Stephen Starks is no stranger to the mission of protecting clean athletes. After completing his post-law school clerkship with Indiana Supreme Court Justice Theodore R. Boehm (retired), he joined USADA as its Legal Affairs Director in 2008. During his time at USADA, Stephen participated in the resolution of more than 100 sports doping cases and was an advocate in at least 20 contested arbitration hearings before the American Arbitration Association and Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Since then, Stephen has continued his professional journey as an attorney and executive in the sports and entertainment industries. As an advisor, arbitrator, and qualified mediator, much of Stephen’s work has centered around complex transactions and dispute resolution involving commercial contracts, licensing, media rights, sponsorships and promotions, intellectual property, and policy compliance. Stephen also has represented professional athletes, including NFL players and professional soccer players, as an agent. Additionally, he has served as a legal advisor to music artists and producers.

Currently serving as Vice President, Legal Affairs at Live Nation Entertainment, Stephen’s entertainment experience includes negotiating artist agreements concerning tours headlined by the biggest acts in the music business and negotiating agreements with North American arenas and stadiums hosting major live events. Additionally, Stephen spent over six years as an attorney and executive in motorsports, having served as Deputy General Counsel for the company now known as Penske Entertainment Corp., which is the parent to Indianapolis Motor Speedway, INDYCAR, and IMS Productions, and as Vice President of Promoter and Media Partner Relations for INDYCAR.

Stephen received his law degree from Valparaiso University in 2006 and his undergraduate degree from Drexel University in 2001. While at Drexel, he was a four-year member of the school’s NCAA Division I basketball team. He was the America East Conference scoring leader and a unanimous first team all conference selection in 2001.

Stephen is married with two athlete children who he loves to coach and watch compete.