BRYAN BURNSTEIN

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP IN ATHLETICS, PERFORMANCE, AND ORGANIZATIONAL STRATEGY

Lakewood Ranch, Florida
+1 702-478-0464
bburnstein@gmail.com

Summary

Executive leader with 20+ years across elite sport, performance science, and program operations. Proven record building revenue-generating initiatives, leading multidisciplinary teams, and developing high-impact partnerships. Experienced in organizational strategy, stakeholder engagement, and athlete development across nonprofit, education, and professional sport environments. Recognized for bridging data-driven decision making with mission-centered leadership.

Work experience

The Circus Arts Conservatory | Sarasota

2024-11Present

Vice President, Program Development & Youth Performance Management

Provide executive leadership across youth athletics programming, performance operations, and arena execution within a nationally recognized nonprofit organization serving hundreds of participants annually.
- - Lead multidisciplinary teams across coaching, production, administration, and facility operations
  - Direct program strategy aligning development pathways, performance outcomes, and institutional priorities
  - Design initiatives expanding organizational reach, participant engagement, and revenue opportunity
  - Cultivate and steward relationships with donors, schools, community partners, and institutional stakeholders
  - Coordinate complex productions and events requiring cross-department synchronization
  - Translate executive priorities into operational initiatives and measurable actions
  - Represent the organization in external partnerships and community engagement
Key Outcomes & Impact
- - Expanded partnership initiatives generating new revenue streams and visibility
  - Improved operational coordination across program areas, enhancing scheduling and resource utilization
  - Strengthened integration between youth development pipelines and performance programming
  - Supported organizational positioning as a community athletics and education leader
Strategic Focus
- - Organizational growth and sustainability
  - Athletics and youth development ecosystems
  - Executive operations and project execution
  - Partnership and revenue strategy
  - Stakeholder engagement and communication
  - Data-informed performance culture

Kitman Labs

2020-032024-07

Senior Performance Strategist

Supported professional and collegiate sport organizations in adopting performance analytics systems to improve athlete management and decision-making.
- - Guided implementation of performance technology platforms within sport environments
  - Facilitated alignment between software developers and applied sport practitioners
  - Delivered education and onboarding for coaching and performance staff
  - Supported stakeholder adoption through communication and change management
  - Translated performance data into operational insights
Key Outcomes & Impact
- - Accelerated organizational adoption of analytics platforms
  - Strengthened practitioner confidence applying data-informed decision-making
  - Improved collaboration between technical and sport performance domains
  - Supported integration of performance technology into daily operational workflows

California University of Pennsylvania

2008-082022-06

Instructor, Department of Health Science & Sport Studies Global Online Graduate Program

Delivered instruction within graduate-level programming supporting development of emerging sport and performance professionals.
- - Designed and delivered course content for online and hybrid learning environments
  - Guided students in applied performance science concepts
  - Facilitated engagement across diverse professional backgrounds

Key Outcomes & Impact

- - Contributed to preparation of practitioners entering sport and health professions
  - Strengthened academic-practice integration through applied instruction

Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group

2007-082019-12

Head of Performance Science

Led performance science initiatives within globally recognized elite performance environments requiring interdisciplinary coordination and operational precision.
- - Collaborated across artistic, technical, and medical teams
  - Directed performer health and readiness initiatives
  - Coordinated cross-functional communication across departments
  - Operated within complex international production settings
  - Reinforced safety and execution standards
Key Outcomes & Impact
- - Supported performer readiness and continuity of production execution
  - Strengthened cross-department collaboration across global teams
  - Enhanced application of data-informed approaches to performance support
  - Developed operational discipline in high-stakes performance environments

Saginaw Spirit Hockey Club

2003-082007-08

Head Athletic Trainer / Strength & Conditioning Coach

Led athlete health and performance initiatives within competitive junior hockey environments.
- - Implemented preparation and recovery protocols
  - Collaborated with coaching and medical staff
  - Managed logistical coordination within team operations
  - Applied evidence-informed performance and injury prevention practices
Key Outcomes & Impact
- - Supported athlete availability and performance readiness
  - Built foundational expertise in competitive sport operations
  - Strengthened interdisciplinary team collaboration skills

Education

Said Business School at University of Oxford

2022-112023-02

Certificate: Executive Leadership Programme

California University of Pennsylvania

2004-072005-07

Masters of Science

Human Performance & Injury Prevention

Central Michigan University

1998-082002-12

Bachelors of Science

Sports Medicine

publications & presentations

Author and presenter on performance science, analytics, and organizational leadership within sport and performance environments

Burnstein, B., Allen-Burnstein, B. (2022). Chapter 1: NASM Sports Performance Training – Introduction to the Performance Training Profession. Publisher TBD.
Burnstein, B. (November 2019). Enhancing Performance with Data & Technology. Barca Innovation Hub Sports Technology Symposium. Barcelona, Spain.
Burnstein, B. & Richard, V. (October 2018). Innovation & Creativity: Managing Changes from Global to Local Perspectives. Leaders in Performance. London, UK
Donohue, B., Gavrilova, Y., Galante, M., Burnstein, B., Aubertin, P., Gavrilova, E., Funk, A., Light, A., & Benning, S. D. (2018, October 11). Empirical Development of a Screening Method for Mental, Social, and Physical Wellness in Amateur and Professional Circus Artists. Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts. Advance online publication.
Barker, L., Mercer, J., Burnstein, B. (2018). Acceleration profile of an acrobatic act during training and shows using wearable technology. Sports Biomechanics, DOI: 10.1080/14763141.2018.1460394
Donohue, B., Gavrilova, Y., Galante, M. B., Burnstein, B., Aubertin, P., Gavrilova, E., Funk, A., Light, Benning, S., (2018). Wellness screening in Circus: Mental, Social, and Physical Health Factors Interfering With Performance. Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts.
Burnstein, B. (July 2017). Creating a Culture of Data-Informed Decision Making. Innovation Enterprise – Sports Analytics Innovation Summit & Wearable Technology in Sport Summit. San Francisco, California.
Galante, M., Donohue, B., Gavrilova, Y., Phillips, C., Burnstein, B., Aubertin, P., & Corral, A. (2017). The relationship between problem-solving skills and factors associated with performance in the world’s elite circus artists. Journal of Performance Psychology.
Burnstein, B. (May 2016). Beneath the BigTop – Using Technology and Data to Support Circus Performance. The Collegiate and Professional Sports Dietitians Association Annual Conference. Kansas City, Missouri.
Burnstein, B. (September 2015). An Innovative Approach to Managing Circus Performance. Innovation Enterprise – Sports Analytics Innovation Summit & Wearable Technology in Sport Summit. San Francisco, California.
Burnstein, B., Steele, R., Shrier, I. (2011). Reliability of fitness tests using methods and time periods common in sport and occupational management. Journal of Athletic Training 2011:46(5):505–513.

Licenses & certifications

CITI Research Mentor
National Athletic Trainers’ Association Board of Certification Certified Athletic Trainer (2003 - 2021)
National Strength & Conditioning Association Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (2003 - 2022)
National Academy of Sports Medicine:
- Performance Enhancement Specialist
- Fitness Nutrition Specialist
- Corrective Exercise Specialist
USA Weightlifting Advanced Sports Performance Coach
Program of Athletic Coaches’ Education
eCollege Certified Online Instructor

skills

Leadership & Strategy

Organizational leadership, Strategic planning, Program development, Initiative execution, Operational alignment, Change facilitation

Executive Operations

Calendar prioritization support, Executive initiative tracking, Cross-unit coordination

Athletics & Performance Environment Expertise

Athlete development ecosystems, Performance culture integration, Interdisciplinary sport collaboration, Wellness and readiness awareness, Competitive environment operations

Operations & Project Execution

Project coordination, Workflow management, Resource planning, Event/production execution, Multi-priority management, Process improvement

Stakeholder Engagement

Executive communication, Partnership development, Donor/community relations, Cross-functional collaboration, Conflict navigation, Relationship stewardship

Communication & Knowledge Translation

Public speaking, Executive writing, Education and training delivery, Technical-to-operational translation, Presentation development

Analytical & Technical

Data-informed decision support, Performance analytics translation, Technology adoption facilitation, Systems integration collaboration