For those interested in the text of the 2001 Michael Kelly story:

Quote

USF Hires Michael Kelly To Head Athletics' Business Development And Marketing

June 13, 2001

TAMPA, Fla. - University of South Florida Athletic Director Lee Roy Selmon today announced the appointment of veteran NCAA Final Four and Super Bowl organizer Michael Kelly as associate athletic director for business development and marketing.

Kelly is the first senior manager Selmon has hired since he became USF's athletic director on May 21.

"We are very excited to add Michael Kelly to our administrative team, Selmon said. "He has developed an outstanding reputation in our community through his involvement with the Final Four and Super Bowl XXXV, and the relationships he has developed and the marketing skills he has displayed will serve the University well in our outreach efforts."

Kelly said, "In my three years in the Tampa Bay area I have come to appreciate everything the University of South Florida offers the community. I'm excited to join the University, and I am eager to spread that excitement throughout the entire community."

Kelly's position is a partnership between USF athletics and university advancement and marks a renewal of USF's aggressive commitment to marketing USF's athletic program. Kelly will work closely with the USF Alumni Association and the central fundraising office.

"This is truly integrating our marketing efforts," said Michael Rierson, USF's vice president for university advancement. "We want to target every new business so that they understand the value of USF athletics." It also responds to a recent report by Carr Sports Associates, a consulting firm that recommended USF remain focused on the community and external constituencies. Selmon has hired Carr to conduct a national search for Deputy Athletic Director who will oversee internal business operations. Kelly is a high-profile figure on the sports scene in the Tampa Bay area. Most recently, he was executive director for the Tampa Bay Super Bowl XXXV Task Force since 1999. He was the primary liaison between the National Football League and the community, and he implemented a fundraising and sponsorship program that raised in excess of $4 million within one year and secured Super Bowl-related business for more than 100 locally owned firms. He also produced multiple special events for media, sponsors and special guests, and developed innovative programs such as a Super Bowl curriculum program in local schools.

Prior to taking on the Super Bowl effort, Kelly was executive director for the Tampa Bay Final Four Organizing Committee during 1998-99, when he worked closely with USF, who functioned as the host institution for the event in St. Petersburg's Tropicana Field. He also served as director of athletic operations and facilities for Wake Forest University during 1995-98, director of communications and special events for the CarQuest Bowl during 1994-95 and executive director of the Sunshine State Games/South Florida Sports Festival in 1994.

Kelly has a bachelor's degree in politics from Wake Forest University and a master's in sports administration from St. Thomas University. Kelly and his wife, Lisa, reside in Tampa.

The University of South Florida is a metropolitan research university with campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota/Manatee and Lakeland. With about 35,500 students, USF offers 70 baccalaureate programs and 130 graduate programs, including the M.D. Last year, its students and faculty conducted $171.3 million in research contracts and grants.