March 20, 2018
Name: Chelcie Abajian
Position/Institution: Manager - Affiliate Associations
Number of years in your position: Just starting!
Alma Mater(s): University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Hometown: Chappaqua, New York
When did you become involved in ICLA?
I first was involved with ICLA in 2014-15 when I served as the intern for the Association. I made so many great connections and learned so much in one year that I decided to pursue a career in collegiate licensing.
How has your involvement with ICLA influenced your career?
I formed relationships to the Officers and Board Members during my intern year. They have served as great mentors throughout my time working in licensing. Being a member of ICLA the past two and a half years has helped me maintain those relationships and continue to grow in the licensing industry.
If you could choose one (1) amenity to add to the workplace, what would it be?
A Nutella bar 😊
What do you foresee your biggest challenge in your new role with NACDA?
Learning the innerworkings (budgets, bylaws etc.) of all 4 Associations that I will manage.
What is the most important skill you have developed in your career?
Definitely time management. I developed this while playing tennis at Illinois but didn’t realize how important it was until I began working.
What hobby would you get into if time and money weren’t an issue?
I’d apply to be on the reality TV show, Survivor.
When people come to you for help, what do they usually want help with?
People always want me to fill them in on the previous night’s episode of The Bachelor.
Why/when did you decide to pursue a career in collegiate licensing?
During my internship, I noticed the support of the collegiate licensing community was strong and something extremely unique. I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to join the industry as an employee of Learfield Licensing Partners.
Who has been the most influential person in your career?
Two of my superiors at LLP; Brian Eubank and John Jeanguenat have served as great mentors in my career. I learned a lot professionally and personally from them both and hope to be half as good a manager as them one day!
If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
I would go see Broadway shows/plays/musicals every day.
Who’s your role model? Why?
Roger Federer. I am a huge tennis fan and I have so much appreciation for his effortless game, positive attitude, fight and sincerity.
What’s your favorite quote?
"It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog."
What is your biggest pet peeve?
When people use a turning signal, change lanes, then don’t turn the signal off. Or wet socks.
If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, what would you have a good chance at winning a medal for?
Playing Connect 4.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? What advice would you give to someone looking to enter the field of collegiate licensing?
Pay attention to detail! I learned this as a NACDA intern from all of the staff members. The first piece of advice I would give someone looking to enter collegiate licensing is to develop solid relationships. There are so many different connections that need to be strong to build a successful licensing program.
In your opinion, where is collegiate licensing headed in the future?
I think it is heading towards focusing on brand strategy and away from specific product pushes. I was inspired by Shane Hinckley’s presentation at #ICLAWS18 and how they uniquely position the Texas A&M brand through different channels.
What is your favorite family tradition?
Christmas Eve "Ping Pong" Tournament
What are you really good at, but kind of embarrassed that you are good at it?
Completing jigasaw puzzles.
What percentage of your work-week is spent in your office?
Great question 😊 TBD! As a Brand Manager at Learfield Licensing, I spent about 50% of my time in the office.
What are you most looking forward to at the next ICLA Convention or Winter Symposium?
Seeing all of the familiar faces again! ICLA has such a great community of people and while I have been able to keep in touch with many licensing directors and licensees, I am looking forward to having more engagement and meeting new members!
About ICLA: ICLA provides educational and networking opportunities, enhancement of acceptable operating standards and ethics, and establishment of the overall prestige and understanding of the profession of collegiate licensing. For more information on ICLA, please visit www.iclanet.com. ICLA is administered by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), which is in its 53rd year. For more information on NACDA and the 17 professional associations that fall under its umbrella, please visit www.nacda.com
