ABOUT RUSS POTTS PRODUCTIONS, INC.
RPPI is a leading sports and entertainment company dedicated to enabling success for clients and partners. We specialize in consultation, fundraising, event management, business/organizational development, project implementation, community/external engagement, and sponsorship.
MEET THE RPPI TEAM
Meet the RPPI team, the driving force behind superb client engagement, and memorable events! We strive to build strong, long lasting relationships with our partners and clients. Since 1982, RPPI has grown into a versatile and diversified organization with over 75 years of combined experience across the markets we serve.
President
ZACH FRANZ
Zach became the President of RPPI in 2022 after starting with the organization in 2008. Zach came to RPPI from the Knoxville Open - a PGA Nationwide Tour (now the Web.com Tour) where he served as the Assistant Tournament Director of the event for 2 years.
In this role, Zach is responsible for the creation and execution of RPPI Events, planning and implementing marketing and promotional strategies for RPPI Events, corporate sponsorship, development, establishing and managing new and existing client relationships, and general day to day operations.
Zach holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing Management from Virginia Tech and a Master of Science in Sports Management from the University of Tennessee.
MAIL: zachfranz@rppi.net
PHONE: 540.665.0598
VP of Business Development
ADAM SYPRZAK
Adam joined the RPPI team in the winter of 2015 with the goal of growing RPPI's business lines and expanding into new ones. Since then, RPPI has grown its impact in men's college basketball with new campus-based tournaments and neutral site events. RPPI is poised to expand into new growth markets within the sports and entertainment industry.
Into the future, RPPI will continue to expand with new events and locations, along with international team tours in the college basketball space. Additional focuses will include women's basketball, and opportunities with new sports.
Syprzak graduated cum laude from Hampden-Sydney College in 2008 with a B.A. degree in Economics. The successes achieved by clients drives Adam's tenacity and perseverance.
MAIL: adam@rppi.net
PHONE: 540.300.8326
Director of Operations
ELISE VELASQUEZ
Elise interned for RPPI in Spring 2024, and officially came back for a full-time position in June 2025. In her role, Elise helps the RPPI team with event planning, coordinating, operations, and more.
Elise graduated from Shenandoah University in May 2024 with a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and recently completed her Master of Business Administration, also at Shenandoah. During her time at SU, she played five years of field hockey and now contributes as an assistant coach for the Hornets.
MAIL: elise@rppi.net
PHONE: 540.665.0598
Office Manager
PEG PANGLE
Peg has been with RPPI since 1986. Prior to that she worked for the Winchester Public School System.
When not at the office Peg enjoys spending time with her husband, Bill Pangle, as well as her children and grandchildren.
One of Peg's favorite hobbies is knitting and she has been known to surprise many of her co-workers with a handmade scarf, hat, or other item!
IN MEMORIAM
Founder and Former President of RPPI, Russ Potts, had a long and storied career in the sports industry for nearly five decades.
Russ was the first ever Sports Marketing Director in College Athletics at his alma mater, the University of Maryland, where he later served as Assistant Athletic Director. He then became the Director of Athletics at Southern Methodist University. Later Russ moved on to the Chicago White Sox as their Vice President before being elected to public office serving as a Virginia State Senator for 16 years.
Potts is a member of six Hall of Fames, including the NACMA (National Association of Collegiate Marketing Administrators) Hall of Fame and the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame.
Russ Potts | Founder and Former President