The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) hired Glenn Horine as chief operating officer, effective January 1, 2024. Aside from overseeing business operations, Horine will manage marketing and communications, events and membership, reporting to SFIA president and CEO Tom Cove.
As a veteran of the active lifestyle 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 past two years, Horine has worked as a consultant for the Association and is credited with creating SFIA’s Preferred Partner Program (matching member needs with service providers),
Super Regionals (market-specific/member-rich conferences and receptions), Excelerator Program (a career development program for high-performing young professionals, and Industry-led Committees (marketing, communications, research, people, and culture).
“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,” said 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.”
In 2008, Horine 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. He also 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.
“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,” said 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.”
Photo Glenn Horine courtesy SFIA
