David Fitzgerald

Dynamic and results-driven professional transitioning into the sports industry, bringing a strong background in leadership, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement. Committed to leveraging proven experience in driving growth, building high-performing teams, and delivering exceptional client experiences to contribute to an innovative sports organization. Eager to apply a passion for athlete and fan engagement, operational excellence, and partnership development to support organizational success and create meaningful impact across the sports landscape.

Senior Executive with 20+ years of experience driving partnership growth, business development, and team leadership across sports, education, and corporate sectors. Proven track record of building and managing high-performing teams, fostering strategic partnerships, and executing revenue-generating initiatives. Skilled in contract negotiations, stakeholder collaboration, and delivering client satisfaction. Passionate about coaching and developing future leaders.

• Arizona Sports and Entertainment Commission, Board Member, 2014-07, Present, Played a key role in launching the Nova Home Loans Arizona Bowl in 2015, managing game-day operations, hospitality, and logistics., Recruited corporate partnerships and sponsors for Arizona Bowl generating $1M in revenue to manage expenses for the event., Developed partnerships and confirmed events with Mountain West, Pac12, Western Athletic Conference, and Sunbelt conference commissioners and supported event activation., Led the Piestewa Games while Executive Director managing multiple sports and venues for six athletic events and over 4,000 participants. Participated and oversaw the Grand Canyon State Games featuring over 32,000 participants in 60 events., Collaborated with Intersport to launch the Arizona Tip-Off basketball tournament in 2023., Trustee for the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame responsible for the determination for annual nominations and drove sponsorship and event sales., Orchestrated the Section 7 Basketball tournament in Arizona for 166 teams over two weeks for both men’s and women’s teams. Negotiated the partnership with Arizona Basketball Coaches Association., Represented organization for College Basketball Hall of Fame series for Phoenix in the inaugural year.
• Arizona Diamondbacks Executive Council, Fundraising Executive, 2011-03, 2016-07, Led the initiative to expand corporate donor engagement and increased participation through relationship building and program implementation. Launched the Diamondback Education Grant program partnering with K-12 schools and other youth programs., Raised nearly $50M for community programs, participating in major fundraising events such as Evening on the Diamond, Mystery Ball Program, Dbacks Race Against Cancer, and Dbacks Golf Classic., Assisted in the development of the youth jersey program that has grown to outfit 116 leagues and more than 60,000 athletes., Led the creation of Arizona Diamondbacks Winter Classic providing new shoes, school materials, gifts, and education opportunities for low-income students in Maricopa County.

• Created recruiting strategies for high school student athletes and prepared player profiles for head coach.
• Developed defensive game plan for opponents and scouting reports for each player. Made in game adjustments based on game flow.
• Creatively financed pre- and post-game meals with a limited budget. Handled travel plans for team for all road games.