HOOPBUS Leadership
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Founder and Creative Director
Nick Ansom is the Founder and Creative Director of Hoopbus, as well as the founder of Veniceball and the Venice Basketball League. For nearly two decades, he has blended basketball, art, and activism to create platforms that celebrate culture and community on and off the court.
At Hoopbus, Nick drives the organization’s creative vision and strategy, leading relationship management, curriculum development, team training, international expansion, while guiding the overall creative and visual direction. His work is grounded in the belief that basketball is more than a game—it’s a tool for connection and transformation.
Nick’s basketball resume additionally includes leading dozens of global court refurbishments as part of the Build Courts Not Walls movement, and for his practice of “survival hoops”—an improvisational art form building basketball hoops in the wild from foraged and abandoned materials wherever he travels. Through these projects, he continues to push the boundaries of basketball as a global language of unity, creativity, and change.
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Executive Director
Tobias DiMarco is the Executive Director of Hoopbus, where he leads the nonprofit’s fundraising, programs, operations, and compliance with a focus on creativity, community, and impact. Since joining in 2021, he has grown with the organization from the ground up—working in every role before stepping into leadership—bringing a hands-on, homegrown perspective to his work.
Guided by Hoopbus’ mission to use basketball as a vehicle for connection and change, Tobias believes in the service call to stewardship. Outside of his role, he can often be found on the court at local pickup games, producing music, or recharging in nature
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Impact Director
Chantelle Anderson is the Impact Director at Hoopbus, where she shapes curriculums, oversees programs execution, and helps guide the organization’s strategic vision. As a key ambassador for Hoopbus, she brings the organization’s mission to life through representation on the ground, chiefly leading the organization’s mentorship program.
A former professional athlete, Chantelle is Vanderbilt University’s all-time leading scorer and was the #2 overall pick in the 2003 WNBA Draft, where she went on to play six seasons. Beyond the court, she has built a career as a motivational speaker and DEI consultant, using her platform to educate companies on how to build strategic people-forward organizations.
Grounded in faith, service, and a never ending commitment to positivity, Chantelle leads with both experience and purpose—ensuring Hoopbus programs not only create impact, but also empower communities to thrive.
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Programs Manager
Giovanni Ascuntar is a Programs Manager at Hoopbus, where he leads event production, campaign and program execution, storytelling, and event hosting. His work helps shape the creative identity of Hoopbus and ensures that each program carries the spirit and culture of the game.
Originally from Miami, Florida, Giovanni began his career in real estate before following his passion for streetball and its culture. Through his platform He Got Next, he spent years documenting the players, characters, and stories that make the game unique—a pursuit that ultimately led him to Hoopbus.
Now a fixture at Hoopbus events nationwide, Giovanni brings energy, creativity, and authenticity to everything he touches. Whether behind a camera, on a microphone, or welcoming a crowd, he embodies his belief in encouraging the next generation to dream beautifully and unusually.
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Lead Producer, New York City
Jeremy Kaplan is a primary producer and project manager for Hoopbus based out of New York City. He oversees basketball court refurbishments, campaign management, project execution, and regional events. With a background in studio art production and management, Jeremy excels at bringing both creative vision and organizational discipline to every project.
A Philadelphia native and lifelong basketball fanatic, Jeremy is also a practicing artist whose socially engaged practice spans a range of media, including site-specific public interventions. He is the founder of the Golden Nets Project, a nonprofit dedicated to installing golden nets at public parks across the country as symbols of beauty, community, and play.
Drawing inspiration from the culture of basketball in many life pursuits, Jeremy continues to merge art, basketball, and community engagement—using the court as both a canvas and a gathering place.
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Fleet Manager
Dan Moroni is the Fleet Manager at Hoopbus, where he oversees the nonprofit’s fleet of vehicles, manages drivers, ensures compliance, and leads the fabrication of buses and their custom features. In addition, he serves as a strategic advisor across programs, particularly in the development of creative bus-forward partnerships.
With 15 years of experience in robotics and engineering, Dan combines technical expertise with an entrepreneurial insight as a sports and tech innovator. A firm believer in the power of sports to change the world, he has applied his skills to designing and building Hoopbus’ unique fleet—turning each vehicle into a mobile hub that serves as the focal point for driving community engagement.
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Social Media Manager
Clara Bourrat is Hoopbus’ Social Media Manager and resident photographer and videographer, where she leads social media strategy, event production, and media capture.
A lifelong basketball player and passionate supporter of women’s hoops, Clara brings a content-forward perspective to everything she produces at Hoopbus. She is inspired by seeing young girls empowered to play, compete, and express themselves freely through the game. Outside of basketball, Clara enjoys fashion, art, and capturing the energy and stories of the communities Hoopbus serves.