EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP TEAM
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP TEAM
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP TEAM
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP TEAM
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP TEAM
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP TEAM

THE PAC WEST GROUP LEADERSHIP TEAM

MICHAEL HAWTHORNE: Founder, Majority Owner, CEO: PWG/JL25/PWG Non-Profit

Michael Hawthorne, a dynamic leader with over 20 years of influence in the sports footwear industry, excels in product development, testing, innovation, and marketing. His career features transformative collaborations with Nike and Under Armour, and signature footwear projects with NBA icons like LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Stephen Curry, and Michael Jordan.

Beyond his professional success, MH has extended his expertise to top-tier D1 schools such as Duke, UNC, Notre Dame, UCLA, Kansas, and Oregon. Passionate about mentorship, he has been coaching and mentoring young athletes in Baltimore, MD, and Portland, OR, for over two decades. He serves as Assistant Coach at St. Frances Academy in Baltimore, exemplifying his dedication to youth development.

MH's commitment to the community earned him Curry Brand's national 2020 "Golden Ticket" award. As the Founder/CEO of the PAC West Group, he oversees multiple companies, including PWG Non-Profit, dedicated to educational opportunities for youth in resilient communities.

He co-owns Alberta Street Pub, a renowned live music venue in Portland, and leads Ladies of Rose Inc., a nonprofit unifying people through music. He is President of Marketing at New 5 Records Label/PWG Music Label in Seattle and holds a minority ownership in Majesty Bourbon/Posh Beverage Company in Atlanta.

A proud member of ForbesBLK, MH continues to inspire and uplift through innovation, mentorship, and community engagement.

THE PAC WEST GROUP LEADERSHIP TEAM

ERNEST PEARSALL: President, PWG Sports, Global Brand Officer

Ernest Pearsall is the Chief Branding Officer and President of the Pac West Group Sports Division. With nearly 30 years of experience in youth sports and collegiate athletics, including roles as a Division 1 basketball coach at Saint Joseph's University, Columbia University, and Mississippi Valley State University, Ernest brings a wealth of expertise to PWG.

His corporate experience in budgeting and finance, notably as Director of Budget Planning at Drexel University, enhances his ability to manage financial and relationship aspects for PWG. Ernest has also mentored numerous NBA and NFL athletes, guiding them in community service initiatives, corporate partnerships, and financial management.

At PWG, Ernest leverages his business acumen and relationship skills to drive company growth. He is actively involved in various projects, including television and film content development, publication, and directing the sports branch of PWG.

THE PAC WEST GROUP LEADERSHIP TEAM

AARON NIGEL SMITH: President, PWG Music

Aaron Nigel Smith is a Two-Time Grammy® Nominated musician and Billboard #1 recording artist who has performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center, Wolf Trap, Winnipeg Folk Fest, Lollapooza, and Pickathon, and performed throughout South America, Europe, Asia and Africa. He was also a featured musical guest and composer for the Emmy Award winning PBS Kids show Between the Lions in 2008.

Aaron is an educator with 20 years of experience creating music curricula. In 2002, he founded FUNdamentals of Music & Movement, a fun approach to music classes for preschool children. He scaled FUNdamentals to a national program and sold to RockStarts in 2012. Young Audiences, The Right Brain Initiative and Arts for Learning added Smith to their teaching artist roster in 2011, and in 2013 he was named the Sunburst Teaching Artist of the Year..

Aaron and his wife Diedre, formed the nonprofit 1 World Chorus with the mission of promoting peace and empowering youth internationally through the arts. More than 10000 youth in Portland, Los Angeles, New York, Kenya & Jamaica have participated in 1 World chorus programs. Aaron's simple mission is to connect and empower youth, fami' and communities through music and the c

THE PAC WEST GROUP LEADERSHIP TEAM

TYRONE HENDRIX: Vice President, PWG Music

Tyrone Hendrix is a world-class musician, producer, venue owner, and entrepreneur in Portland, Oregon. Originally from Oakland, CA, Tyrone moved to Portland in 2004 and has since become a key ambassador for the local music scene. He has played with renowned artists like Liv Warfield, Mike Phillips, The Portland Cello Project, Allen Stone, and legends Stevie Wonder and the late Prince. He has also appeared on "Jimmy Fallon" and "The Arsenio Hall Show."


In 2016, Tyrone released his debut album, "Rhythm On Life Vol. 1," followed by "Rhythm On Life Vol. 2" in 2019, which won him the SoulTracks Reader's Choice Award for New Artist of the Year.

Tyrone's commitment to music and community has made him a staple in Portland's cultural scene. As a dedicated artist and community leader, Tyrone continues to inspire and uplift through his various projects and performances.

THE PAC WEST GROUP LEADRSHIP TEAM

JOSEPH RUIZ: PRESIDENT, PWG MEDIA & PWG NETWORK

Joseph Ruiz is a seasoned storyteller dedicated to illuminating untold narratives through documentaries and podcasts. With a keen eye for detail and a talent for captivating storytelling, he explores diverse topics from social issues to historical events, offering thought-provoking insights and sparking meaningful conversations.

Joseph's work aims to inspire, educate, and challenge perspectives, inviting audiences to explore the world with curiosity and empathy. As a documentary filmmaker and podcast host, he combines compelling interviews, rich audiovisuals, and immersive storytelling techniques to create engaging and impactful content that resonates globally.

THE PAC WEST GROUP LEADRSHIP TEAM

LATANYA EDENBURGS: PRESIDENT, PWG CREATIVE GROUP

LaTanya Edenburgs is a dynamic Empowerment Speaker, best-selling author, and Multi-Certified Master Life Coach with over 25 years of experience. She founded Illuminate Your Journey, where she specializes in mental wellness, personal development, and authentic leadership.

LaTanya empowers a diverse range of individuals, from students to professionals, fostering self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and resilience. She excels in Healing and Wisdom Coaching, helping clients through significant life transitions, focusing particularly on inclusivity and tailored support.

LaTanya's approach integrates her extensive background as a special education educator and her experiences as a minority, ensuring a safe and supportive coaching environment. She also aids current and former athletes in navigating identity shifts and mental health challenges, emphasizing success defined beyond their sports careers.

Known for her captivating presence as a speaker, coach, and event host, LaTanya's sessions are marked by energy, clarity, and genuine connection, making her a transformative force in sports and personal development. Her commitment extends beyond professional realms as she actively supports several community foundations, driven by her passion for mental health wellness and empowerment.

THE PAC WEST GROUP LEADERSHIP TEAM

EBONY WHITE: Executive Director , PWG Non-Profit PDX

Ebony White, a native of Long Beach, CA, is a dedicated humanitarian with a focus on social and environmental health. She has actively participated in city initiatives aimed at reducing violence and promoting mental health awareness for displaced individuals, specifically working to increase the visibility of people of color with mental illness diagnoses.

For years, Ebony has worked to enhance communication and connectivity, advocating for sustainability and equitable growth.

Currently, Ebony serves as the Executive Director for two Portland, OR, nonprofits: Ladies of the Rose Foundation and PWG Non-Profit PDX. Ladies of the Rose Foundation connects industry and community through music and art, emphasizing equitable exchange as a core value.

THE PAC WEST GROUP LEADRSHIP TEAM

ANDY STOKES: CEO, New 5 Records/PWG

Andy Stokes, known as the “Northwest King of Soul Music,” is a celebrated R&B and soul singer-songwriter with over three decades in the industry. Renowned for his powerful vocals and dynamic live performances, he is a two-time inductee into Oregon’s Music Hall of Fame and a recipient of multiple regional awards. His hit single “Best Day Ever” stayed on the Billboard Adult R&B charts for 25 weeks and became a top wedding song on Spotify.

Stokes began his career in the 1980s as the lead vocalist for the funk band Cool’r and has performed with notable artists like Peabo Bryson and George Clinton. His recent releases, including “I Don’t Give A Damn,” continue to earn acclaim. Andy holds the position of Secretary of the Pacific Northwest Chapter of the Recording Academy, supporting music excellence.

Stokes is currently the CEO of New 5 Records / PWG, an independent label that has produced his successful singles, maintaining his prominent presence in the R&B and soul music scene. New 5 Records is truly a family affair as Andy manages the business along side his wife, Vicki Prince-Wright.

EXECUTIVE COORDINATORS
EXECUTIVE COORDINATORS
EXECUTIVE COORDINATORS
EXECUTIVE COORDINATORS
EXECUTIVE COORDINATORS
EXECUTIVE COORDINATORS

PWG EXECUTIVE COORDINATORS

KASANDRA HENDRIX: Executive Administrator Assistant - PWG/JL25

Kasandra Hendrix is a dedicated Executive Assistant with extensive experience supporting C-suite executives across high-profile corporate, non-profit, and government sectors.

A master of organization and efficiency, she excels at managing complex schedules, coordinating high-stakes meetings, and ensuring seamless company operations.

Known for her proactive approach, exceptional communication skills, and resourceful problem-solving, Kasandra adeptly addresses challenges and handles sensitive information with the utmost confidentiality.

PWG EXECUTIVE COORDINATORS

Courtlon "BUG-EYE" Ward: PWG Sports Community Ambassador

Courtlon "BUG-EYE" Ward is a seasoned coach with over a decade of experience and notable achievements in sports. Starting in 2007, Ward won the D2 National Championship, showcasing his strategic prowess and leadership.

He also coached the San Cassell All Stars AAU team to a second-place national finish in 2006. Ward has made impactful contributions at Curley High School, St. Francis, and Rosedale Baptist, mentoring aspiring athletes.

Additionally, at the Upton Boxing Gym, he trained renowned boxers like Lorenzo 'Truck' Simpson, Gervonte 'Tank' Davis, Mia Ellis, and Malik Hawkins under mentors Calvin Ford, Kenny Ellis, and Mack Allison. Ward's multifaceted expertise and commitment to athlete development have significantly shaped the sports community.

PWG EXECUTIVE COORDINATORS

MUSTAFFA MIRZA: Information Technology Leader, PWG

Mustafa is a seasoned IT professional and copywriter with extensive experience in both fields. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for effective communication, he excels in creating compelling content that connects technology with its audience.

Combining years of hands-on IT experience with a talent for storytelling, Mustafa brings a unique blend of technical expertise and creative flair to every project he undertakes.

PWG/JL25 Legal Counsel

CARY NOVOTNY, LONEY LAW GROUP. PWG/JL25 Outside Legal Counsel

Cary Novotny is the Managing Partner of Loney Law Group and Outside Legal Counsel for The PAC West Group and JL25. With a focus on General Business, Trademark, Copyright, Entertainment Law, and Contract Negotiation, Cory represents artists and entities in the music and movie industries, handling copyright, trademark, licensing, publishing, recording contracts, and tax issues.

Additionally, he serves as Chief Legal Officer for Y3K Entertainment, LLC, overseeing legal matters for a company engaged in global music production, publishing, and film and television production. With 30 years of experience as a professional musician, songwriter, and performer, Cory brings invaluable real-world and creative insights to the work with artists and entertainment industry clients and within The PAC West Group and JL25.