Introducing Annalece Anhalt-Slaughter, the Chargers Director of Partnership Management.
Tell us a little bit about what you do at the Chargers...
The short version - executing against contracts with our corporate partners. The long version - working with our partners to create memorable experiences for fans, exciting moments on Game Day, entertaining content on our world class social channels, and giving back to our community - all while driving value for their brands and achieving their goals. I have the privilege of working with all of our internal departments to make these things happen and bring some truly meaningful moments to life - and its the absolute best job in this business.
Did you always have a desire to work in sports?
I think that like a lot of people, I had several different career paths in mind growing up (vet, architect, and a variety of other careers that definitely do not align with my strengths) - it wasn't until my junior year at Cal Poly that I set my sights on working in sports.
How'd you get your start?
Through my program at Cal Poly, I had the opportunity to attend a conference in Sacramento put on by Visit California. It was there that I met the then City Manager of Newport Beach, who in turn connected me to the former Executive Director of Irrelevant Week (yes, we hosted a full week of events for Mr. Irrelevant, the last draft pick in the NFL). I ended up doing a brief internship with them that summer, and that helped me stand out when applying at the conclusion of my senior year - where I ultimately landed an internship turned full time role at USA Water Polo.
What is the most rewarding part of your job and why?
Our partners make a point to emphasize giving back to our community and creating money-can't-buy experiences for our fans - both of which make my heart happy. Whether it is working with Pechanga to distribute bikes to elementary schools in the LA area around the holidays or with American Airlines and SoFi to create really special memories with Chargers Players and Legends, I walk away from those moments having to pinch myself and realize that this is something I get to do for a living.
Tell us about a woman that has inspired you and/or impacted your career today.
Jen Rottenberg was my first boss when I started at USA Water Polo, and since then, has become a great mentor and an even better friend. She gave me the guidance and resources I needed to excel in my role, and more importantly, the opportunity to handle our corporate partnerships on my own. I was fortunate enough to find myself back under her leadership again, learning even more from her and I know that time was pivotal in paving the way to my time here at the Chargers. She's an all around badass with a degree from Princeton, an MBA from Harvard, and she founded our LA Chapter of WISE - I consider myself lucky to have her in my life.
Dead or alive, who is one woman would you want to have dinner with? Why?
While it would be infinitely easier to come up with an ideal list of dinner party attendees of people known and who I wish I knew, I am going to go with my late grandmother, Arnita. She made space for herself in a male dominated field, and led by example when it came to serving her community. I don't think I appreciated what she did enough when I was growing up, and now at this stage in my life, have so many questions that I wish I could ask about her career path.
What advice do you have for those trying to get into sports/starting their career in the sports industry?
As someone who left college fully thinking they would be planning and operating events for a living, I highly suggest giving yourself the time to explore all the opportunities available in this industry. Reach out to people to learn about their job functions, the organizations they're with, and absorb as much as you can. I know sometimes it can feel daunting to reach out to a complete stranger, but I promise that more often than not, we're happy to have a conversation and share more about our careers. I know that if I hadn't done that, I wouldn't have found myself in the role I am now.
