Our Team
Rob Canton
President & CEO
Serving on the board of JDRF Tampa Bay, and co-chair of its two most successful annual fundraising galas, Rob first developed Athletes+Causes as a way to further bring attention to and raise money towards finding a cure for Juvenile Diabetes. He enlisted the support of others in the sports industry affected by Type 1 Diabetes, including Tampa Bay Lightning Forward BJ Crombeen, Rays Outfielder Sam Fuld, and Buccaneers Tight End Tom Crabtree and in January 2014 hosted the first Athletes+Causes event in the Chase Club of Amalie Arena. Sponsors and individuals took advantage of the opportunity to mix and mingle not only with the three professional sports hosts, but with the dozens of fellow Lightning, Rays, and Bucs players that showed up to support their teammates.
Having spent 25-years conducting strategic and economic analyses within the sports industry, Rob has worked with hundreds of teams, destinations, and developers representing a multitude of initiatives including development, transactions, performance improvement, project feasibility, and strategic planning.
Rob previously served as Executive Vice President of Finance and Strategic Planning for the Tampa Bay Lightning. Prior to his work for the Lightning, he consulted on projects across the country involving the New York Yankees, Atlanta Braves, Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, Denver Broncos, Miami Heat, San Diego Padres, Oakland Raiders, Atlanta Hawks, Atlanta Falcons, Washington Nationals, and dozens of other professional sports teams. He has also consulted on sports projects for Louisiana State University, the University of Oklahoma, Duke University, University of North Carolina, North Carolina State University, Texas Tech, The Ohio State University, University of Pittsburgh, and University of Louisville.
Christopher Haran
Senior Vice President of Strategy
Christopher Haran, our Senior Vice President of Strategy, graduated Cum Laude from the University of Tampa where he received the Spartan Leadership Award. At this university, he found his passion for leadership and organizational development and honed his skill set in the non-profit sector.
He has 8+ combined years of Non-Profit Leadership experience. He was the Director of Development for a family foundation, he aided in creating the foundation ‘Sal’s Soldiers’, and has helped spearhead the creation of some of our most successful foundations, including The Lance McCullers Jr. foundation and The Team Godwin Foundation. Through these foundations, Chris has helped work to facilitate transports and save animals in a variety of strategic way. Chris prides himself on his interpersonal communication skills and focusses his energy on building lasting relationships with anyone he crosses paths with.
He’s helped to raise awareness and funds for dozens of non-profits around the country, including The Johnny Damon Foundation, Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranches, The HelpCureHD Foundation, The Florida Aquarium, Zoo Tampa, and many more. Because his passions lie in leadership, not management, Athletes and Causes was instantly attractive to him; the ability to guide athletes in finding the causes that matter to them most, and making their goals come to life was an obvious career path.
In 2015 he completed the White Coat Intern Program with Tampa General Hospital creating a deeper relationship with TGH and acting as an ambassador for the award-winning hospital. He has forged many other meaningful relationships in Tampa Bay and across the country, and is a true asset to all of our clients.
Jenna Hōgg
Director of Marketing & Fundraising Operations
A Tampa, FL native, Jenna Hōgg has been with the A+C Foundation and the HelpCureHD Foundation since 2019, working as a Marketing and Development Coordinator.
She earned her BA from Florida Atlantic University in 2011, specializing in Intercultural and Organizational Communication, Social Science, and Biological Anthropology with a focus on Primatology. Jenna spent six years researching orangutans' cognitive development while also gaining experience with primates and other species involved in the illegal wildlife trade. Her background includes work in veterinary medicine as a Medical Technician Assistant, further deepening her expertise in animal rehabilitation.
Jenna's passion for conservation is matched by her commitment to diverse charitable efforts, including equine and canine rescue programs and supporting families facing rare diseases.
Arian May
Vice President of Development
Arian May is first and foremost mom to two gorgeous girls (and future world-changers). As Vice President of Development for Athletes and Causes, she works collaboratively with a wide range of sectors, including corporate, medical, community, professional sports, and private wealth, to drive impactful change and support charitable initiatives.
Before joining Athletes and Causes, Arian fundraised for one of Ohio’s leading behavioral and mental health agencies. During her 15+ year tenure, she was instrumental in driving strategic initiatives that raised both awareness, funds and resources for mental health services, making a profound impact on the lives of countless individuals and families.
Arian's personal philosophy is centered around the idea that "every dollar is a life-changer," reflecting her unwavering commitment to using resources in ways that bring meaningful and sustainable change. Arian considers it a privilege to serve as Vice President of Development for Athletes and Causes, where she partners with the organization’s leadership, clients, donors, advocates, and supporters to ignite change and make a lasting difference in the world.
Christopher Marasco
Development Director
Chris is an experienced individual with a background in business development, sales strategy, and team leadership. With several years of experience across various roles, he has worked with organizations to expand pipelines, develop effective strategies, and support revenue growth.
Prior to joining the A+C Foundation, Chris spent six years at Benevity, helping companies enhance their charitable giving programs. Throughout his career, he has managed and mentored teams, helped implement prospecting tactics, and aligned sales initiatives with broader business objectives.
Chris graduated from Fordham University in 2014 with a degree in Journalism and spent several years working in collegiate and professional sports, including serving as the radio broadcaster for Fordham’s athletic programs, as well as broadcasting minor league baseball and interning with the Tampa Bay Rays. His background in sports made him a natural fit for joining A+C.
Outside of work, Chris enjoys spending time with his wife, Alex, traveling and exploring national parks, spending time with their senior dog, Lola, and attending any sporting event.
Avery Welz
Client Relationship Manager
A Belleair, Florida native, Avery joined the A+C Team in 2023. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Florida State University, where she developed a strong passion for nonprofit fundraising through her involvement in her sorority’s initiatives supporting breast cancer education and awareness.
At Athletes and Causes, Avery plays a key role in fundraising, donor engagement, and social media. With a strong commitment to making a difference, Avery thrives on building meaningful relationships and implementing innovative strategies that support the mission of Athletes and Causes.