About eleveno  

Jodi Cullity is a dynamic leader in the pickleball industry with 10+ years of experience creating high-impact experiences across public and private sectors. Her background includes event roles at the White House, brand strategy for Under Armour CEO Kevin Plank, and international protocol for Expo 2020 Dubai. As founder of ELEVENO Pickleball, Jodi has grown New England’s largest pickleball community with 10,000+ players. Under her leadership, ELEVENO has formed partnerships with 80% of Patriot Place tenants and Gillette Stadium, transforming the venue into a premier destination for pickleball events, tournaments, and brand activations.

Favorite Pickleball Shot: A well placed lob!

Favorite ELEVENO Menu Item: Get Freekah Bowl

Bob Saraf brings 15+ years of leadership in hospitality, food & beverage, and large-scale event operations, with experience at Trillium Brewing Company, Marriott Hotels, and LifeTime Fitness. At ELEVENO, he oversees daily operations, construction, and project management for the flagship facility at Patriot Place. From site development and vendor coordination to food & beverage and guest experience, Bob drives the successful launch and growth of ELEVENO’s first location. He also leads signature events, including multi-state tournaments and glow-in-the-dark pickleball experiences. His expertise in operations and event execution continues to elevate ELEVENO’s presence.

Favorite Pickleball Shot: Erne

Favorite ELEVENO Menu Item: Cold Brew from the Cafe!

Brandon McNelis is an award-winning marketing, communications, and sales executive with over a decade of experience driving brand growth across professional sports and entertainment. At ELEVENO, he leads all revenue-generating initiatives, including brand strategy, digital marketing, partnerships, public relations, and corporate event sales. Previously, Brandon spent 10+ years with the Boston Bruins, where he led content marketing and communications, earning six New England Emmy Awards and driving record-breaking fan engagement and league-best digital performance in the NHL. Prior to his time with the Bruins, Brandon spent time with the Brooklyn Nets, NHL Studios, Los Angeles Angels and Boston Breach Call of Duty Team (Oxygen Esports).

Favorite Pickleball Shot: Screwball Serve that actually goes in

Favorite ELEVENO Menu Item: Birria Tacos

Stephen Bukoff is a seasoned culinary leader with experience in luxury hotels and food-driven concepts. A Culinary Institute of America graduate, he spent 18 years with Four Seasons, rising from intern to Executive Sous Chef across multiple cities. He later served as Executive Chef at The Langham Boston and led the U.S. launch of F1 Arcade, building multiple venues and a high-energy dining program. His philosophy centers on quality ingredients, honest technique, and local sourcing with global influence. Outside the kitchen, he’s a Bruins fan, casual pickleballer, and mentor who values hospitality and strong leadership.

Favorite Pickleball Shot: Dinking

Favorite ELEVENO Menu Item: "I love all my children equally"

Samantha brings 20+ years in the eatertainment and hospitality industry, beginning with the opening of Kings Bowl America in Boston. Since moving into events in 2009, she has specialized in high-impact corporate programming, client relationships, and leading teams across multiple locations. She revitalized the events program at Flight Club Darts post-pandemic, introducing concepts that restored revenue to pre-COVID levels, and most recently built the events strategy and execution for F1 Arcade’s first U.S. flagship in the Seaport.

Favorite Pickleball Shot: 3rd Shot Drop

Favorite ELEVENO Menu Item: Pepperoni Pizza

Alex is a passionate and proven leader in the sporting goods community with a background in finance and startups. As a PPR-certified Pickleball pro, he has a deep understanding of the sport's ecosystem and a proven record of building community and the sport in new and creative ways.

Favorite Pickleball Shot: Down the line winner

Favorite ELEVENO Menu Item: Birria Tacos

Karen Cope is an experienced entrepreneur, investor, and growth strategist who has raised over $100 million through angel, venture, and private equity rounds. As Head of Investor Relations and a board member at ELEVENO, she leads funding strategy and investor relations, drawing on her background as CEO of four companies, with three successful exits. Nationally recognized for her leadership in technology and women’s entrepreneurship, Karen also mentors founders and serves on multiple boards. She plays a key role in advancing ELEVENO’s capital strategy and driving growth in the evolving sports industry.

Favorite Pickleball Shot: Lob

Favorite ELEVENO Menu Item: Pepperoni Pizza

Ryan Pecinka is part coach, part content creator—and all-in on pickleball. A PPR-certified coach and proud member of the ElevenO team, Ryan travels the country competing in PPA and APP events. Career highlights include winning a men’s singles gold medal at the APP New York City Open and qualifying for the 2024 US National Championships. Off the court, Ryan channels his love for the game (and his sharp sense of humor) into entertaining content that connects with the pickleball community nationwide. Whether he's coaching, competing, or creating, Ryan brings energy, heart, and a whole lot of fun to everything he does.

Favorite Pickleball Shot: Overhead Smash

Favorite ELEVENO Menu Item: Birria Tacos