About Us
Hilltop Management is more than an event management company—we are a dedicated partner in creating, planning, and executing successful fundraising and marketing events. As the premier event management company in the New York/New Jersey Metropolitan area, we have spent 18 years helping organizations grow their signature events. CEO Dave Popkin has worked closely with the ALS United Greater New York Chapter to expand WALK ALS, which now spans six locations and has seen remarkable growth in funds raised, participation, and national recognition.
Beyond ALS United, Hilltop has transformed walk programs for numerous nonprofits, including the American Lung Association, Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley Chapter, and others. We manage major events across New York and New Jersey, offering end-to-end services that allow organizations to focus on their mission and donor engagement. Whether you’re a national nonprofit or a local charity, Hilltop’s expertise ensures your event reaches new heights. Learn more about us below!
Leadership
Dave Popkin, CEO
Dave Popkin is a dynamic executive with over 25 years of experience in event management, marketing, sales, and broadcasting. As a key leader at Hilltop, he quarterbacks major fundraising events like WALK ALS and Alzheimer’s Association walks while overseeing marketing, public relations, and media production for clients such as Union Catholic High School, the Hospital for Special Surgery, STANBEE, and the Jersey City Marathon (and more).
A highly respected broadcaster and Master of Ceremonies, Dave was named the 2024 New Jersey Sportscaster of the Year by the National Sports Media Association. He has been the voice of Seton Hall basketball for 22 years and Northeast Conference sports for 25 years, with appearances on CBS Sports Network, NBC Sports Network, FS1, ESPN+, MSG, YES, and more.
Committed to community service, he serves as President of the Nutley Family Service Bureau and founded ROCK HUNGER, an annual fundraising concert. His accolades include the Nutley Jaycees Public Health and Safety Award, WriteOn Sports’ Literary Champion award, and Seton Hall’s O. Lawrence Keefe Award. He has also been an adjunct professor at Seton Hall and previously held leadership roles with the Newark Bears Baseball Club and Positive Impact Partners.
Matt DeSantis, Consultant
Matthew DeSantis brings 25 years of strategic planning, negotiation, and analytical expertise to Hilltop Management. He collaborates with stakeholders, clients, and partners to develop and implement efficient, sustainable programs and initiatives. A seasoned executive, he has led business strategies for collegiate athletics, professional sports, academic institutions, and nonprofits.
After earning his Juris Doctorate from Catholic University in 1999, DeSantis held leadership roles with the Newark Bears and Northeast Conference, where he developed strategic plans, built partnerships, and negotiated key agreements. He has worked with institutions like Monmouth and Quinnipiac, corporate sponsors such as Gatorade and Adidas, and media outlets including ESPN and MSG.
Over two decades, he has served as Managing Director of Breakaway Corporation, Senior VP at Admit One, and founder of the Teen Think Tank Project. At Hilltop, he manages major fundraising events for organizations like the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, Alzheimer’s Association, and Autism Speaks.
A Syracuse alum, DeSantis lives in Asbury Park, NJ, with his wife, Bernadette.
Michael Popkin
Michael brings over 30 years of corporate experience to the Hilltop. He has served in national and regional managerial roles with Fortune 500 companies, including sales, marketing, account management, and operations. The Forked River, NJ resident has helped manage Hilltop events since our inception and has also worked at Army Football, Seton Hall Basketball, Newark Bears Baseball, and other sporting events.
He is currently the event lead on several Lung Force walks and is an operations leader on other events. In addition to his management experience, Mike is a talented pianist who plays at events throughout the East Coast. He is also an avid sports fan with extensive expertise in the sports memorabilia industry.