Chris Shewfelt (BSM ’02) often tells people he’s been working at Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE) since the day after he graduated from Brock; but his decades-long career actually began as a student.

The senior business executive first started working with the organization as part of an internship offered through the University’s Sport Management program. He commuted to Toronto three days a week for four months, attending classes the other two days.

Even when his internship was complete, he stayed on as a volunteer and would spend more time driving than facilitating the 30-minute McCourtside kids program he was leading as part of Toronto Raptors basketball games.

“I’m a big believer in hard work will pay off, and I wanted to do anything I could to land at MLSE,” he says. “The internship was a huge factor in my success because I was able to prove myself.”

Currently in his 23rd season with the organization, Shewfelt has worked in nearly all facets of sales and marketing. He has held leadership responsibilities with teams responsible for partnership, ticketing, marketing, community sport partnerships and service.

Six years ago, he was promoted to Vice-President, Business Operations with Toronto FC and the Toronto Argonauts, and this past January, he also took on the role of MLSE Lead, FIFA World Cup 2026 Toronto.

Taking initiative, adapting to change and keeping a curious mindset has helped Shewfelt advance, he says.

“I’ve been able to reinvent myself in many different iterations at the same company. I’ve worked hard for the opportunities to grow and develop, and I’ve become an expert in the areas of business I’ve been able to work on,” he says.

Shewfelt has been recognized for his professional success on numerous occasions. Among his accolades, he is a two-time recipient of the Major League Soccer Corporate Partnerships Executive of the Year and was honoured by Canada’s Sports Business Awards as one of the “5 to Watch.”

Most recently, Brock University recognized Shewfelt’s significant contributions to his profession through two alumni awards. Last month, he was named the 2024 recipient of the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences Distinguished Graduate Award and one of 60 recipients of the Alumni Brilliance Awards, which was created for the University’s diamond anniversary.

“I’m proud of my time at Brock and am proud to be among the company of other executives in winning these awards,” he says.

Shewfelt values the importance of connecting with young professionals in the sport industry, having received great advice himself from others in the field. In addition to participating in annual Brock Sport Management Alumni Speaker panels, Chris has also worked as a sessional instructor at Brock, teaching the Organizational Behaviour in Sport course.

He tries to make himself available for students, recent graduates and young professionals, and invites them to connect with him and others for a quick coffee chat or virtual meeting.

“There’s a lot of people who want to work in this industry, so you have to figure out how to differentiate yourself and break through,” he says. “Don’t be afraid to make the ask. If you want to understand what it took someone to grind and get to where they are, just ask for the conversation. Come curious and prepared.”

As a Brock student, Shewfelt was involved with the Sport Management Council, played numerous recreational sports and worked as a teaching assistant, intramural official and equipment cage employee. He also volunteered with national sport championships taking place on campus.

He encourages Brock students to follow his lead and pursue volunteer roles and internships, including at MLSE.

“Every single year we have Brock Sport Management students that inevitably will be hired from within our internship program,” he says. “Many executives have launched full time into MLSE that started as interns. Experiential education has been a big part of the sport management path and landing great jobs in the industry.”