Megan Van Petten

CEO & President

Megan Van Petten is a purpose-driven leader who has spent over 20 years helping to transform nonprofit associations, foundations and societies while serving as CEO of Van Petten Group, an association management company. VPG helps organizations in transition by providing educational resources, bolstering national city tourism, event services and guidance to become self-managed. Megan coaches high-level executives and creates custom development opportunities to give organizations the research, tools and technology to bring their mission and vision to life.

During her time serving as the Fantasy Sports Trade Association (FSTA) Association Director, Megan was instrumental in scaling the association into one of the top 10 fastest growing industries in the country. She was also named by HuffPost as the Top 5 Most Influential Women in Fantasy Sports. This experience with sports and technology spurred Megan to launch a new association, the Esports Trade Association (ESTA), in 2017. ESTA is a nonprofit for the business of esports and video gaming industry based in Chicago, with Chapters positioned throughout the world. She actively oversees and contributes to the growth and development of this organization, with dedication and passion and is proud to have had a hand in launching the #LeadGenerously Leadership Program for ESTA Chapter leaders. She recently honored to be nominated for the WISE (Woman in Sports & Events) Women of Inspiration Awards.

Megan is an expert panelist, event speaker, and a host to two ESTA dedicated podcasts, EsportsConnected and EsportsNext, designed to showcase member stories, create personal and business connections within the esports community and highlight the annual EsportsNext conference.

She serves the esports community by being on the various advisory boards, including Stockton University and Beyond Sports Initiative. She also is a member of the National Speakers Association. Megan holds a Master’s degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology and is pursuing Post Graduate work in Pastoral Studies to learn more about ways towards global peace. During her off time, she studies the global healing arts and is a volunteer lector for Holy Name Cathedral Parish.

Favorite motto/quote: The mind is everything; what you think, you become.
When you’re not at VPG, you’re: Engaging with fitness, spiritual development, and volunteering or exploring Chicago with friends.
One person you’d like to meet (dead or alive): My brother, John who passed before his time.
What do you want to be when you grow up: I want to do what I can to thank everyone who has shared my road and been part of this fantastic journey we call life.
Greatest achievement: Building my company from the ground up with a truly special group of people I respect and love.