Emily Dickerson

Originally from Fraser, Michigan, Emily is a proud graduate of Central Michigan University, where she earned her bachelor's degree in Sport Management with a minor in Event Management. Her journey into the world of sports began in 2021 when she joined CMU Athletics as a field study student in the facility and event operations department. It didn't take long for her to realize her passion for the fast-paced, detail-driven world of events and operations.

Over her time at CMU, Emily rose through the ranks — from field study student to student worker, then to completing her internship with the department during the 2022–2023 academic year. These roles demanded long hours, quick thinking, and adaptability — all of which helped prepare her for the demands of a career in sports. To further diversify her experience, she completed internships with the United Shore Professional Baseball League (USPBL) in 2021 and the Detroit Sports Commission in 2022, gaining valuable insight into both professional and event-based environments.

Following graduation, Emily landed a season-long operations internship with the Detroit Lions — a dream opportunity that turned into a full-time position at the conclusion of the 2023 NFL season. Today, she serves as the lead for credentialing for all events held at Ford Field, including Lions games and major concerts. This responsibility has strengthened her attention to detail, boosted her confidence, and honed her ability to think critically about safety and security in large-scale venues.

Emily credits her success to the strong mentorship she's received and the incredible teams she's worked with. "There's truly no task too big or too small in operations," she says. "Whether I'm managing thousands of credential requests or putting up a single sign, every detail matters." When challenges arise, Emily leans on her team and the advice of her mentors. One piece of guidance that's stuck with her: "Take a deep breath, take a step back, and approach things with a fresh perspective." It's a mindset that continues to shape her both professionally and personally.