Jeff Chilcoat

Jeff founded Sterling Sports Management in 1997 when it became clear that representing professional athletes was becoming an ever-increasing part of his legal practice.  In addition to his business law experience, Sterling’s clients benefit from the broad and valuable set of skills Jeff obtained from his earlier experience as a successful entrepreneur.

Jeff serves his sports and entertainment clients in areas such as contract negotiation, marketing, and public relations. In addition, the strength of his relationship building skills has helped him secure hundreds of sponsorship and endorsement opportunities for the firm’s athletes.  Jeff is also known for being innovative and thinking “out-of-the-box” to bring non-traditional companies and brands into the sports sponsorship arena.

Jeff received his Bachelor of Arts degree in History from The Ohio State University and his Juris Doctor from Capital University. Jeff is married with three children and is active in his community in many ways including coaching youth soccer, advising the Young Life Campaign and serving at his church.

Joe Speed

Joe came to Sterling Sports Management in 2006, after a successful 9-year run as Vice-President of Stronghold Athletic Management.  Prior to becoming an agent, Joe was a decorated television and radio sports reporter and executive producer.  Joe won two Emmy awards for reporting excellence as well as a “National Reporter of the Year” award from the Associated Press.

Joe runs Sterling’s baseball division and his responsibilities include contract negotiation, marketing, public relations and recruiting.

Joe played collegiate baseball at Ball State University and received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Cincinnati in 1991.  Joe has also coached high school baseball at his alma mater, Reynoldsburg, near Columbus, Ohio and also scouted for the Florida Marlins.

Joe currently lives in Cincinnati, Ohio, along with his wife Emily and children Caitlin and Lindsey.  Joe is a member of St. Anne’s Episcopal Church where he has served as Senior Warden, Chair of the Search Committee and Fellowship and Recreation Director.

Jason Childers

Jason Childers joins Sterling Sports Management after a 13-year professional playing career. After graduating from Westside high school in Augusta, Ga, Jason Attended, and graduated from South Georgia junior college, in Douglas, Ga. There, he was an all-region pitcher, and named to the state all-tournament team. Then, Jason went to Kennesaw State University, where he became the South Atlantic Region pitcher-of-the-year, and first team All-American in 1996. That season Jason went 12-0 on the mound, including a complete game shutout in the NCAA Div II national championship game. After the 1997 season, Jason began his professional career with the Milwaukee Brewers. He was with the Brewers organization for over six years before spending time in the Montreal Expos, Atlanta Braves, Chicago White Sox, and Tampa Bay Rays organizations. Jason led the Midwest league in ERA and made multiple All-Star teams in the minor leagues.

In 2006, Jason made his Major League debut on opening day in Baltimore with the Tampa Bay Rays. He also has experience playing multiple seasons in winter ball in Mexico, and Puerto Rico. In 2009, Jason was a member of Team USA and played in Europe in the IBFA Baseball World Cup. USA won the gold medal by defeating Cuba in the championship game 10-6.

Jason is married to Stephanie, and they have twin daughters, Kylie, and Laney. They are members of the First Presbyterian Church in Douglas, Georgia.

Ayla Berrigan

Ayla joined Sterling Sports Management in 2018 with a background in public relations and tournament management. As an Account Executive and Player Agent for Sterling, Ayla assists her LPGA clients with public relations, social media management, marketing, travel management and contract negotiation.

Prior to joining Sterling, Ayla worked with HNS Sports Group as an Account Manager for professional, corporate and charity golf events including the Memorial Tournament. She also worked with Wheels Up as a Training Director for their Member Services team. Ayla received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Strategic Communication and Professional Writing from The Ohio State University. 

Ayla lives in Columbus, OH with her husband, Colin, and two young daughters. They are foster parents as well, and Colin coaches high school soccer in Dublin. Together they enjoy hiking, volunteering at church, playing board games, and supporting the Columbus Crew. 

Danny O’Connor

Danny joined Sterling Sports Management in 2023 with a background representing professional golfers, broadcasters, and other clients in his practice as an attorney.

Danny serves his sports and entertainment clients in areas such as contract negotiation, marketing, and public relations. Danny is passionate about making sure the players he represents have all the tools they need to be successful on and off the course.

Danny  received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Wright State University and his Juris Doctor from Syracuse University. Danny is married with two children and two dogs and loves to spend his time hunting, golfing, and reading. He is a member of St. Christopher’s Catholic Church, where he also volunteers as an usher.