit and achievement and a portfolio company of Bain Capital Private Equity, today announced the election of Jené Elzie, CDI.D, to its Board of Directors. Ms. Elzie, who currently serves as Chief Growth Officer for Athletes First Partners Agency, is a deeply-experienced sports and entertainment executive across a variety of blue-chip companies and globally-respected brands. She earlier served as VP of International Marketing for the National Basketball Association, responsible for developing and leading the NBA’s international marketing efforts.

Varsity Brands’ Lead Director Ryan Cotton, who also serves as Bain Capital’s Global Head of Consumer / Retail, said, “We are delighted to welcome Jené to the Varsity Brands’ Board of Directors, and believe that her experience transforming brands for the digital age, strategic acumen in the sports industry and passion for the Varsity Brands’ mission will add immediate and tangible value to the Board’s work. We look forward to benefiting from her perspective and contributions to the Company.”

Prior to joining the NBA, Jené served in roles of increasing responsibility at NBC Universal/Comcast, including London-based VP roles in International Sales and Commercial Development. Earlier, she was VP of Programming & Acquisitions for The Tennis Channel and Manager of Acquisitions for Fox Sports Net in Los Angeles.

Jené earned a BA in Economics and MA in Organizational Behavior from Stanford University.

About Varsity Brands

With a mission to inspire achievement and create memorable experiences for young people, Varsity Brands elevates the student experience, promotes participation and celebrates achievement through three unique but interrelated businesses: BSN SPORTS; Varsity Spirit; and Herff Jones. Together, these businesses promote personal, school and community pride through their customizable products and programs to elementary and middle schools, high schools, and colleges and universities, as well as church organizations, professional and collegiate sports teams and corporations. Through its 9,000 dedicated employees and independent representatives, Varsity Brands reaches its individual and institutional customers each year via e-commerce sites, catalogs, telesales, and direct sales channels.

"We are very proud of Jené's appointment to the board of Varsity Brands. Her appointment represents the 53rd board appointment of ACE Graduates to date."
- Michele Ashby, CEO, ACE LLC

Jené holds a designation as a qualified board candidate CDI.D from Corporate Directors International LLC. and is a 2021 graduate of the ACE Board Training for Women.