Investor, entrepreneur and creative executive. Partner at PLC Venture Capital. Hollywood screenwriter/producer. Technology executive/investor with multiple exits. V Foundation Wine Celebration Board member & Frostig School Trustee. Minority stake in Angel City Football Club of the NWSL.

Experienced media and technology executive and entrepreneur with Ingrooves Music Group (Universal Music Group), Fender Musical Instruments and Yahoo Music / LAUNCH Media. Board member and former Chair of CoachArt, pairing chronically ill kids with volunteer coaches in arts and athletics.

John Smelzer is 30-year veteran of the professional sports industry, having held legal and commerical roles with the World Cup USA 1994, the NFL, NBC Olympics and FOX Sports. A serial entreprenuer, John has co-founed three previous starts ups, including an acquisiton by Yahoo! With twin passions for soccer and travel, John has witnessed the Beautiful Game played in 43 countries around the World. John is a graduate of UCLA and NYU Law.

Nehemias “NiNi” Blanco started his playing career with the Fresno Fuego FC of USL League Two, and later at Fresno Pacific University (2005-2009). In 2010, Nini signed a professional contract with C.D. Chalatenango of the Primera División de Fútbol de El Salvador and was also loaned to C.D. Barrio México of the Primera División de Costa Rica. 

After his playing career, NiNi helped lead the Fresno City College Men’s Soccer program to two state titles in 2017 and 2019 as head assistant coach. Over his career, NiNi established a vast network in the professional ranks, while helping young players sign professional contracts. In 2020, he joined Central Valley Fuego of USL League One as Vice President of Futbol, helping to establish both the operations and technical side of the expansion franchise.

Raised in the Antelope Valley, Panchito Ramirez was a stand-out youth player, winning a National Championship with Ambush Soccer Club and starting varisty for Littlerock High School where he graduated valedictorian. Panchito played D1 soccer for UC Riverside and obtained a masters degree from the University of Michigan. In 2022, Panchtio returned to his community to found the Dreamers Soccer Clinic, a Sports-Based non-profit serving low-income student athletes from throughout the AV.

Zaki Tahari brings a diverse background to AV Atla FC, including coaching, scouting, television production and digital media. Zaki holds a USSF C license and a degree in public policy from the University of Southern California. Before joining AV Atla FC as Sporting Director, Zaki coached for San Fernando Valley FC in UPSL premier and scouted for the US Club Soccer’s Player Development Program.

Brian Kleiban joins AV Alta FC as the first Head Coach in club history, bringing 20 years of coaching experience. Known for his player development expertise, Kleiban played an integral role in the creation of the LA Galaxy High School Program, with three consecutive National Championship appearances.

Brian previously held internships with FC Barcelona’s first team while under legendary manager Pep Guardiola, as well as the Barcelona B team under Luis Enrique (2008-2013). Additionally, he spent time studying with the Argentina National Team during the Copa America in Peru coached by Marcelo Bielsa (2004). Kleiban credits his experience with these elite programs for his training methodology and team culture. His leadership directly contributed to the development of extraordinary talents, including Alex Mendez (Ajax Amsterdam) and Mexican Nationals Julian Araujo (FC Barcelona) and Efrain Alvarez (Club Tijuana).

During his four years at the helm, he oversaw the progression of over 20 players to the professional ranks.  Most notably, Kleiban was instrumental in the development of: Julian Araujo, Efrain Alvarez, Alex Mendez,  Leonardo Sepulveda, Jalen Neal,  Jonathan Perez, Mauricio Cuevas, Jorge Hernandez, and Ulysses Llanez.  

Kleiban was the head coach of the Chivas USA Academy (2013-2015) and director Total Football, formerly Barcelona USA Academy (2011-2013). Most recently he was appointed head coach at LA Galaxy Academy for the U14, U17 and U18’s (2015-2019) and LAFC So Cal Youth head coach for the U15 and U18’s (2022-2024). Brian was born in Torrance, CA and grew up in La Mirada, CA He holds a National A Senior coaching License.