Rob Higgins has been named the first CEO of Athletics at the University of South Florida, following a national search. Higgins, an alumnus of USF and former staff member in the athletics department, brings more than two decades of experience in sports management to his new role.
Higgins previously served as executive director of the Tampa Bay Sports Commission since 2004. During his tenure, he played a key role in establishing Tampa Bay as a major location for sports and entertainment events, including hosting two Super Bowls, a College Football Playoff National Championship, and several NCAA tournaments.
USF Board of Trustees Chair Will Weatherford commented on the appointment: “As we embarked on this search, it became clear that this moment was different for the University of South Florida. Our next leader couldn’t just be an athletics director – we needed a CEO of USF Athletics. In this new era of college athletics, not only is the role about providing a top-tier experience for our student-athletes across all sports, it now requires a business approach to build a competitive enterprise, grow revenue, embrace innovation, lead through change and position our university — and the Tampa Bay region — on the national stage. Rob Higgins has proven during his time with the Tampa Bay Sports Commission that he isn’t afraid to dream big. He’ll bring that same ambition to USF and we’re excited to welcome him back home to lead our next chapter.”
In addition to overseeing major events such as Super Bowl LV in 2021 and Super Bowl XLIII in 2009 while leading host committees or bid operations, Higgins helped bring other high-profile competitions like multiple NCAA Women’s Basketball Final Fours and WrestleMania 37 to Tampa Bay.
USF President Rhea Law highlighted Higgins’ impact on both USF and the region: “Rob is a terrific example of the impact our alumni make every day. Through his tireless efforts over the past two decades, Rob has helped elevate Tampa Bay through hosting events that generate economic impact for our communities, attract thousands of visitors to the area and grow the region’s brand to audiences across the world. We’re proud of all his success and look forward to everything he will accomplish as our CEO of USF Athletics.”
Higgins’ career recognitions include being listed on Tampa Bay Business Journal’s Power 100 five years running; inclusion in Street & Smith’s Sports Business Journal’s “Forty Under 40”; selection for “30 Under 30” by Tampa Bay Business Journal; recognition as one of Tampa Bay Times’ top difference makers; and listing among Huffington Post’s top global sports marketers.
USF Board Vice Chair Mike Griffin said: “I’ve been fortunate to know Rob Higgins for many years, and I’ve seen the passion he has for the University of South Florida and the Tampa Bay region. As a university, and as a community, we have great momentum. USF is rising in research, rankings and reputation. Especially as we prepare to open our transformational on-campus stadium in the coming years, Bulls Nation is more engaged and energized than ever. At this pivotal time in USF Athletics history, Rob is the right person to lead us into a new era.”
Higgins’ ties with USF began when he attended basketball games as a child before working with athletics facilities after graduation from USF. He was inducted into USF’s Zimmerman School Hall of Fame in 2015 and received its Distinguished Citizen Award at commencement ceremonies earlier this year.
“I never imagined that an opportunity to volunteer as a young boy at USF basketball games would take me down a path to a career of over 20 years serving at the Tampa Bay Sports Commission and now the opportunity to return to my alma mater as the first CEO of Athletics. Cliches are often rooted in some truth, but this truly is a dream come true. I could not be more honored to take on this responsibility and could not be more excited to get started,” Higgins said. “Go Bulls!”
He lives with his wife Casey and their two children.
An introductory press conference is planned for September 22; further details will be announced soon.
