IMG Academy Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

IMG Academy has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, culinary operations, organizational management, campus operations, legal affairs, and institutional leadership.

Dedicated to athletic excellence, IMG Academy empowers athletes through world-class training, advanced educational programs, and state-of-the-art facilities to foster peak performance and long-term development.

Leadership Roles at IMG Academy

  • Chief Executive Officer - Louis Palumbo
  • Culinary Chief Executive Officer - Ellen Straus
  • Chief Operating Officer, IMG Academy Campus - Mike Milliron
  • President - Tim Pernetti
  • Chief of Staff - Karissa Biever
  • Chief Legal Officer - Daniel Malasky
  • Louis Palumbo - Chief Executive Officer

    Louis Palumbo, the Chief Executive Officer at IMG Academy, directs the overarching strategic vision for this global multi-sport training institution. Palumbo architects high-level growth initiatives that expand the reach of athletic programs across North American and international markets. By aligning institutional goals with the evolving needs of youth, collegiate, and professional athletes, the Chief Executive Officer ensures the delivery of world-class coaching and educational services. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to maintain the competitive edge of the campus in Florida. Louis Palumbo monitors financial performance and operational efficiency to sustain the reputation of the academy as a premier hub for sports performance research. Through rigorous oversight of all departments, the Chief Executive Officer drives the mission of helping every athlete reach full potential while maintaining the highest standards of excellence in the sports industry.

    Ellen Straus - Culinary Chief Executive Officer

    Ellen Straus, the Culinary Chief Executive Officer at IMG Academy, manages the complex nutritional infrastructure required to support elite athletic performance. Straus designs comprehensive dining programs that fuel thousands of youth, adult, and professional athletes daily. By integrating sports science with high-volume food service, the Culinary Chief Executive Officer ensures that every meal aligns with the specific physiological demands of diverse training regimens. This role requires constant coordination with performance coaches to optimize dietary intake for recovery and strength. Ellen Straus oversees the procurement of high-quality ingredients and the management of large-scale kitchen operations across the campus. Through the implementation of innovative nutritional strategies, the Culinary Chief Executive Officer directly impacts the physical development of athletes. Straus maintains strict quality control standards to support the reputation of the institution as a leader in holistic sports development and athlete wellness.

    Mike Milliron - Chief Operating Officer, IMG Academy Campus

    Mike Milliron, the Chief Operating Officer, IMG Academy Campus at IMG Academy, oversees the physical infrastructure and daily logistics of the training facilities. Milliron manages the maintenance and development of world-class sports venues, ensuring that every field, court, and training center meets the rigorous standards of professional athletes. By optimizing campus operations, the Chief Operating Officer, IMG Academy Campus facilitates the smooth execution of events, camps, and year-round training programs. This role involves coordinating with facility managers to ensure safety, accessibility, and technological integration across the site. Mike Milliron drives initiatives to improve the athlete experience through superior facility management and resource allocation. Through the effective administration of campus assets, the Chief Operating Officer, IMG Academy Campus supports the institution's position as a premier destination for amateur and professional teams. Milliron ensures that the physical environment remains a catalyst for athletic innovation and performance.

    Tim Pernetti - President

    Tim Pernetti, the President at IMG Academy, leads the commercial and operational expansion of the institution. Pernetti architects business development strategies that increase the global footprint of the academy, attracting athletes from diverse regions. By fostering relationships with professional leagues and collegiate partners, the President enhances the competitive standing of the institution as a premier training venue. This role involves overseeing the integration of sports performance research into the core business model to maintain a market-leading position. Tim Pernetti drives revenue growth through the diversification of programs and the hosting of high-profile events. Through the leadership of the executive team, the President ensures that the mission of developing athletes remains the central focus of all commercial activities. Pernetti monitors industry trends to adapt the business model, ensuring that the academy continues to provide unparalleled value to the global sports community.
    Tim Pernetti

    Karissa Biever - Chief of Staff

    Karissa Biever, the Chief of Staff at IMG Academy, coordinates cross-functional workflows to ensure seamless execution of institutional priorities. Biever manages the daily operations of the executive office, facilitating communication between leadership teams and various departments. By streamlining administrative processes, the Chief of Staff enables the organization to focus on delivering world-class training and educational experiences. This role involves managing complex projects that span the entire campus, ensuring that strategic initiatives receive the necessary resources and attention. Karissa Biever monitors organizational health and identifies opportunities for process improvement to enhance overall efficiency. Through the alignment of internal goals with the broader mission of the academy, the Chief of Staff supports the growth of the institution. Biever maintains a high level of operational readiness, allowing the leadership team to respond effectively to the dynamic needs of the global sports market.
    Daniel Malasky, the Chief Legal Officer at IMG Academy, directs all legal strategy and risk management initiatives for the institution. Malasky oversees contract negotiations, regulatory compliance, and intellectual property protection to safeguard the interests of the academy. By providing counsel on complex business transactions, the Chief Legal Officer ensures that all partnerships and expansion efforts align with legal standards. This role involves managing relationships with external stakeholders and navigating the legal landscape of the global sports industry. Daniel Malasky monitors legislative changes that impact educational and athletic operations, proactively addressing potential challenges. Through the mitigation of legal risks, the Chief Legal Officer supports the stability and growth of the organization. Malasky maintains a focus on protecting the brand and the integrity of the programs offered to athletes. The Chief Legal Officer ensures that all institutional activities adhere to the highest ethical and legal benchmarks.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding IMG Academy Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads IMG Academy?
    IMG Academy is led by Louis Palumbo (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Ellen Straus (Culinary Chief Executive Officer) and Mike Milliron (Chief Operating Officer, IMG Academy Campus).
    Who is part of IMG Academy’s executive team?
    The executive team of IMG Academy includes leaders such as Louis Palumbo (Chief Executive Officer), Ellen Straus (Culinary Chief Executive Officer), Mike Milliron (Chief Operating Officer, IMG Academy Campus) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does IMG Academy have?
    IMG Academy has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in IMG Academy’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of IMG Academy includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Culinary Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, IMG Academy Campus, President, Chief of Staff.