Passionate – Dedicated – Professional

Steve Bireley

Senior Associate

EDUCATION

  • MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION – San Diego State University
  • BACHELOR OF ARTS – JOURNALISM – San Diego State University

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

  • Athletic Business
  • Indiana Wesleyan University Adjunct Faculty
  • Booth University College Adjunct Faculty

EXPERTISE

  • Operations Planning and Optimization
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Program Assessments
  • Short Term Management Solutions

Steve joined the Ballard*King team in 2024 following a 30+ year career in For-Profit and Not-For-Profit recreation executive leadership. His diverse experience includes management of recreation facilities ranging from the private sector to The Walt Disney Company and the Salvation Army.

Steve’s robust business and recreation background allows him to successfully guide projects for a wide range of clients. Steve specializes in optimizing operational plans and efficiency, partnership development, organizational assessments, and feasibility studies. Steve values the relationships and knowledge of the client and project team and strives to utilize each to their fullest. He develops strong relationships with the people developing and serving each project and facility, as he recognizes the importance of communication and teamwork. One of Steve’s strengths has been assembling and developing high performing teams and partnerships.

Prior to joining B*K, Steve led the operation of a variety of recreation and community service facilities. Steve opened “Disney ICE”, the first official ice facility for the Anaheim Ducks NHL hockey team and provided oversight to 13 Salvation Army Kroc Community Centers with aggregate annual operating budgets approaching $100 million. His facility administrative, operational, and programmatic experiences are uniquely broad and deep.

Steve’s depth of operational and organizational experience allows him to understand the uniqueness of each project and how it may impact or contribute to a local community. He seeks to listen and understand the passions and goals of a project and look at varying options to best serve and meet those needs. He also understands the long-term implications of a project, including budget and operational planning for the future and sustainable operations.

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

  • The Salvation Army Kroc Centers – 13 facilities in the West and Central United States
  • “Disney Ice”: NHL Anaheim Ducks Training Facility
  • Ogden Entertainment – Arrowhead Pond / Honda Center
  • San Diego Ice Arena