FRONT OFFICE STAFF

MIKE WEST - PRESIDENT

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Mike West is a seasoned sports executive with nearly 30 years of experience in sports management, fan engagement, and event leadership. He currently serves as President of the Omaha Lancers, where he brings a bold vision and dynamic leadership to one of junior hockey's most storied franchises.

West launched his career as Tournament Director for the Cox Classic on the PGA Tour's Nike Tour, quickly elevating the tournament to national prominence. In 2002, he joined Creighton University Athletics, where he helped usher in a transformative era—spearheading the Bluejay men's basketball program's move to the Qwest Center Omaha (now CHI Health Center) and leading marketing for six programs across four major venues. Under his leadership, Creighton achieved a rare triple crown in fan engagement, ranking top ten nationally in average attendance across men's basketball, soccer, and baseball.

A proven innovator, West went on to found MTT Management, a consulting and event management firm. His early consulting with the Omaha Lancers during the 2013–14 season helped deliver a near sell-out finish, foreshadowing his future impact with the team. He later served as CEO of the Omaha Equestrian Foundation, where he led efforts to bring the prestigious FEI World Cup Final to Nebraska for the first time.

West returned to college athletics in leadership roles at the University of South Dakota and the University of Nebraska-Omaha, his alma mater. At UNO, he oversaw a dramatic rise in hockey attendance—from 4,400 to over 7,000 fans per game in just two seasons—making the Mavericks the fastest-growing NCAA Division I hockey program in 2022–23. He is among the few sports executives to earn top-ten national attendance rankings in four different NCAA Division I programs. Most recently, he consulted with the Omaha Supernovas, helping the professional volleyball team lead their league in attendance in 2025, averaging over 11,000 fans per game.

A native Nebraskan with deep community ties, West is committed to revitalizing the Omaha Lancers through community engagement, strategic growth, and unforgettable fan experiences.

West earned his undergraduate degree in Education from the University of Nebraska Omaha and his master's degree in Sports Management from Wayne State College in Wayne, Nebraska. He and his wife, Laurie, have been married for seven years and have built a loving blended family of six adult children. West is the proud father of twin boys, Tyler and Trevor, from his first marriage, while Laurie's children—Allie, Rob, Jordy and Johnny—come from her first marriage.

Contact Mike at 402-660-5830 or mwest@lancers.com

TERRI PHILLIPS - VICE PRESIDENT

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Terri Phillips is in her 38th season with the Omaha Lancers program and currently serves as the Lancers' Director of Business & Game Night Operations.

A native of Ft. Wayne, Indiana, Terri's duties include overseeing the host family program, coordinating the Lancers' annual tryout and futures camps, providing administrative support to the coaching staff, coordinating all Lancers game-night operations and administering and overseeing the business operations of the organization.

Terri resides with her family in Papillion.

EMAIL TERRI

BROOKE BOWEN - DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE RELATIONS

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Brooke Bowen brings a dynamic people-first approach to the Director of Corporate Relations role for the Lancers. Her professional path is marked by hustle and heart. She has a background in healthcare recruiting and athletics with a passion for building authentic, lasting partnerships.

Prior to joining the team Brooke served as the patient care coordinator and front desk manager at Doctor's of Physical Therapy. She worked in healthcare recruiting for Marvel Medical Staffing and Uniti Med where she honed her skills in recruiting, outreach and relationship development.

Brooke's energy is unmatched, and she's known for balancing multiple roles in bartending and waitressing while holding a full-time job. She credits these experiences with strengthening her communications skills, adaptability and love for connecting with people from all walks of life.

An athlete and coach at heart, Brooke has served as the Head Reserve and Assistant Varsity Volleyball Coach at Gross Catholic High School and assisted with the school's powerlifting program for the past five seasons. Her leadership and mentorship in athletics have further fueled her drive to support teams and communities.

Brooke was born in Pender, Nebraska but raised in Omaha. She attended Peru State College where she got her degree in Kinesiology. When she's not cultivating corporate partnerships, you can find Brooke in the gym working out, watching a multitude of sports or spending time with friends and family

EMAIL BROOKE

TODD PROCOPIO - DIRECTOR OF TICKETING

Todd's professional path is rooted in versatility, leadership, and a deep commitment to the community. From his early days bagging groceries at Baker's to managing two successful insurance agencies, he's built a career through hands-on experience and entrepreneurial drive. He's led marketing efforts across industries—from limousine services to large-scale trade shows and festivals—and now brings that strategic focus and people-first approach to his role in sports and entertainment.

A proud graduate of Creighton Prep and attendee of the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Todd remains deeply connected to his Omaha roots. He's served as President of the Santa Lucia Festival Committee, guided its 100th celebration, and helps foster global cultural ties through his work with the Sicula Italia Foundation and the Sons & Daughters of Italy.

Outside the office, Todd's greatest joy is his family, three kids, six grandkids, and countless moments on fields and courts. Whether he's on a golf course or lending his time to causes that lift others up, Todd leads with heart, heritage, and a passion for community.

"Success is never a solo act. It's built with trust, teamwork, and shared purpose."

EMAIL TODD

JOEL NORMAN - DIRECTOR OF BROADCASTING & COMMUNICATIONS

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Joel is entering his first year with the Lancers in the 2025-26 season and his fifth broadcasting junior hockey. His previous stops came with the Lincoln Stars (USHL) from 2022-25 and the Mason City Toros (NA3HL) for the 2021-22 season.

A Pittsburgh, Penn. native, Joel spent six seasons as a broadcaster for the Wenatchee AppleSox, a summer collegiate baseball team in the West Coast League. He was named the second-ever WCL Broadcaster of the Year in 2024.

Joel graduated from West Virginia University in 2018.

EMAIL JOEL

ANNIE DISTEFANO - DIRECTOR OF HOUSING, COMMUNITY SERVICE & ACADEMICS

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Annie has helped with the Lancer organization since 2021. She has a Bachelor of Science in Child Development with an emphasis in psychology. Before helping with the Lancer organization, she was employed at Children's Hospital in Omaha as a Certified Child Life Specialist for 16 years as well as a local substitute teacher at a private school.

Annie also was the Nebraska Housing Coordinator for foreign exchange students from South Korea. She is an active member of the Santa Lucia Festival where she serves as assistant secretary and chairs the Queen's Committee. Annie also is a volunteer with Outlook Nebraska, which is a non-profit organization that employs the visually impaired and blind. Lastly, she is part of Hillcrest's NODA hospice program which stands for No One Dies Alone.

Annie and her husband, Mark, have two children.

EMAIL ANNIE