The Business of Sports- Bringing the National Women’s Soccer League to Denver

John Wallace is the Branch Director for Robert Half, the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm. In his role, John oversees the Management Resources practice, the premier provider of senior-level finance, accounting, and business systems professionals to clients on a project and interim basis. Prior to joining Robert Half, John was a Director of Internal Audit for First Data Corporation and held risk management, audit, and compliance roles in other Fortune 500 companies and consulting firms, including Arthur Andersen and Protiviti. John holds degrees in Spanish and Finance from Emory University, as well as an MBA from Florida State University. Additionally, he is a Certified Internal Auditor and actively involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado.

Maggie Pilgrim is the Market Director at Robert Half, the world’s first and largest specialized staffing firm. With over 13 years of industry experience, she has helped organizations identify top talent while supporting professionals in advancing their careers. Maggie began her journey with Robert Half in San Diego, quickly rising through leadership roles by consistently delivering results and building high-performing teams. Today, she oversees operations across Colorado Springs, Englewood, Boulder, and Fort Collins. Her team specializes in providing contract talent and permanent placement solutions in finance, accounting, human resources, administrative, and customer support. She holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from California State University San Marcos, where she also served on the College of Business Advisory Board prior to relocating to Colorado last year.

As Chairman and CEO of IMA Financial Group, one of North America’s top 20 insurance brokerages, Rob Cohen has set a new standard for purposeful growth while staying grounded in employee ownership and client-focused mentality. Headquartered in Denver, IMA is consistently recognized as a top workplace, a testament to its culture of protecting assets and making a difference. Beyond IMA, Cohen is the controlling owner and Governor of the Denver Summit FC, a NWSL franchise, set to debut in 2026 with a purpose-built stadium and record-setting fan support. He also founded the Denver Sports Commission, helping bring major events like the MLB and NBA All-Star Games, the Women’s Final Four and the Hockey Frozen Four to the Mile High City, and is active in the U.S. Olympic movement as a founding member of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Foundation, Chair of the Games Hospitality Committee, and a member of the bid committee for Salt Lake City’s successful bid for the 2034 Winter Games. Guided by a belief that leadership extends beyond business, Cohen invests time and resources into economic and community development initiatives through the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Denver Partnership and Visit Denver, and advancing education through the Colorado Dream Foundation. Cohen has also mentored and supported countless students at MSU Denver through the Cohen Pacesetter Scholarship Program. A Kansas native with degrees in Risk Management and Finance from the University of Texas at Austin, Cohen also holds the prestigious CPCU designation. He’s a member of YPO Gold the and the Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers, and has earned accolades including the “Most Admired CEO Award,” multiple Hall of Fame inductions, and the Denver Business Journal’s inaugural Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Award. Cohen and his wife, Molly, are proud to call Denver home. They have four children, Jake, Cooper, Kaley, and Jonah.