Meet the Staff

Stephen Ponder most recently served as Deputy Athletics Director at Ole Miss in 2016-17 and Senior Executive Associate Athletics Director from 2012-2016. While there, he led the ultra-successful Forward Together Campaign at Ole Miss that surpassed its $150 million goal by $20 million. He also was responsible for oversight and project management on a $100 million football facilities improvement project, a $95 million basketball facility as well as a baseball and a varsity sport facility.

Prior to Ole Miss, Ponder was Senior Associate Athletic Director for External Operations at Arizona State where he is credited with increasing athletics fundraising from $7.5 million when he joined the Sun Devils in 2006 to $25 million in 2012.

A 1989 graduate of NC State, Ponder worked for the Wolfpack from 1991-2006 rising to Associate Athletic Director and Associate Executive Director of the Wolfpack Club. Among his many accomplishments at NC State was securing $55 million for the expansion of the football stadium and $65 million to build a new basketball arena. Most recently, Ponder was with Balch Sports where he worked with high-level collegiate coaches and served as a consultant to intercollegiate athletic programs.

Stephen and his wife, Sloane, have two sons – Stetson and Stratton.

Derril Beech started her career with Seminole Boosters in 2005 and currently serves as Senior Vice President of Annual Giving and Marketing.

Additionally, she provides oversight to the Coaches Clubs, Seminole Student Boosters and member engagement. Over the past decade, she has worked primarily on the Annual Fund, helping to generate over $170 million in gifts.

Derril received two degrees from Florida State, and, as a student, was a founding member of the Student Booster organization that is now the largest student organization on campus. Derril and her husband Taylor have four children, are involved with their church and youth sports, and enjoy outdoor sports and visiting the coast.

Contact: [email protected]

J.P. Sinclair began his career as an auditor at Thomas Howell Ferguson P.A. As a lifelong Tallahassee resident and Seminole fan, when the chance came to join the Seminole Boosters in 2014 he jumped at the opportunity.

Since joining the Seminole Boosters, J.P. has helped the Accounting Department make significant strides in monthly reporting and was heavily involved in the acquisition of debt for the Dunlap Champions Club and Stadium Renovation projects, and the CollegeTown phase III project. J.P. is married to Courtney and is an avid golfer.

Three words that describe Kari are dedicated, honest and loyal. Kari Terezakis moved to Tallahassee from Fort Pierce, Florida, in 2003 to attend Florida State. Soon after graduating, she began her career with Seminole Boosters and developed a passion for being in the “people” business. Over the course of 10 years, she has gained invaluable experience by working in various areas of the organization from customer service to special events and now donor relations.

Helping to create positive experiences for Florida State supporters through personal connections and outreach is what she enjoys the most. Recently, Kari has worked to develop a comprehensive stewardship program for donors of all levels with a primary focus on major and principal-gift level individuals and families, as well as implemented an endowment reporting process. Outside of the office, she likes to spend her time staying physically active, traveling and spending time with her friends.

Chris Wilson joined Seminole Boosters in 2018 as Director of Development for the Greater Atlanta area and currently serves as Senior Vice President of Development.

He started his career with Florida State in 2009 as a graduate assistant in the Athletics Ticket Office, advancing to Director of Customer Service and Retention in 2015. He spearheaded the growth of the service and retention initiative at FSU from a 4-person team to a 10-person team over a four-year period that was responsible for retaining $40 million in annual donations and season ticket revenue.

A native of Lexington, SC, Chris earned his Master’s degree in Sport Administration from Florida State University in 2011. Chris and his wife, Krizia, have two Brittany Spaniels – Harvey and Jackson.

Ben Zierden began his career at Florida State in 1999 as a graduate assistant in the Athletics Ticket Office, advancing to Assistant Athletics Director over 15 years. Under his leadership, the department grew from six to 18 full-time employees across Ticket Operations, Sales and Service. He joined Seminole Boosters in February 2014 as Vice President for Marketing and Annual Giving, transitioning to Senior Vice President for Operations in March 2016.

In his current role, he provides executive oversight of operations including systems, business processes, procedures, data management and support of organizational and specific department goals. He oversees the areas of Gift Processing, Advancement Services, Facility Operations, Trademark Licensing and also serves as liaison with the Athletics Ticket Office in the administration of the FSU Priority Policy. Ben and his wife, Kim, have two daughters and enjoy spending time outdoors with family and friends.