FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - The South Florida Business Journal (SFBJ) announced the inaugural "Power Leaders in Sports," honoring the local executives who excel in the business of sports. Among the visionaries honored is Nova Southeastern University Interim Director of Athletics John Sung. The full list can be found here.
"I am proud to be among the leaders in the sports industry in the South Florida community," stated Sung. "This is a testament to the excellence and growth of athletics in South Florida, especially at Nova Southeastern University. This honor showcases our department's impact on South Florida, as the Sharks continue to assert ourselves as the Power in Broward."
Sung was the only NCAA Division II Director of Athletics recognized as a power leader by the South Florida Business Journal, and was joined on the list by industry titans Micky Arison (Owner, Miami Heat), David Beckham (Owner and President, Inter Miami CF), Matthew Caldwell (President and CEO, Florida Panthers), Tom Garfinkel (Vice Chairman, President, and CEO, Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium), Bradley D. Houser (President and Chair, Orange Bowl Committee), among many others.
Sung was named the Interim Director of Athletics in August 2024 and joined the Sharks Department of Athletics in April 2023. Upon his arrival to NSU, Sung was named the Associate Athletic Director for External Operations, where his focus was leading the annual giving and fundraising campaigns, athletic communications, department revenue generation, sponsorship, ticketing, name, image and likeness (NIL), and marketing efforts.
Under Sung's leadership, the Sharks Athletic Department began season ticket packages for men's and women's basketball, increasing ticket sales by 40% during the regular season and over 120% during the Sunshine State Conference and NCAA Regional tournaments. Additionally, NSU set the men's basketball attendance record (2,309) on November 15th. Sung's efforts led to growth in all areas of external operations, including a 30% increase in special event fundraising and 45% growth in social media following across all Sharks' Athletics accounts.
Sung spearheaded the announcement of the "Power in Broward and Shark County" brand campaign for Nova Southeastern Athletics. The campaign focuses on striving for academic and athletic excellence, while NSU serves as stewards on campus and in the local community.
Sung also led the introduction of the "County-Line Cup" rivalry with the Barry University Athletics Department. The year-long rivalry encompasses each of the athletic programs, aiming to celebrate the Sunshine State Conference rivalry between the departments, fostering collaboration amongst the institutions, as well as engaging students, alumni and the local communities.
