Rian Wendling
VP of Success
Customer success and business leader with a track record of building strong partnerships, scaling customer programs, and turning complex products into meaningful outcomes.
About BowTie
A network built on trust, not transactions.
BowTie exists to create a school-safe network where meaningful partnerships actually thrive — and where every connection leaves students better off. We turn years of relationships into a system that helps schools, vendors, and brands win together.
The people behind the network
Meet the team tying it all together.
Kylene Pippin
Founder
Strategist, relationship builder, and 18-year K–12 industry veteran dedicated to helping schools, vendors, and brands create lasting value together.
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Nic Shafer
Director of Sales and Partnerships
Sales leader, relationship builder, and strategic partnership specialist focused on creating growth that lasts.
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Advisors
Guiding voices behind the work.
Cyndi Tew
Advisor, Leadership & Organizational Strategy
With more than twenty years of experience in leadership development, organizational strategy, and executive coaching, Cyndi brings a powerful blend of emotional intelligence and strategic clarity to BowTie’s mission.
Seth Morgan
Advisor, Strategic Finance & Organizational Development
With more than twenty years of experience in strategic leadership, financial advisory, and organizational development, Seth brings a depth of expertise that strengthens BowTie’s long‑term vision.
Network
Anna Nelson
Sales
Anna Nelson is a sales and marketing leader who accelerates growth through strategic partnerships, product launches, and innovative marketing across sports, tech, fundraising, retail, and SaaS.
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Russel (RJ) Johnson
Sales
RJ is a business development and partnerships leader who drives revenue growth and strengthens athletic programs.
Holly Lewis Johnson
Sales
Holly is an operations and client solutions leader who drives strategic growth and delivers high‑value marketing and facility solutions for schools.
Gary Smeal
Marketing & Branding
Bringing 25 years of marketing leadership, Gary specializes in creative design, driving brand awareness, optimizing digital lead architecture, and scaling revenue-generating opportunities for brands, businesses, and athletic organizations.
What's in a name
BowTie is named after Kylene's sons.
BowTie is inspired by Founder Kylene’s sons, Bo and Ty — the original “Bow” and “Tie.” And while her youngest son, Gage, isn’t in the name, he already gets plenty of attention as the baby of the family.
The name reflects the heart behind BowTie’s work: tying together the people and partnerships that shape the future for kids like theirs.
A tribute
In honor of Bruce Brown
A friend, former athletic director, and OIAAA Executive Director — whose belief in doing right by students still shapes how we work today.