ABOUT

Erica Calhoun

Erica Calhoun is a Kansas City–born executive, Hall of Fame athlete, and global experiential marketing leader whose career spans elite athletics, professional sports, entertainment, and international brand marketing. Her journey reflects a disciplined progression—from local competition to collegiate excellence, and ultimately to leadership on some of the world’s largest stages.

A standout at Southeast High School in Kansas City, Erica established herself early as one of the region’s premier track and field athletes. Specializing in the sprints, relays, and long jump, she built her reputation on technical precision, explosive performance, and competitive consistency.

She continued her career at Missouri State University (formerly Southwest Missouri State University), where she became one of the most accomplished athletes of her era. Competing in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Erica earned Gateway Conference Athlete of the Week honors more than 24 times—a distinction that underscores her sustained excellence across multiple events.

Her versatility in the 100 meters, 200 meters, relays, and long jump made her a cornerstone of the program. Known for her preparation and execution, she approached competition with a disciplined mindset that would later define her professional leadership style.

Erica’s professional career began within collegiate and educational systems, where she developed a strong operational foundation and a deep understanding of institutional dynamics. She held roles across multiple academic environments, including:

• Missouri State University
• Arizona State University
• The Maricopa County Community College District
• The California Community Colleges System

These experiences shaped her expertise in program management, student engagement, and operational execution—laying the groundwork for her transition into large-scale sports and entertainment environments.

Erica expanded into professional sports, contributing to initiatives within both the National Basketball Association and the Women's National Basketball Association. Her work with the Phoenix Mercury in Phoenix, Arizona, strengthened her capabilities in fan engagement, live event production, and brand development.

She then moved into the entertainment sector, where she became a key contributor within the So So Def Recordings collective. There, she supported the execution of more than 50 live shows annually, working alongside notable artists including Jermaine Dupri, Bow Wow, Kenny Lattimore, Chanté Moore, and Da Brat. This work expanded her expertise in production, talent relations, and audience-driven programming.

Erica’s career advanced into global marketing through Dentsu Sports International (formerly MKTG), where she began in Atlanta and quickly rose through the organization. Her work took her to New York City, where she operated within one of the world’s largest media and marketing ecosystems, delivering integrated campaigns and experiential platforms for global brands.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Erica played a key role in helping organizations navigate disruption while maintaining meaningful consumer engagement—demonstrating adaptability, strategic clarity, and leadership under pressure.

She later relocated to Denver, Colorado, where she served as Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Experiential and Lifestyle Marketing for North America, leading strategy, operations, and execution across the region. In this capacity, she oversaw complex, large-scale programs, guided cross-functional teams, and delivered high-impact brand experiences across multiple markets.

Erica returned to Kansas City to contribute to one of the most significant global sporting events in modern history—the FIFA World Cup 2026. In her leadership role supporting host city operations, she brings together decades of experience across sport, entertainment, and marketing to help position Kansas City as a premier destination on the world stage.

Her work involves coordinating across stakeholders, managing large-scale event logistics, and ensuring that the city delivers a world-class experience for athletes, fans, and global audiences.

Erica Calhoun’s career is defined by consistency, preparation, and execution—principles rooted in her time as an elite athlete. She applies an “athletic mindset” to leadership, emphasizing discipline, repetition, and continuous improvement as the foundation for success.

Her journey—from Kansas City, to collegiate competition, to global executive leadership—reflects a commitment to excellence at every level. She represents a model of progression, adaptability, and impact, bridging sport, culture, and business.

From the city, to the track, to the world, Erica Calhoun’s story is one of purpose, performance, and enduring influence.