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Who We Are

Redefining the Game for Pro Athletes

Elite Level Edu­cation, Experi­ences & Commu­nity.

OUR MISSION  |  Fostering education, mentorship, and community to empower professional athletes in relentlessly pursuing what’s next.

PAC is purpose-built to support professional athletes' personal growth off-the-field:

Invest

in individualized development beyond the game

Cultivate

deep relationships in a new type of locker room

Elevate

impact for your VIPs (people, places, philanthropy)

Our Beliefs

Guiding Principles

Our core principles drive every aspect of who we are here at Pro Athlete Community.

Purpose Over Profit

Strive for Excellence

Real Relationships Matter

Elevate Those Around You

Make Life Your Playground

Ready to get started?

Our Team

Kaleb Thornhill

KALEB THORNHILL

Co-Founder and CO-CEO

Chip Paucek

Chip Paucek

Co-Founder and CO-CEO

Travis Key

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Kaleb Thornhill
Co-Founder  //

Kaleb Thornhill

Kaleb Thornhill is an accomplished NFL front office executive (Detroit Lions & Miami Dolphins) with over 14 years’ experience in the National Football League.

He is known as a trailblazer in the player engagement and development space. He created the league’s first “Business Combine,” a transformational off-field experience for both current and former NFL players. In 2020, the “Dolphins Business Combine” made the Miami Dolphins the only NFL team to implement an executive education certificate program for its current players.

Thornhill holds a B.A. & M.S. from Michigan State University, an M.B.A. from Nova Southeastern University, and an Executive Education degree from Wharton Business School: NFL Athlete Development Certification Program. He is a native of Lansing, Michigan; where he continues to pour back into the community that raised him through his non-profit APEX Academy. Thornhill lives in Weston, FL, with his wife Tara and their four children Charlee, Maddox, Landon, and Lennox.

Chip Paucek
Co-Founder  //

Christopher “Chip” Paucek

Christopher “Chip” Paucek is the Co-Founder and CEO of 2U, Inc. (Nasdaq: TWOU).

In 2021, under Paucek’s leadership, 2U acquired edX–one of the world’s leading online education platforms. With this industry-redefining combination, 2U and edX have become one of the world’s most complete online learning platforms, serving over 45 million registered learners, more than 230 partners–including 36 of the top 50 universities globally–and offering over 4,000 digital programs on the world’s most comprehensive free-to-degree online education marketplace.

Paucek’s innovative work at 2U has earned him many accolades, including the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2012, the Goldman Sachs 100 Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs Award in 2013, and multiple Highest Rated CEO awards from Glassdoor. In 2017, Paucek was named among America’s best chief executives by Institutional Investor magazine, ranking third among mid-cap technology, media, and telecom companies. He is a leading voice and speaker on entrepreneurship and the global education and technology landscape. Paucek also sits on 2U’s Board of Directors.

Paucek has been involved in education ventures since the early 1990s. Prior to 2U, Paucek served as CEO of Smarterville, Inc., the parent company of Hooked on Phonics. Paucek began his entrepreneurial career in 1993 when he co-founded his first company, Cerebellum Corporation, which produced the award-winning educational television program and video series Standard Deviants. He led Cerebellum as Co-CEO until 2003. In 2004, Paucek took a break from the business world to serve as deputy campaign manager for the successful re-election of United States Senator Barbara Mikulsk before co-founding 2U.

Chip Paucek

Paucek holds a B.A. from The George Washington University and an M.B.A. from the 2U-powered MBA@UNC program at the University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler Business School.

As a native of South Florida, he is an avid Miami Dolphins fan and currently lives in Annapolis, MD with his wife Gabbi and two sons Noah and Henry.

Interested in finding out more? Schedule a call with us today.

Kaleb Thornhill

Kaleb Thornhill is an accomplished sports management professional and front office executive who is known as a dedicated and insightful innovator in the player engagement and development space. As the Co-founder and Co-CEO of Pro Athlete Community (PAC), Thornhill creates meaningful opportunities for professional athletes at all stages of their careers to get the personal and career support they deserve through experiences that go beyond game.

Kaleb recently started his “next chapter” joining the NBA’s San Antonio Spurs as Vice President of Player Development and Organizational Growth. Prior to that he spent 14 years in the National Football League supporting players the Detroit Lions and Miami Dolphins.  During his tenure with the Dolphins he created the league’s first “Business Combine,” a transformational off-field experience for both current and former NFL players. In 2020, the “Dolphins Business Combine” made the Miami Dolphins the only NFL team to implement an executive education certificate program for its current players.

Thornhill holds a B.A. & M.S. from Michigan State University, an M.B.A. from Nova Southeastern University, and an Executive Education degree from Wharton Business School: NFL Athlete Development Certification Program. A native of Lansing, Michigan, Kaleb continues to pour back into the community that raised him through his non-profit APEX Academy. He, and his wife Tara, don’t show any signs of slowing down as they set up their new home in San Antonio, TX with their four children: Charlee, Maddox, Landon, and Lennox.

Chip Paucek

Christopher “Chip” Paucek is a visionary leader and seasoned entrepreneur who has dedicated his career to revolutionizing education and empowering individuals to pursue life-changing opportunities. As the Co-founder and Co-CEO of Pro Athlete Community (PAC), Paucek spearheads connecting the biggest talent in sports with unparalleled educational resources, experiences, and vital personal connections, ultimately enabling them to passionately pursue and shape their futures.

 

Prior to becoming co-CEO of PAC, Paucek served as Co-Founder and CEO of 2U, Inc.  During his 16-year tenure, Paucek architected the education technology company into one of the world’s largest online education providers, led a successful IPO in 2013, and grew the company to nearly $1 billion in annual revenue. His contributions earned him multiple accolades including the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, Goldman Sachs’s Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs Award, and recognition as one of America’s best chief executives by Institutional Investor magazine. 

 

Paucek’s entrepreneurial journey began in 1993 when he co-founded Cerebellum Corporation, known for its award-winning PBS television show, Standard Deviants. He also served as CEO of Hooked on Phonics and managed the successful re-election campaign of U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski in 2004.

 

With a BA from George Washington University and an MBA from the University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler Business School, Paucek is an active speaker on entrepreneurship and the global education and technology landscape. While Chip lives in Annapolis, MD with his wife (Gabbi),  they stay closely connected to their two sons (Noah and Henry) at Syracuse University through a shared love of all things dogs, Florida, and the Miami Dolphins.

Travis Key

Travis Key is a highly accomplished individual with a diverse background. He graduated from the School of Packaging at Michigan State University, earning a B.S. in 2007 and a M.S. in 2012. During his time at Michigan State University, Travis demonstrated his dedication both academically and athletically. As a walk-on for the Michigan State University football team, he earned an athletic scholarship and went on to achieve remarkable success.

 

As a student-athlete, Travis’s commitment to excellence was evident. He was honored with four consecutive academic All-Big-Ten team selections and received honorable mention All-Big-Ten recognition. Travis’s leadership qualities were recognized when he served as team captain during his senior campaign.

 

Following his collegiate football career, Travis embarked on a professional football journey that spanned two and a half years. He had the privilege of playing for esteemed organizations such as the Minnesota, Cleveland, Detroit, San Diego, and Indianapolis teams in the National Football League, as well as the Montreal organization in the Canadian Football League.

 

In 2010, Travis decided to retire from professional football and transitioned to a career in Packaging. He began working with Fellowes Incorporated in Itasca, IL before joining the Kellogg Company in Battle Creek, MI in 2013. Travis’s passion for the industry eventually  led him to WestRock, where he provided valuable support to their corrugated business as the Senior Director of Technical Services.

 

Not only is Travis an accomplished professional, but he is also a published author. He co-authored the book “Beyond the Gridiron: How to Successfully Transition into Collegiate Football,” which focuses on equipping student-athletes with the necessary tools to overcome the academic, mental, physical, and social challenges of collegiate athletics. His aim is to help these athletes achieve success both on and off the field.

 

Additionally, Travis is a co-founder of APEX Academy Inc., a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization. APEX is dedicated to transforming the lives of student-athletes from under-resourced high schools and communities. Through mentorship, academic support, and professional development, APEX equips these individuals with the skills and tools they need to succeed in life and become valuable contributors to society.

 

Travis’s commitment to his alma mater is evident through his involvement with MSU’s Varsity S Club, where he serves as Co-President of the board of directors. He also actively participates as a board member of the Michigan State Packaging Alumni Association, further strengthening his ties to the university.

 

Travis currently resides in Portage, MI, with his wife Giovanna and their four children: Gianna, Malina, Matteo and Hykeem. With his extensive experience, unwavering dedication, and passion for making a positive impact, Travis continues to inspire and uplift those around him.