Leadership within the BVB International Academy is about more than titles or roles, it’s about connection, consistency, and a shared commitment to developing people through football. From Dortmund to North America, our leadership team works collaboratively to align vision with action, ensuring that the values, culture, and standards of Borussia Dortmund are lived out every day across our growing global network.
Dr. Douglas Payne
Chief Executive Officer | BVBIA North America
Dr Douglas Payne spent the first half of his career teaching in internal medicine residency programs. He has been on the faculty as professor of medicine at the University of California Davis and Texas Tech.
Over the last 15 years he has worked principally as a medical entrepreneur creating a medical platform that provides high quality patient care and better working conditions for doctors. Over the past five years he has transitioned his medical work to half-time to pursue work in the football world.
His love of football stems from a lifelong passion as a player and coach. He currently holds a UEFA B license and the Master in High Performance Football from the MBP School in Barcelona. He is a co-owner of the BVBIA Affiliate in El Paso, Texas.
Chief Football Officer | BVBIA North America
Dru Wright, a Wake Forest University graduate with degrees in Communications, Sociology, and Sports Medicine, excelled as a Division 1 athlete in Soccer and Football. He went on to play professional soccer in Brazil’s second division before transitioning to coaching.
With over 20 years of experience in U.S. soccer as a player and coach, Dru holds a USSF National A license, Goalkeeping license, and USC Director of Coaching diploma. He has led player development programs for multiple professional-affiliated clubs, including serving as Director of Soccer Development for Liverpool FC International Academy before joining Borussia Dortmund (BVB) International Academy.
Since 2019, Dru has been Executive Technical Director for BVBIA North America, leading initiatives like the School of Excellence and College Athlete Placement (CAP) programs. He also fosters connections between BVB’s youth academy and first team, overseeing trips to Dortmund and organizing events such as Evonik camps, preseason tours, and legends visits.
Jason Brewer
Chief Communications Officer | BVBIA North America
Jason Brewer brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for soccer and community development to the field. As a former college soccer player at Midwestern State University, Jason not only honed his skills on the pitch but also developed a strong foundation in teamwork and leadership.
His career path has been distinguished by significant roles in community development and non-profit management, including serving as the Vice President for Community Development for the United Way and as the Executive Director for the Red Cross in West Texas and Southern New Mexico.
Jason's commitment to community service is matched by his passion for soccer as a tool for developing communities. He believes in the power of soccer to unite people, foster youth development, and create a positive impact on society.
As the Executive Director for BVB International Academy in El Paso Borderland, Jason continues to dedicate his efforts to nurturing young talent and spreading the love for soccer across the borderland region.
Hector A. Beltran
Vice President & General Legal Council | BVBIA North America
Hector A. Beltrán is the Vice President and co-owner of BVBIA – Borderland, LLC, and co-owner of Carreon & Beltrán, PLLC, a law firm he operates with his wife, Angelica B. Carreon-Beltrán. With more than 25 years of legal experience, both have been recognized by the El Paso legal community as Young Lawyer of the Year and Lawyer of the Year.
Mr. Beltrán specializes in legal counsel for emerging businesses, particularly in construction, transportation, logistics, and home health care. He also serves as President of Texas Law Focused Education, Inc., a nonprofit supporting U.S. citizenship education.
His soccer involvement began in 2011 as a volunteer coach, later serving as Regional Commissioner for AYSO El Paso and continuing as a referee and pro bono legal advisor to AYSO’s National Board. At BVBIA – Borderland, he provides legal and business guidance while coaching goalkeepers, Mini Bees, and Little Bees. He holds a USSF D License and multiple AYSO certifications.
Annika Theobald
Annika Theobald is a Partnership Manager within the Football Academy of Borussia Dortmund, where she coordinates all BVB International Academy North America projects and partnerships from Dortmund, Germany, serving as a key link between headquarters and academies across the region.
She also leads the girls’ and women’s football program within the BVB Football Academy globally, focused on creating meaningful opportunities and clear player pathways for female athletes. A former competitive player, Annika holds a UEFA B License, a BSc in Sports Science (Sports Management), and an MSc in Sports Tourism.
She is passionate about growing the global black and yellow community and sharing the values, culture, and spirit that unite the BVB family.
Vincent Sander
Partnership Manager | Borussia Dortmund
Vincent Sander is a Partnership Manager within the Football Academy of Borussia Dortmund, based in Dortmund, Germany. He has been with Borussia Dortmund for over three years, gaining experience across multiple departments within the Football Academy.
For the past two years, Vincent has served as the Partnership Manager for the BVB International Academy North America, where he supports and coordinates all related projects directly from Dortmund, helping strengthen the connection between BVB headquarters and the growing North American academy network.
Vincent holds a UEFA B License, a Bachelor of Arts in Sports Science with a focus on Management, and a Master’s degree in Management and Consulting in Sport. He is passionate about building strong transatlantic relationships and supporting the continued growth of the black and yellow BVB family across North America.
