MEET OUR CO-FOUNDERS
Kyle Bjornstad
Known for his leadership, organizational and relationship building skills, Kyle Bjornstad brings a wealth of experience and proven success to Dam Nation. Kyle’s diverse background is highlighted by his 13 years of experience in the intercollegiate athletics industry, including his time as a member of Oregon State Athletics’ Executive Leadership Team (Associate Athletic Director/Chief of Staff) where he assisted with departmental strategic planning, scheduling, policy recommendations and contracts. Additionally, Kyle managed various programming for administrators, coaches and student-athletes.
Kyle spent four years as a development officer for the Oregon State University Foundation where he focused on major gift fundraising for capital projects, developing and implementing strategy for the Our Beaver Nation annual fund and overseeing the Varsity OSU alumni engagement program for former OSU student-athletes.
Kyle founded Bjorn 2 Lead Consulting, LLC in 2022.
A member of OSU’s men’s basketball team for three years, Kyle helped the Beavers capture the College Basketball Invitational title his senior year. Kyle graduated from OSU in 2009 (B.S. Speech Communication) and earned his M.A. degree in Coaching & Athletics Administration from Concordia University Irvine in 2019.
Kyle’s wife, Mandi (Rodriguez), is a former seven-time All-American gymnast at OSU. Kyle and Mandi have two children, Alegra and Archer.
Dick Oldfield
A retired Nike executive and leader with 36 years in the footwear industry, Dick Oldfield is known as a strategic thinker who proactively identifies opportunities to maximize the potential of individuals and teams to exceed targets. Throughout his career, Dick worked closely with some of the best athletes in the world (basketball, football, men’s and women’s tennis and men’s and women’s track and field) to enhance their performance and to help tell their inspirational stories.
Dick is a master storyteller and has used those skills in many ways, including memorable and clear insights to drive athlete product innovation while inspiring young athletes throughout their personal journeys.
Dick was a member of Oregon State’s men’s track and field team for four years and graduated from OSU in Businesses Marketing. Dick was a USA Olympic Trials finalist in the 1,500 meters. Dick’s wife (Karen), their children (Alex and Emily) and daughter-in-law (Ashley) all graduated from OSU.
MEET OUR AMBASSADORS
Steven Jackson
footbalL // 2003
“NIL has created a space for student-athletes to explore who they are outside the uniform. Dam Nation Collective is here to serve and uplift some of our brightest stars on campus by empowering them with lessons, professional tools and strategies that will not only help student-athletes today, but for years to come.”
Yuki Igarashi
Gymnastics // 2008
“NIL enables the powerful values, voices and experiences of student-athletes to be amplified in meaningful ways beyond the classroom, field or arena. Dam Nation Collective is where Beaver Nation unites to thoughtfully and strategically multiply each student-athlete’s earned opportunities and desired impact both now and into their next careers.”
Steven Kwan
Baseball // 2018
“I believe providing opportunities to student-athletes creates avenues that help them impact the community in more effective and meaningful ways and providing them with resources and tools positively impacts everyone involved. Dam Nation Collective brings the promise of meaningful interactions and opportunities and is an organization that greatly benefits all Oregon State student-athletes, teams and the greater community.”
Ryan Nall
footbalL // 2017
“If NIL was available to me in college, I would have jumped all over the opportunity. Dam Nation Collective offers tools that student-athletes can use so they can take advantage of the new NIL rules and regulations in an honest and intentional way. I am excited to see student-athletes use these tools to help elevate their platforms.”
Gary Payton II
men’s basketball // 2016
“When I was in college, NIL opportunities didn’t exist. I’m pleased to see the advancements made in the NIL space and the work Dam Nation Collective is doing to help educate today’s student-athletes.”
Mikayla Pivec
Women’s basketball // 2020
“The scene for college athletics has officially changed forever and there is no going back. In response to that change, Dam Nation Collective aims to maximize the positive opportunities that the increased freedom of NIL presents to student-athletes, while doing so in a way that is authentic, true and pure. I believe that for student-athletes, education and the collegiate experience should remain paramount.”
Taylor Ricci
Gymnastics // 2017
“Name, image and likeness has changed the game for student-athletes now competing in NCAA athletics. NIL is an opportunity to allow individuals to explore and pursue their passions outside of the classroom and competition arenas. Dam Nation Collective will be an incredible tool for student-athletes to take advantage of these opportunities with the right resources and education behind them.”
Emmy Rodriguez
Women’s Soccer // 2017
“With all the changes in intercollegiate athletics, NIL has become a large topic of conversation that has the ability to impact the lives of collegiate athletes. Dam Nation Collective will be a great resource to help guide young professionals on and off the field to maximize their experiences and opportunities. I look forward to seeing the great work done and the impact for the student-athletes navigating this new space today and in future.”
