The Bulldog Initiative represents a large group of Mississippi State University friends and alumni who have volunteered to help MSU athletics achieve success in the coming years.
From donations large and small, to the volunteering of time and talents, MSU fans have answered the call to help their school’s athletes and teams within the framework of the law and NCAA Policy.
The Bulldog Initiative’s goal is simple: to promote MSU’s athletic teams by maximizing opportunities for their athletes.
Our Founder
Charlie Winfield is the founder of The Bulldog Initiative. Charlie is a life-loyal Bulldog and a 1994 graduate of Mississippi State University. Following graduation from the University of Notre Dame Law School and later practicing law in Dallas, Texas, Charlie moved to Starkville in 2004, where he has since remained active in the community. During his 25-year career as an attorney, Charlie has devoted a significant part of his practice to advising clients on issues related to intercollegiate athletics, including NCAA compliance matters. Charlie founded The Bulldog Initiative with the goal of helping MSU athletes promote the university and the surrounding area through NIL opportunities.
Our Chief Information Officer
Ken McKinion serves as the Chief Information Officer for The Bulldog Initiative. Following graduation from Mississippi State University in 1981, Ken pursued a career in Information Technology in the Property/Casualty Insurance sector. After serving as CIO for a large international insurance holding company, Ken joined the team of a startup software company and later served as its CEO. Since retiring in 2018, Ken has been involved assisting various non-profits in establishing and maintaining their operational infrastructure.
Our Director of Programming and Community Relations
Mary Elliott Winfield serves as the Director of Programming and Community Relations for The Bulldog Initiative. Following graduation from Mississippi State University in 2021, Mary Elliott has worked in marketing and sales administration. She now coordinates and plans the Initiative’s activities, including charitable service within the community.
Our Graphic Designer
Jake Wilkinson serves as the Graphic Artist for The Bulldog Initiative. Beginning at a young age, Jake was a frequent visitor to Starkville to support the Bulldogs, and he fell in love with MSU Athletics in 2013 while watching the Bulldogs make their run to the finals of the College World Series. Jake’s graphics, which are featured on The Bulldog Initiative’s Twitter and Instagram accounts, have become a hit with the Bulldog Initiative athletes, and he frequently has professional players engaging him for his services.