Michelle La Sala, President
Michelle La Sala celebrates 20 years in mass participation events. With experience ranging from volunteer coordinator to race director and company owner, she excels in planning and on-site execution. She has worked on major marathons, handled event cancellations and crises, and managed internal and external communications. Michelle received the 2024 Women's Leadership Award from Running USA and was recognized as the 2024 Emerging Industry Leader by the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security.
As a runner herself, Michelle has had a love affair with the sport since age nine. She competed at the NCAA Division I level in Cross Country and Track and Field for University of Portland and still competes today as a masters runner for the Bay Area based West Valley Track Club.
Kevin Pool, Director of Operations
Kevin Pool has worked in event production since 2009, specializing in process planning, permitting, and collaboration with law enforcement and public agencies on communications, security, and safety. In 2024, he successfully replanned two 10,000-participant events within three weeks, demonstrating his expertise, critical thinking, and ability to perform under pressure.
Kevin is a three-time Division III All American covering both cross country and track and field. Kevin is also a World Marathon Majors six-star finisher. His best performance took place at the 2013 Boston Marathon where he placed 18th with a time of 2:18:59. Kevin is a 2024 inductee of the Allegheny College Athletics Hall of Fame. He likes to say he is now in the "giving back" stage of being an athlete by prioritizing servicing others through his role in race production.
Jay Stanwood, Director of Athlete Services
Jay has been passionate about running for over two decades, inspired by his avid runner aunt and uncle. He started with Team In Training in Columbus, Ohio, and became a team training and group run leader. At Mizuno in Atlanta, Jay advanced to Running Brand Specialist Manager, leading a team to drive sales and brand awareness, while enhancing customer loyalty through marketing and promotions. Known for this attention to detail and efficiency, Jay excels in executing complex projects and always works enthusiastically with staff, vendors, and participants.
Jay lives in Decatur, Georgia, with his wife Amanda and son Henry.
Hannah Sconzo, Director of Marketing
Hannah is a multifaceted brand strategist, graphic designer, and digital marketer based in Napa Valley. Passionate about color, design, and all the ways consumers interact with a brand, she dedicates her time to enhancing brand storytelling. Whether she's filming and editing content for social media, curating compelling testimonials for email campaigns, or designing materials for in-person events, Hannah is constantly exploring innovative ways to engage audiences.
Hannah began her career in the running industry in Charlottesville, VA, where she interned with the local marathon. This experience propelled her to the West Coast, where she took on a full-time role with Destination Races, working on their Wine Country Half Marathon series. Her career then shifted to the wine industry, where she honed her skills in brand management within both in-house and agency settings, gaining valuable insights into luxury goods and hospitality.
She is thrilled to have returned to her roots in the running industry, representing events she has personally run and loved.
Matt Forsman, Special Projects Manager
"Marathon Matt" is a seasoned runner with over 15 years of experience as a small business owner, race producer, and community builder. After a brief corporate stint, he pursued his passion for running, launching a successful running club in 2007 that has since helped thousands of runners. In 2013, Matt expanded into event production with Sasquatch Racing, creating popular trail races in the SF/Bay Area.
Known for his attention to detail and passion for community, Matt serves as the Special Projects Manager at Blistering Pace, overseeing hospitality, customer service, logistics, and communications.
Matt lives in Marin County with his girlfriend Leslie and their dog Shorty. In his free time, he enjoys visiting family in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Christy Slye, Sponsorship Manager
Christy brings over 30 years of relationship management to Blistering Pace. Her experience includes driving significant growth in domestic and international wholesale business as well as increasing sponsorships and in-kind donations. Participant experience has always been top of mind in her business development efforts.
At Blistering Pace Race Management, Christy handles sponsorship development, expo and festival sales, and community building. Her extensive contacts and creative vision make her a key asset.
Christy has lived in the East Bay for over 30 years. She enjoys running, gardening, and walking her dog, Hugo.
Stacie Dirito, Hospitality Manager
Stacie is a hospitality expert with over 8 years of experience in the winery industry. Known for her attention to detail and efficiency, she excels in creating delightful experiences. At Blistering Pace Race Management, Stacie oversees event expos, festivals, receptions, premium programs, and hotel contracts.
Need a wine recommendation? Stacie is your go-to, always ready to keep your glass topped off. She resides in Napa with her husband David, enjoying time with their children, grandchild, and extended family.