Tampa Bay Sports Commission Taps Lanness Robinson as New Executive Director

TAMPA, FL - The Tampa Bay Sports Commission is proud to announce the appointment of Lanness Robinson as the organization’s new Executive Director. Robinson, who currently serves on the board and is a former Chair of its Board of Directors, joins the Sports Commission team from Hillsborough County Public Schools, where he served as the Director of Athletics for the nation’s seventh largest school district.

“It is an honor to be selected as the Tampa Sports Commission’s Executive Director,” said Robinson.  “Tampa Bay’s standing as a premier sports destination has grown exponentially throughout the years, thanks to the sports commission and all our partners in the community and government. I’m humbled and excited to be trusted with the opportunity to lead the charge and enhance that reputation for the benefit of everyone in Hillsborough County.” 

Robinson’s selection follows a comprehensive search process conducted by the Sports Commission’s Board of Directors after the departure of former Executive Director Rob Higgins, who was named the first-ever CEO of Athletics at the University of South Florida in September. Ben Milsom, Chairman of the Board, and Jeff Adams, the Board’s Vice Chairman, said Robinson’s extensive experience and deep knowledge of the Tampa Bay sports landscape made him the ideal choice.

Robinson, a two-time TBSC Board Chairman (2015-16 and 2022-23), has also engaged in a series of other TBSC major event committees, including serving on the 2017 College Football Playoff Tampa Bay Local Organizing Committee and Extra Yard for Teachers Committee, in addition to the Super Bowl LV Host Committee and Forever 55 Advisory Committee. 

“Tampa Bay has hosted some of the biggest events in sports, and the Sports Commission is at the heart of it all,” said Milsom. “Through his service on our Board and his leadership at Hillsborough County Schools’ Director of Athletics, Lanness has demonstrated a commitment to excellence and a clear vision for the future. He is the right person to guide the Sports Commission into its next chapter.”

Jeff Adams echoed the sentiment. “Lanness understands better than anyone how sports elevate a community. His experience, leadership style, and long-standing relationships across the region give him a unique ability to expand our impact and continue bringing world-class events to Tampa Bay.”

“The Sports Commission has been instrumental in elevating Tampa Bay’s national profile, and Lanness has been a key part of that success for years,” said Hillsborough County Commissioner Ken Hagan. “His leadership will ensure we continue to attract major events that drive economic impact, enhance quality of life, and showcase our community on the biggest stage.”

Santiago C. Corrada, President & CEO of Visit Tampa Bay, also celebrated the announcement. “Lanness is a proven collaborator and a tireless advocate for this region. Our tourism and hospitality communities have benefited tremendously from the Sports Commission’s work, and Lanness will undoubtedly build on that momentum. We look forward to working with him to bring even more milestone events to Tampa Bay.” 

Robinson assumes leadership of one of the nation’s most accomplished sports commissions, stepping into the role with a resume that includes involvement in five Super Bowls, four NCAA Men’s March Madness tournaments, four NCAA Women's Final Fours, three NCAA Men's Frozen Fours, two NCAA Women's Volleyball Championships, multiple major soccer events, the ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament, and 11 NCAA Division II Championships. Tampa was the first city in the southeast to host the College Football Playoff National Championship in 2017 and was recently announced as the host site again in 2029.

Sports Commission Treasurer and Secretary Derrick Brooks said Robinson’s history of impact made him the natural choice to carry the organization forward. “Lanness has played a major role in many of our greatest accomplishments. He understands what it takes to deliver championship-caliber events and how to unite partners across the community. His leadership will ensure Tampa Bay remains a premier destination for sports at every level.” 

ABOUT THE TAMPA BAY SPORTS COMMISSION

The Tampa Bay Sports Commission is a private, non-profit, 501(c)(3) charitable corporation that serves the entire Tampa Bay area as the lead organization for bidding on and hosting premier sports and entertainment events for Hillsborough County. With the strong support of county and city leaders, the Sports Commission has helped transform Tampa Bay into a championship destination for many of the world’s largest sporting events.