Meet our Founder and CEO
Aaron Garland
CEO & Founder of Collective Uplift and a certified NFL agent, is a driven professional known for blending intellectual depth, unwavering faith, and a commitment to excellence. Rooted in his relationship with God, he leads with integrity, authenticity, and purpose—qualities that shape his work and interactions.
A former football player at the University of Connecticut, Aaron graduated in 2018 and later earned a Certificate of Negotiation from Yale School of Management in 2025. In addition to his work in sports representation, he has negotiated over $500 million in property tax settlements, showcasing his keen analytical skills and ability to navigate complex financial matters. He is deeply committed to securing the best deals for his clients, ensuring they achieve success both on and off the field.
Meet Our Team
At Collective Uplift, we are committed to assembling a dynamic and well-rounded team dedicated to empowering athletes holistically. Our team combines diverse expertise to provide unparalleled support.
NFL & NBA Certified Agent
Jack Meyer
An NFLPA and NBPA Certified Agent who brings a unique blend of legal expertise and business strategy to Collective Uplift. As an experienced attorney specializing in sports and entertainment law, Jack advises corporations, universities, collectives, and athletes on a wide range of complex legal and business matters. With a deep understanding of the evolving sports industry, Jack has become a trusted voice on issues at the intersection of sports, law, and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) legislation. He is a frequent speaker and media contributor, having been featured and quoted in numerous legal and sports publications. Jack’s approach to athlete representation is grounded in integrity, education, and empowerment—helping clients maximize their professional potential both on and off the field He earned his J.D. from the University of Illinois College of Law and his bachelor’s degree from Providence College. His dedication to athlete advocacy and holistic development aligns seamlessly with Collective Uplift’s mission to empower athletes in sport, business, and life.
Recruiting Coordinator
Martin Paris
Born and raised in River Forest, Illinois, Martin Paris brings a deep passion for athlete development and talent identification to Collective Uplift. A standout football player at Fenwick High School, Martin helped lead his team to a state championship before continuing his academic journey at the University of Florida, where he earned his bachelor’s degree. At Collective Uplift, Martin plays a key role in recruiting and evaluating emerging talent, building relationships with athletes, coaches, and programs across the country.
Player Development
Dr. Joseph Cooper
A renowned scholar and educator, Dr. Joseph Cooper specializes in sport leadership and athlete development. As Professor of Sport Leadership for Collective Uplift, he provides expertise in empowerment, leadership, and career growth. He earned his undergraduate and master’s degrees from the University of North Carolina and a Ph.D. from the University of Georgia. With a strong research background, he equips athletes with mentorship, knowledge, and leadership skills, supporting CU’s mission of empowering athletes beyond the game.
Marketing Partner
Shawn Jones
With 10 years of experience in brand partnerships and athlete marketing, Shawn Jones leads Collective Uplift’s marketing initiatives, securing strategic collaborations and sponsorships. Having worked with major brands like Nike, he specializes in brand development, sponsorship negotiations, and athlete branding. His expertise helps position CU and its clients for long-term success, aligning partnerships with the mission of empowering athletes and expanding their opportunities.
NIL Representative | Legal Advisor
Alexis Barnes
Born in Ypsilanti, Michigan and raised in Dallas, Texas, Alexis Barnes combines her background as a collegiate athlete and legal professional to help empower the next generation of athletes at Collective Uplift. A former track and field standout at the University of Oklahoma, Alexis earned both her bachelor’s and law degree there before beginning her career in mergers and acquisitions law.
Her experience navigating complex business transactions gives her a unique edge in NIL representation, where she helps athletes build strategic partnerships and protect their long-term interests. Alexis brings a results-driven, athlete-centered approach that aligns perfectly with Collective Uplift’s mission of holistic empowerment.
Legal Counsel
Xavier Vergara
An experienced attorney, Xavier Vergara serves as Legal Counsel for Collective Uplift, providing legal oversight and strategic guidance. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of St. Thomas and his JD from Loyola University Chicago. With expertise in corporate law, contracts, and compliance, he ensures CU’s business dealings and partnerships are structured for long-term success, strengthening its foundation as the organization continues to grow.
Director of Operations
Brianna Jenkins
Serving as the Director of Operations for Collective Uplift. A graduate of the University of Louisville (B.A.) and Loyola University Chicago (J.D.), she combines legal precision with strategic operational leadership.
Currently working as a Legal Banking Documentation Associate at J.P. Morgan, Brianna brings valuable expertise in financial systems, compliance, and process optimization. Her deep understanding of contracts, organizational workflows, and partnership structures allows her to streamline Collective Uplift’s day-to-day operations while ensuring every deal aligns with the agency’s values and long-term vision. Driven by a passion for excellence and empowerment, Brianna plays a pivotal role in building the infrastructure that enables our athletes and team to thrive.
