Welcome to the 2nd Annual International Summit on Repetitive Brain Trauma
From Awareness to Action: Changing the Narrative on Brain Trauma and Mental Illness
September 3rd and 4th in Tampa, Florida
Two Days. One Mission. Protecting Brains, Saving Lives.
MEET our keynote speakers
Leigh Steinberg
Leigh is a legendary sports agent, entrepreneur, and the founder and Chairman of Steinberg Sports and Entertainment. Often credited as the real-life inspiration for the Oscar-winning film Jerry Maguire, he has represented over 300 professional athletes across football, basketball, baseball, hockey, boxing, golf, and more, including a record eight number-one NFL draft picks and 12 Hall of Famers.
With a career spanning over five decades, Leigh has negotiated more than $4 billion in contracts and directed over $1 billion to charitable causes worldwide. Beyond his groundbreaking work in sports representation, he is a passionate advocate for athlete health, brain injury research, and philanthropy, founding a nonprofit dedicated to concussion and brain health.
Leigh’s influence extends from the playing field to global media, philanthropy, and brain health advocacy, making him a powerful voice on athlete well-being and social impact.
Frank Larkin
Frank J. Larkin is a decorated Navy SEAL veteran, former U.S. Senate Sergeant at Arms, and lifelong public servant whose career has spanned the Secret Service, law enforcement, and national security. But it’s his personal mission that sets him apart. After the heartbreaking loss of his son Ryan, a decorated Navy SEAL who died by suicide from undiagnosed blast-induced brain injury, Larkin has become one of the nation’s most outspoken and passionate advocates for veteran brain health.
Today, Larkin leads a national movement to shine a light on the invisible wounds of war—raising awareness of blast trauma, fighting for better diagnostics, and demanding access to life-saving treatments for veterans. With the rare combination of elite military experience and a father’s resolve, Larkin brings urgency, insight, and hope to the fight for America’s warriors.
Dr. Daniel P. Perl
Dr. Daniel P. Perl is a leading neuropathologist with over four decades of groundbreaking research on neurodegenerative disorders and brain trauma. A graduate of Columbia College and the State University of New York, he trained at Yale University and has held esteemed positions at Brown University, the University of Vermont, and Mount Sinai School of Medicine, where he led the Neuropathology Division for 24 years.
Currently, Dr. Perl directs the DoD/USU Brain Tissue Repository at the Uniformed Services University, focusing on the long-term effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and blast exposure in military personnel. His team’s discovery of interface astroglial scarring has revolutionized understanding of blast-induced brain damage, while his work on chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) has shaped diagnostic criteria for the disease.
Dr. Perl has authored over 380 publications and received numerous awards, including the Meritorious Achievement Award from the American Association of Neuropathologists in 2021, honoring his lifelong contributions to brain health research.
Featured Speakers
Bridging Worlds, Building Solutions: From Invisible Impacts to Visible Change
Our summit tells a story of connection and transformation.
✔️ Understanding the Invisible - Revealing the hidden impacts of repetitive brain trauma
✔️ Building Bridges - Connecting different affected populations and sharing solutions
✔️ Creating Visible Change - Transforming awareness into action through policy, practice, and advocacy
Who's This Perfect For
brain health advocates
Military & veteran families
scientists
policymakers
athletic coaches
survivor families
educators
clinicians
youth sports organizations
Thank You to Our 2025
Summit Sponsors
Title Sponsor: Keystone Bridge Builder
As our exclusive Title Sponsor, the The Patrick Risha CTE Awareness Foundation serves as the keystone that holds the entire event together—providing essential support that makes the summit possible.
The Keystone Bridge Builder stands at the forefront of our mission, symbolizing leadership, commitment, and a shared dedication to improving lives.
Foundation Bridge Builder Sponsorships
As a Foundation Sponsor, your organization provides essential support
for the summit while receiving recognition and engagement
opportunities.
THE VENUE
JOIN US IN SUNNY TAMPA, FLORIDA
Event Location
Tampa Green Beret Association Team House & Veteran Center (located in South Tampa)
6207 S Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33611
Tampa Green Beret Association Team House (in South Tampa)
Centrally located in Tampa for our local attendees
Extend your stay! We're less than one hour from St. Petersburg and Clearwater Beach, FL
Less than 35 minutes from Tampa International Airport & St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport
2 hours to Disney!
Following our landmark inaugural event, The Mac Parkman Foundation returns with the International Summit on Repetitive Brain Trauma —a two-day event dedicated to tackling the national crisis of repetitive brain trauma in both youth athletics and military service.
With a powerful lineup of experts, advocates, and survivors, this year’s conference bridges the gap between science, story, and systemic change—highlighting the dual threat of Repetitive Head Impacts (RHI) in adolescent sports and Repeated Blast Exposure (RBE) among veterans and service members