Stephen V. Rodriguez

Chief Operating Officer

A Florida Gator, Rodriguez comes to Sarasota from an eighteen-year tenure at the Florida Sports Foundation where he served as senior vice president since 2010. Over his duration at the Foundation, he was responsible for administration, event planning, finance, fundraising, government relations, program management, tourism and economic development.  He is also the longest standing director of the Sunshine State Games and the Florida Senior Games.

Prior to the Foundation, he was employed by the Palm Beach County Sports Commission and Sports Institute.  While there, he was responsible for the administration of the Commission’s Unified Youth Sports Program for the county and the Lou Groza Collegiate Place Kicker Award, in addition to hosting events, such as the NAIA Spring Championship Games and NPAL Baseball World Series among many others.  Before Palm Beach, he was the office manager and membership chair at the USA Track & Field/Florida Association.  

Rodriguez was the chief executive officer of SANCA from 2017-2020, and during his time in that position, the park experienced growth and financial stability, setting the stage for further success.