Atlanta Vision

From Hoopedia

Quentin Townsend acquired the Atlanta ABA Franchise in late December 2004 during mid-season. Townsend re-named the team to the Atlanta Vision, re-structured the entire organization, and quickly began distinguishing himself and his team as one of the most dynamic ABA franchises in the league. Fueled by his passion for basketball and equipped with his business savvy, Townsend transformed a team in less than three months. Atlanta Vision was recently named “Atlanta’s Best Value for Sports Entertainment” by the Gwinnett Citizen.

Townsend is a native of Joliet, Illinois and grew up with basketball, hard work, community outreach, and strong mentors that shaped him into the successful entrepreneur he is today. Prior to his ABA basketball ownership, Townsend lead a workforce management team for a Fortune 50 Corporation, presented life lessons to youth with B.E.S.T. (Building Esteem Support Team), and helped hundreds of families become homeowners & investors through his real estate entity, Townsend & Company Sales Team. Townsend believes in a simple philosophy quoted from Boxing legend Muhammad Ali, “People will take you seriously when you produce.”

Akilah Townsend has a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering. She brings corporate management, business operations, marketing, and teaching experience to the Vision. The Townsends won the Rookie of the Year Award presented by the Will County Association of Realtors, and graduated with the highest distinction as Joseph Scholars at the Joseph Center School of Business and Entrepreneurship. The Townsends have been married for seven years and have worked together in every business and real estate investment venture. The Townsends recently founded a non-profit organization, Vision of Excellence, and continue to give back to the communities where they work, live, and play.

“We are so excited about bringing quality entertainment and explosive ABA action that is affordable for the entire family to enjoy together in an intimate setting. Every fan not only sees the Vision, but becomes a part of it!”

Atlanta Vision Organization - A New VISION for Professional Sports

Our Mission The Atlanta Vision is Committed to Serve and Build a Stronger and Healthier Community through Outreach, Education, Health Awareness, and Excellence in Sports Entertainment.

Our Purpose The Atlanta Vision honors the responsibility to develop, refine, guide, and enhance the talents and skills of every individual of our organization to achieve extraordinary results. The Atlanta Vision educates players and staff members on nutrition, social integrity, character building, and exposes them to community outreach and professional culture.

Carter Patterson and Brian Richey are great additions to the Atlanta Vision ownership group bringing a strong business background, a passion for sports, and a desire to impact our communities. Carter and Brian are also the owners of Forte' Data Systems established in 1989 in Overland Park, KS to provide quality administration software to the service contract industry.

National Auto Care of Columbus, Ohio and Automobile Protection Corporation (APCO) of Atlanta, GA became the first two licensees of the Forte' Administration System. Before choosing Forte', APCO hired Price Waterhouse to analyze the software packages of Forte', Logic, Xycor, and Stone Eagle. Only Forte' met their rigorous standards. In October 1992, APCO bought out the assets of Forte' Data Systems and named Carter Patterson their Chief Information Officer. Brian Richey became VP of Operations for National Auto Care.

Owner - Brian Richey Brian RicheyIn March 2000, they decided to team back together to provide technology solutions not only to service contract administrators, but to dealers, agents, and direct marketing organizations. Today, Forte' works with over 30 vehicle service contract companies and 18 direct marketing organizations providing parts and labor databases for claim departments, software for direct marketers and contract fulfillment services mailed directly to the end consumer.

The employees of Forte' Data Systems have been involved with IT projects for some of the nations largest independent service contract providers for over 12 years. Forte’ is a proud member of the Johns Creek Business Association with its offices in the North Atlanta metropolitan area. Carter and Brian both live in Suwanee, Georgia with their families.

Executive Management General Manager Dennis Scott - dscott@theatlantavision.com Dennis ScottDennis Scott holds the Georgia Tech record for three-point field goals in a game and set the ACC single-season scoring record of 970 points in 1989-90. Scott was the fourth pick overall in the first round of the1990 NBA draft by the Orlando Magic, played 11 NBA seasons, and ranks among the top 20 in NBA history in three-point field goals. Most recently, Scott was a Dream Job finalist on ESPN. Nicknamed “3-D”, Dennis Scott is right at home with the Atlanta Vision and the ABA noted for its famous 3D rule and affordable family entertainment. “I am excited about giving back to Georgia basketball fans, grooming local talent, and joining the Vision as General Manager,” comments Scott. “Atlanta Vision and I are both committed to excellence, community outreach, and establishing a winning business model for the organization.”

Chief Executive Assistant Bob Lowery - boblowery@theatlantavision.com Bob Lowery Bob Lowery brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in professional development and assists with business operations of the organization. He received his undergraduate degree in education from New Mexico State University where he was both an Academic and Athletic Honorary Mention All-American. He then began his professional football career with the Atlanta Falcons. After a few years, Bob transitioned into the corporate arena where he earned top sales awards for IBM and received his masters of certificate in marketing and sales. He continues to consult business owners and is now CEO of his own company, Four Labs Inc.com. Bob resides in Snellville, Georgia with his family.

Community Partner - Computer Information Technology Young Huynh - yhuynh@theatlantavision.com

Director of Marketing Helen DiCola - hdicola@theatlantavision.com Helen DiCola Helen DiCola brings 18 years of management, communication, and closing skills to the Atlanta Vision. She is an accomplished leader recognized in the field of problem solving, marketing, and customer service as a top performer. Helen recently helped a minor league sports franchise increase game attendance and establish corporate partnerships. She is also a mentor that motivates individuals to maximize high levels of productivity. Helen resides in Smyrna, Georgia with her family.

Basketball Operations

Head Coach Bruce Kreutzer - bkreutzer@theatlantavision.com Bruce Kreutzer Bruce brings a winning tradition to the Vision. Prior to joining Atlanta Vision and Suwanee’s On Court player Development staff, Kreutzer spent 28 years as a coach at the college and high school level, which included a high school state championship in North Carolina and a Final Four appearance with NCAA D-II Queens University in 2003. The New York natives most recent coaching stint was at Massanutten Military Academy, where he led his squad to a number nine national ranking in 2006.

Assistant Coach Anthony Blakley - ablakley@theatlantavision.com

Anthony Blakley brings experience, training, and extensive knowledge to the Vision. His experience covers almost all levels of the game. He began as a high school All-American and MVP during his college days at Mississippi State and Panhandle State. His professional career included developing in the CBA, playing over nine years in European leagues, and being drafted to the NBA Milwaukee Bucks. Anthony is the founder of “Hoops For Life” and is a certified personal trainer. He now teaches basketball fundamentals, as well as the valuable skills he acquired through his many years of professional basketball. He believes in living a balanced life and incorporating fitness as a lifestyle. Anthony is a Hurricane Katrina survivor and presently resides in Lithonia, Georgia.

Assistant Coach & Corporate Account Executive Marc Howard - mhoward@theatlantavision.com Marc Howard Marc brings victorious coaching experience and profitable sales to the Vision. Marc was the Head Coach for the prestigious Providence Catholic Academy located in New Lenox, Illinois, leading them to consecutive winning seasons. Howard has an impressive sales background that contributed to his success in real estate as a Realtor. In 1999 he accepted a sales and marketing internship with Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. In 2000 Marc created Hoops Heaven, a non-profit youth and adult sports organization. Marc's experience with coaching High School Boys Basketball and Fortune 500 Companies has helped him understand the meaning of customer satisfaction and excellence in sports.

Vision Operations Choreographer & Dance Team Director Vanessa Gibson - vgibson@theatlantavision.com

Vanessa began her dancing career at age 7 and has more than 25 years of dance experience. She has performed on stage in Beauty Shop, in films such as Stompin at the Savoy with Debbie Allen, and performed for numerous artists including Will Smith, Prince, and Janet Jackson. She brings an energetic choreography that encompasses all styles of dance and music to the Vision. Her motto is "DANCE AS THOUGH YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT!" Mrs. Gibson resides in Stockbridge, Georgia with her family where she is also the Co-owner and Artistic Director for Eagles Landing Dance Center. www.EaglesLandingDanceCenter.com

Director of Game Day Operations and Promotions Seleta Moore - smoore@theatlantavision.com Seleta Moore Seleta Moore is currently a full-time Sport Management Graduate student at High Point University in High Point, North Carolina and aspires to work in Athletic Administration upon graduation. With eight years experience as a banking professional, she brings excellent administration, organization, and optimization to the Atlanta Vision operations. Seleta has a love for sports and basketball and is a student-athlete graduate from Belmont Abbey College. She led the country in averaging 4 three pointers per game and went to the first round of the NAIA National Playoffs her senior year.

Moore will be completing her internship with the Vision for the 2006-07 season and begin another with the United States Navel Academy, Athletic Department in Annapolis, Maryland this summer. “My opportunity with the Vision is vital to my professional growth in the sports industry and provides exposure to every level of operations of the organization.” Seleta resides in Charlotte, North Carolina with her family and dog Kobe.

Team Physical Therapist Jeff Olivo, P.T., C.S.C.S. Gwinnett Medical SportsRehabJeff earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Daem College in New York in 1995. He is presently enrolled at the University of St. Augustine pursuing his Doctorate in P.T. with a certification in Sports Therapy. He is a certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the NSCA since 1997. Olivo is also certified through Sportsmetrics + SPARQ.

Jeff holds leadership positions include Chairman of the Cultural Diversity Committee for the Physical Therapy Association of Georgia and Chairman of Sports Medicine for the Youth Special Interest Group with the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

“This new Gwinnett SportsRehab location will give Gwinnett Medical Center a strong sports medicine environment to provide the highest level of care and resources to our community. The connection to PTI gives our patients access to a full-range of post-rehab services, including personal fitness and sports-specific training,” says Jeff Olivo, PT, CSCS, physical therapist with Gwinnett SportsRehab. The Suwanee center is the third branch of Gwinnett SportsRehab, whose other locations include Lawrenceville and Duluth. For more information, call Jeff Olivo at 678-541-0341, or visit GwinnettMedicalCenter.org

Jeff is married with 2 children and resides in Dacula, GA.

Director of Community Outreach Lisa Patterson - lpatterson@theatlantavision.com Lisa Patterson is a life long resident of Atlanta and has volunteered her services to several organizations. In 2003, Lisa organized a fund raising dinner for the Make-A-Wish foundation raising over $15,000 for terminally ill children. An avid golfer and tennis player, Lisa now volunteers at Sharon Elementary school as well as Girl Scouts of America. As the Director of Community Outreach, Lisa will be contacting local schools, boys and girl clubs, and religious organizations to help the Vision make a positive impact in the community.