Schechter Alumni Spotlight: Gabe Chasin (’13)
For Gabe Chasin, sports are more than just a game—they’re a way of life! Whether he’s creating unforgettable experiences for Saints and Pelican fans, spearheading Jewish initiatives in New Orleans, or standing on the field at the Super Bowl, Gabe has turned his lifelong passion into a career that’s both exciting and meaningful.
A proud graduate of Schechter and Rochelle Zell Jewish High School, Gabe took his love of sports to the University of Michigan, earning a Bachelor’s in Sports Management while also being an active member of Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity.
But breaking into the sports industry isn’t easy. “A lot of people want to work in sports, but you really have to take a leap of faith,” he says. That’s exactly what he did—packing up and moving to New Orleans, where he started as an intern for the Saints and Pelicans, determined to make it on his own.
“I had to grow up fast,” Gabe recalls. “I proved myself early on, and after three years as a Season Ticket Account Executive, I was promoted to the Premium Seat team.” Now, as a Premium Seat Account Executive, he’s in the business of creating high-end, one-of-a-kind experiences for clients.
“You never know what’s going to happen at a game,” he says. “From courtside seats to office outings and client entertainment, I get to help businesses create really incredible moments.”
And how did Gabe feel attending the recent Super Bowl? “It was a dream come true. Standing on the field, surrounded by cheering fans and celebrities—it made all the hard work worth it.”
Gabe’s impact extends far beyond the stadium, rooted in his deep commitment to the Jewish community—something he came to appreciate even more after moving to the South.
“You don’t understand the power of a Jewish education until you’re taken out of your element and have to explain who we are to non-Jews,” he says. “I live in the Christian South, and it’s been really cool to introduce people to Jewish traditions and explain things they may have never encountered before—some have never even met a rabbi.”
That passion led Gabe to launch the first-ever Pelicans Hanukkah Night—a groundbreaking event that brought Jewish fans together for a pre-game menorah lighting. “It was an amazing experience, and after October 7th, it became even more meaningful,” he explains. “This small Jewish community saw that an NBA organization was willing to support us. It sparked something, and this year we made it even bigger. I spearheaded the event, but it was about giving back to the community and making sure it continues to grow.”
Gabe credits Schechter for shaping his values and giving him a foundation that still influences him today. “The friendships I made at Schechter mean everything to me,” he says, shouting out Bryce and Dylan Levin, Gabe Strauss, Brad Leshem, Levi Nathan, Brian Koltin, Eitan Lewittes, Jake Dayan, Adam Gilman, Tzvi Herman, Jon Silvers, and many others. And our friendships were a catalyst for our parents to become friends. There’s really nothing like the Schechter community for building friendships among families that last a lifetime.”
For alumni looking to break into the sports industry, Gabe has some advice: “I get this question all the time. You can’t just love sports—you have to love the business of sports. You have to be willing to start from the bottom, work your way up, and show your impact. Everything is selling. Be open-minded when you get your first job, because it’s about making the most out of every opportunity.”
As for where he sees himself in seven years? “Still progressing in my sports career, learning new skills, and growing from the amazing mentors and role models around me,” he says. And his personal motto? He takes it from his idols Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant: “Rest at the end, not in the middle. Give all that you have and stay the course. Keep working hard and staying focused and everything will work out.”
