Calling it a dream opportunity, JAXSPORTS Council CEO Alan Verlander has resigned his position within the Gator Bowl Sports family to launch Airstream Ventures, a sports and entertainment marketing company.
As Verlander starts this his journey as the founder and CEO of Airstream Ventures, focusing on four core business opportunities: representing sporting and entertainment entities selling sponsorship rights, producing and operating made-for-television and video events and shows, working with event and media partners to build a high school platform centered around sports, academics and life skills as well as recruiting all types of sports and entertainment events to Jacksonville.
“It has been a childhood dream to own my own sports marketing and entertainment company,” Verlander stated. “I’m very proud about all we have accomplished in a short period of time with the Sports Council. The landscape in Jacksonville and nationally has made this the right time for me to depart Gator Bowl Sports and the Sports Council to pursue my dream. I am so thankful to Rick Catlett and our trustee board for understanding my passion and supporting me in my dreams.”
Throughout his career in Jacksonville, whether as CEO of the JAXSPORTS Council, the Director of Sports & Entertainment for the City of Jacksonville, or as Director of Athletics at Jacksonville University, Verlander has been a key player in bringing numerous sporting and entertainment events to the city. The Jacksonville native has deep roots in the city and has continually promoted his city to the nation.
“I love Alan’s passion for our city and the fact he is pursuing his dream,” Rick Catlett, CEO of Gator Bowl Sports said. “This will be a tremendous loss for our organization, but we fully support his decision and see it as an enhancement to our sports and entertainment profile to the City of Jacksonville.”
Verlander will continue to work with the JAXSPORTS Council through the end of this month and will begin his new venture July 1, 2018.