Front Office Staff

Jeff Burum


Oliver King
A native of the Inland Empire, Oliver King was named Assistant General Manager ahead of the 2021 MASL season. Prior to joining the organization, Oliver headed a sports law firm engaged in the representation of athletes at various professional levels domestically and abroad. Oliver earned a Juris Doctorate from the University of La Verne College of Law, and a Bachelor of Arts from Gettysburg College.
Seth Burum
Having dedicated his entire life to soccer, he was a member of various teams, including Legends FC, LAFC Cosmos, FC Golden State Academy, Loyola High School, Marymount California University, and UC Riverside. With a Bachelor's degree in Business Marketing, Seth joined the franchise in 2022. His unwavering commitment and faith in The Empire inspire him daily as he strives to help the club achieve its ultimate goals and vision.
Hugo Magaña

Billy Velto
A native of Upland, California, Billy joined The Empire Strykers prior to the 2023-2024 season. Prior to joining the Strykers, he worked for The LA Clippers for about seven years. He first started out as an intern for the Group Sales department in 2014 and eventually transitioned over to the basketball operations side of the organization. Billy worked as a G League Operations Assistant for three seasons where he was involved in handling day-day operations for the Ontario Clippers. He also interned for the LA Sparks during the summer of 2015. Billy earned his Masters Degree in Sports Management from Long Beach State while also completing a Bachelors Degree from Concordia University Irvine where he was the Team Manager for the 2012 NAIA Men's Basketball National Championship Team. Billy is a weight lifting fanatic and enjoys collecting credit card points so he can travel! #defendtheempire

Ashley Cole
Ashley was born and raised in Orange County. She earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of La Verne. She graduated with departmental honors and Cum Laude from the university. In 2017, she graduated from the same university with a Masters of Science in Finance. Since her career years began in the financial industry, Ashley has found a passion for building community and networking with businesses. Ashley is an active member of Brea Chamber Board of Directors and a chapter member of Business Network International. As well, as an active member for Tomorrow’s Leaders for Cystic Fibrosis Foundation-Orange County Chapter. She enjoys being surrounded by close friends and family. In her free time she enjoys staying physically active by hiking, trying new restaurants, and reading. As she believes, synergy is created through committed action.

Angel Nieblas
Angel is a proud father of three, with 13 years of experience as an International MMA Cage Fighter. His journey from the cage to fatherhood reflects his unwavering dedication, resilience, and belief in self-improvement. Beyond his fighting career, he now channels his passion into empowering youth through sports.
Angel is a proud father of three, with 13 years of experience as an International MMA Cage Fighter. His journey from the cage to fatherhood reflects his unwavering dedication, resilience, and belief in self-improvement. Beyond his fighting career, he now channels his passion into empowering youth through sports.
Drawing from his own experiences, he mentors young individuals, imparting the values of discipline, perseverance, and self-confidence. His global perspective and commitment to inspiring others showcase his evolution from fierce competitor to a compassionate mentor leaving an enduring legacy of empowerment.

Gunnar Berndt
Born and raised in Germany, Gunnar Berndt holds a bachelor’s degree in German studies and a master’s degree in English/American studies from Ruhr-Universität in the city of Bochum. In addition to bleeding purple, Gunnar bleeds blue and white, the colors of his favorite Bundesliga side since childhood, VfL Bochum 1848. A naturalized U.S. citizen, Gunnar permanently moved stateside in 2011 and has since handled communications for teams in the USL, NWSL and MASL. His first affiliation with the Strykers dates back over a decade, as he worked for quasi-predecessor Anaheim Bolts in 2012-13, followed by a stint with the current iteration of the club (then named Ontario Fury) in 2019. When he’s not busy writing a press release, Gunnar might be training dogs or advocating for animal rights.

Tyler Bateman
Tyler Bateman is a passionate advocate for youth empowerment and community engagement, hailing from the vibrant heart of the Inland Empire. Raised amidst the diverse tapestry of this region, he developed a deep-rooted connection to its people and values.
Tyler Bateman is a passionate advocate for youth empowerment and community engagement, hailing from the vibrant heart of the Inland Empire. Raised amidst the diverse tapestry of this region, he developed a deep-rooted connection to its people and values.
A graduate of Chino Hills High School, Tyler's formative years were marked by a commitment to excellence and a drive to make a difference. Throughout his career, Tyler has dedicated himself to various roles centered around youth development and community enrichment.
A proud supporter of the cerebral palsy foundation, Tyler is deeply invested in championing the rights and well-being of individuals with disabilities. His advocacy extends beyond mere words, as he actively participates in initiatives aimed at promoting inclusivity and accessibility for all.
Tyler's journey with Empire Strykers began through a transformative partnership with Anthesis, where he found a platform to channel his passion for community service into meaningful action. This collaboration served as a catalyst for his involvement in empowering youth through sports, fostering camaraderie, and nurturing leadership skills.

