(December 19, 2023) – The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) has appointed Glenn Horine to serve as the Chief Operating Officer, effective January 1, 2024. Aside from overseeing business operations, Horine will manage Marketing and Communications, Events, and Membership and report to SFIA’s President & CEO, Tom Cove.
As a veteran in the sports industry, Horine has extensive experience in licensing, marketing, sponsorships, academia, and executive search. His sports property experience includes the NFL, FIFA World Cup, NHL, European Soccer Championships, PGA of America, Madison Square Garden, USA Hockey, TopGolf, NASCAR, and Arena Football.
Over the last two years, Horine has served as a consultant for SFIA, and is credited with creating the Preferred Partner Program – matching member needs with service providers; Super Regionals – market-specific/member-rich conferences and receptions, the Excelerator Program – a career development program for high-performing young professionals from diverse backgrounds, and Industry-led Committees in Marketing, Communications, and Research, as well as People and Culture.
“I have had the good fortune of working in this industry for many years and am passionate about the positive impact the collective industry can have on sports accessibility and participation for all,” states Horine. “SFIA represents an opportunity to rally leagues, governing bodies, manufacturers, and retailers behind the greater good of sports. I am excited to work with Tom, the staff, and members who share SFIA’s mission and values.”
Horine has also been involved on the academic side. In, 2008, he launched Iona University’s first immersive sports management program involving industry leaders, including former ESPN Chairman George Bodenheimer and Sports Broadcasting Hall of Famer, Ross Greenburg. In addition, he spearheaded the launch of Iona University’s Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation in 2017, which included a $15 million gift from the Hynes family.
“As the Chief Operating Officer, Glenn will play a pivotal role in elevating SFIA’s goal to deliver best-in-class service and support to our member companies,” states Cove. “Glenn brings with him a wealth of industry knowledge and relationships. He has a proven track record in the sports industry and his organizational skill set will help take the association to a higher level in our mission to promote sports and fitness participation and industry vitality.”
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ABOUT SFIA: The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), the #1 source for sport and fitness research, is the leading global trade association of manufacturers, retailers, and marketers in the sports products and fitness industry. SFIA seeks to promote sports and fitness participation, as well as industry vitality through research, thought leadership, public affairs, industry affairs, and member services. For more information, please visit sfia.org.