David Paitson, Ed.D.

David Paitson, Ed.D. Email and Phone Number

CEO, Columbus Fury, Pro Volleyball Federation @ Southern New Hampshire University
David Paitson, Ed.D.'s Location
Indianapolis, Indiana, United States, United States
David Paitson, Ed.D.'s Contact Details
About David Paitson, Ed.D.

Preparing the future leaders of the sports industry – it’s what I’ve been doing for more than 30 years.A passionate and accomplished leader with diverse academic, community, and practical industry experience in professional sports and intercollegiate athletics, I am thrilled to make the full-time shift into academia as an assistant professor for sport management at the University of Indianapolis. Over the course of my career, I have established or been part of establishing six unique sports businesses, built, elevated and transformed several professional and collegiate athletic organizations and programs within the NCAA, NHL and NBA. More than 17 of those years were dedicated to inspiring a city-wide passion and excitement for ice sports championing efforts to bring an NHL expansion franchise to Columbus, Ohio. It was a tremendous grassroots effort that touched every aspect of sports management and was an incredible story. Today, “Chill Factor: How a Minor-League Hockey Team Changed a City Forever” (#1 hockey, #1 sports business on Amazon), a book I co-authored, has been used in a dozen U.S. universities as an ancillary reading resource and case study. More recently, I served as the Athletic Director of Lake Superior State University and, previously, as the Assistant AD and Director of External Operations at Sam Houston University. In both roles, I’ve had great success in athletics, but I also immersed myself academically. While at Sam Houston University, I completed my Doctorate in Educational Leadership and was one of only 11% of NCAA Athletic Directors with advanced educational credentials. As an extension of my dissertation, I am developing a research project to assess and identify the core leadership behaviors and attributes of successful Athletic Directors. My hope is that my research will inform best-practice assessment tools for the industry. I am not only committed to my own continuous learning and development, but also to the development of others. Specialties: Academia, Academic Research, Administration, Brand Strategy, Communications/social media, Community Development, Corporate Partnerships, Educational Leadership, Event Management, Facilities, Fundraising, Licensing, Marketing, Team Operations, and Ticket Sales.

David Paitson, Ed.D.'s Current Company Details
Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University

View
CEO, Columbus Fury, Pro Volleyball Federation
David Paitson, Ed.D. Work Experience Details
  • Columbus Fury
    Chief Executive Officer, Columbus Fury, Pro Volleyball Federation
    Columbus Fury Jul 2023 - Present
    Columbus, Ohio, United States
  • Southern New Hampshire University
    Adjunct Professor Sport Management
    Southern New Hampshire University Jan 2017 - Present
    SPT-425 Sport Licensing & Strategic Alliances (18EW2); SPT-350 Sales Within Sport (21EW3, 20EW5); SPT-320 Media/Public Relations in Sport (19EW5, 18EW1); SPT-208 Sports Marketing (24EW5, 23WE6, 23EW5, 23EW4, 22EW5, 21EW5, 20EW2, 20EW1, 20EW6, 20EW4, 19EW6, 19EW4, 19EW3, 18EW5, 18EW3, 18EW1, 17EW6, 17EW5, 17EW4, 17EW3).
    View
  • University Of Indianapolis
    Assistant Professor Kinesiology/Sport Management
    University Of Indianapolis Aug 2021 - Jul 2023
    Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
    After a lengthy career in professional sports and intercollegiate athletics, I transition to the third act of my professional life as an assistant professor in sport management. I hope to share what knowledge I have to those who wish to pursue a similar path in their own professional careers.
    View
  • Lake Superior State University
    Director Of Athletics
    Lake Superior State University Sep 2017 - Aug 2021
    Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
    Directed 12 intercollegiate varsity sports (D-I hockey, 11 D-II sports). Facilitated the men's ice hockey program transition into the reconstituted Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA). Tasked with CCHA branding including the new conference logo. D-II athletic programs compete in the highly-competitive Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC). Provided immediate stability to Laker athletics by restructuring personnel, signing the six full-time head coaches to multi-year contracts, and financially through record-level external revenue generation via sponsorships and team fundraisers and significant increases in game guarantees, and ticket sales. An active member of the LSSU campus and Sault Ste. Marie communities, served on the university’s Senior Management Team and on the Board of Directors for the United Way of the EUP. Laker Athletics named United Way Community Partner of the Year in 2019. The bridge extended to neighboring Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Conceptualized Hockey Day in the Twin Saults at the GFL Memorial Gardens, as the first NCAA Division I hockey game played in Canada since 2012. Classroom results included a cumulative student-athlete GPA increase from a 3.06 to 3.32. Athletically, the men’s basketball team qualified for the 2017-18 NCAA Division II Tournament. The 2018-19 men’s hockey team posted the program’s most wins (23) since the 1995-96 season and claimed the first Great Lakes Invitational Championship in program history. In 2020-21, Laker hockey won its first WCHA Championship and advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 25 years. Facility improvements included the installation of LED lighting, a new Zamboni, resurfacing two of the outdoor tennis courts, improvements to the department’s two weight rooms (addition of a full-time strength and conditioning coach), updating the hockey locker room, installation of two golf simulators and new broadcast equipment and plans for broadcast lighting.
    View
  • Sam Houston State University
    Associate Athletics Director External Operations
    Sam Houston State University Aug 2009 - Sep 2017
    In 2009, I made my first full-time venture into higher education appointed the first Associate Athletic Director of External Operations. In five years, we have more than tripled external revenues (sponsorship, ticket sales, licensing, and fundraising). • Overhauled and rebuilt a dedicated team of seven which centralized all athletic-driven revenue processes under the department providing the focus and alignment necessary to grow total external revenues from $700K to over $2.5M• Redesigned and modernized ticket operations and sales increasing ticket revenues across all athletic programs from $250K to over $1M by the third season o Achieved significant results with an underperforming football program increasing per game revenue from $28K to $85K• Led the centralization of all athletic fundraising efforts, which tripled Bearkat Champions Fund net revenue from $300K to $900K within two years; and consolidated annual events from dozens of coach-driven initiatives to five large scale events attended by up to 500 • Established a strong team culture of commitment and integrity, which inspired 100% participation in all faculty and staff fundraising campaigns.• Forged, negotiated and managed over 80 key corporate sponsorships growing revenues from $50K to $450K by implementing “business-first” print, digital and interactive advertising opportunities• Rebuilt brand integrity gaining alignment, securing licensing agreements and monitoring quality across more than 150 licensees and buyers increasing licensing and apparel gross retail sales by 150% to more than $2.75M annually with expansion into national retail outlets. • Negotiated a four-year agreement with the Houston Texans and Lone Star Sports & Entertainment to host the Battle of the Piney Woods, an annual rivalry football game held at NRG Stadium – with up to 27,000 attendees each year o Drove the event generating up to $300K in ticket sales, 65% of total tickets revenues generated
    View
  • Columbus Blue Jackets (National Hockey League)
    Vice President Ticket Sales
    Columbus Blue Jackets (National Hockey League) May 2006 - Jun 2008
    In my role as V.P. Ticket Sales, I was responsible for reorganizing the departments, re-establishing vision and direction. We reestablished a commitment internally to our ticket sales efforts by doubling the staff size and restructuring our ticket/box office operations and customer service teams. The result was we delivered a more focused vision and direction – completely overhauled all systems, processes and procedures, and drastically improved customer service. I led a team of 40 responsible for $37MM in annual ticket sales representing two-thirds of National Hockey League franchise’s overall operating income. I also oversaw our ticketing operation for the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, creating a unique distribution process that visually guaranteed a full house for television when the first player selection was made.
    View
  • Columbus Blue Jackets
    Vice President Marketing
    Columbus Blue Jackets Apr 1998 - Jun 2006
    As V.P. Marketing, I contributed extensively to all aspects of start up operations including development of company’s vision, mission statement and initial business/marketing plans. I participated on a cross-functional team responsible for implementing the first-ever personal seat license (PSL) for a major league indoor arena sports team selling 12,000 season tickets in the inaugural season. I later collaborated with V.P. Ticket Sales to deliver innovative ‘stock split’ and ‘vesting’ programs while maintaining the integrity of the PSL. I built and led a diverse team of 20+ advertising, communication, fan development, community relations and event presentation staff to deliver high impact marketing strategies and innovative promotional events. I originated annual season themes, including the 2000 inaugural season launch of the Blue Jackets (Welcome to the NHL, Columbus). I established partnerships with external advertising agencies to create compelling brand images, sales collateral and ad campaigns. Eventually, as a cost savings and quality control measure, I developed in-house graphic design and video capabilities that executed approximately 1,000 projects annually. During the 2001-2003 seasons, we consistently achieved over 96% capacity levels including 58 consecutive sellouts. We created one of the strongest grass roots models in professional sports by creating a link between the Chillers and our fan development department. In partnership with SME Branding, I was the point person in creating the Blue Jackets third jersey and the accompanying logos. We created and executed a six month teaser campaign “Tied & True” orchestrating one of the most successful jersey introductions in NHL history. The campaign also brought clarity to the intention behind the original meaning of the Blue Jackets team name. The jersey and logos were ultimately adopted as the Blue Jackets primary jersey and team marks.
    View
  • Columbus Destroyers (Arena Football League)
    President
    Columbus Destroyers (Arena Football League) Mar 2004 - Jun 2006
    As President the AFL Destroyers I concurrently assumed all franchise operations for the Arena Football team’s second and third seasons – led a shared team of over 120 sales, marketing, public relations, finance, community, event and operations staff and was directly accountable for all team and business operations. I initiated an overhaul of team’s brand strategy collaborating with Nike and Arena Football League Office to adapt Buffalo’s inherited design and create a more localized identity. With regards to the football operation I was part of hiring two head coaches with the Destroyers, and oversaw all off-the-field elements including the securing of a practice facility, offices, player living accommodations, medical teams, trainers, equipment managers, workers compensation, immigration, salary cap, player contracts, team travel, budgets and other resources as needed. The Destroyers would attract more than 15,000 fans in each of my two seasons as President.
  • Central Ohio Ice Rinks, Inc. (Chillers)
    President
    Central Ohio Ice Rinks, Inc. (Chillers) Jan 1992 - Apr 1998
    As President, I built, programmed and operated these dual ice rink facilities, considered to be among the finest in the United States. The Chill was the first minor league team to own and operate its own facility (Chiller Dublin -- becoming the center piece of Sports Ohio a multi sport & recreational campus) and when we opened our second facility (Chiller Easton -- the area’s premier shopping and entertainment district that attracts more than 21 million visitors per year) we joined the Anaheim Mighty Ducks as one of only two at any level to own and operate two facilities. I was the point person with direct oversight of our legal counsel, architect and construction manager through every phase of building design and construction. We established Central Ohio Ice Rinks, LLC, secured bank financing, and negotiated with city government for land and operating agreements. In conjunction with the University of Michigan ice management program, I initiated and implemented staffing plans, created an employee handbook and operation manuals. It was my vision to operate all programming in house and we created a platform introducing novice skaters via public skating and taking them through the steps of our learn-to-skate classes and ultimately either to hockey leagues or advanced figure skating programs. I hired all key personnel, wrote business and marketing plans, and directed budgeting and financial operations. I later negotiated the partnership between Chill and Blue Jackets to jointly own the two facilities and oversaw the transition in management. During my time, we established one of the premier ISI group lesson programs in U.S. (class ranges: enrollments 750 fall, 1,500 winter and spring at each facility), initiated two new youth hockey associations and dramatically expanded the high school and adult hockey league participation. Today the Chillers own and manage eight sheets of ice in Central Ohio and serve as an integral marketing extension of the Blue Jackets brand.
  • Columbus Chill (East Coast Hockey League)
    President & General Manager
    Columbus Chill (East Coast Hockey League) Apr 1991 - Apr 1998
    If you were in Columbus before 1991, you would have had a difficult time finding a hockey game or an ice rink. There was almost no market before we created the Columbus Chill minor league hockey franchise (Columbus was a graveyard for various sports, including three previous hockey failures). It’s no accident that we went from a start up minor league operation to being awarded an NHL expansion franchise in six short years and I was a driving force each step of the way. With the Chill, I spearheaded an aggressive and edgy grassroots advertising campaign quickly attracting a loyal fan base – receiving unprecedented national media coverage through The Wall Street Journal and ABC World News Tonight recognizing franchise’s astonishing success. I led all start up and business operations for the ECHL expansion franchise – one of most successful in minor league sports history generating annual profits of up to 30%. We recorded 80% sellouts and still hold the current minor league hockey record of 83 consecutive sellouts. I’ve been an integral part of building the community’s attachment to hockey since the early 1990s and laid the ground work for bigger possibilities. These efforts would change the sports and entertainment landscape of a city and revitalize downtown Columbus. I was a leading voice during our drive for an NHL expansion franchise, serving as the sole hockey representative on the city’s 10-person Sports and Facilities Work Group. We studied the practicality of securing major league sports, ultimately making the recommendation for the financing and construction of 21,000 seat arena and 30,000 seat soccer stadium. I was part of a select contingent of Columbus dignitaries that traveled to New York to meet with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and pitch our case for an NHL expansion franchise. Today, Columbus has major league hockey in a world class arena serving as a catalyst of more than $1 billion of development to date on 90 acres in downtown Columbus.
  • Indianapolis Ice (International Hockey League)
    Marketing Director
    Indianapolis Ice (International Hockey League) Jul 1988 - Apr 1991
    Our re-launch of professional hockey set local minor league attendance records. We became the only profitable hockey franchise (before or since) in the city’s history (WHA Indianapolis Racers and three previous minor league teams had failed previously). We did so by generating fan interest by implementing high profile/high impact promotions (Kathy Ireland 25th Anniversary Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition, Dick Vitale Meets Hockey) meant to attract the casual fan and build a season ticket base. As the primary affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks, we won the Turner Cup Championship in 1990.
  • Pacers Sports & Entertainment (National Basketball Association)
    Public Relations/Marketing
    Pacers Sports & Entertainment (National Basketball Association) Sep 1982 - Jun 1988
    I started my career repairing a damaged Indiana Pacers brand, rebuilding community confidence in Indianapolis, largely through marketing and communications efforts. I’ve been the leader or key team member in various ticket sales success stories during my career, starting in Indianapolis where we nearly tripled attendance numbers despite with what at that time was the worst 4-year record in NBA history. We rebuilt the fan following through innovative value added promotions (Sports Illustrated featured our “Toast of the Town, An Opening Night Celebration”), unique ticket packaging (sold 4,000 new mini plans) and an extend-the-hand communications strategy. This was a major rebuilding effort laying the ground work in advance of the Reggie Miller era and many years of success to come. During my time I was also part of hosting the 1985 NBA All-Star Game.
    View

David Paitson, Ed.D. Skills

Sports Marketing Sponsorship Public Relations Sports Event Management Event Planning Marketing Sports Management Ticket Sales Leadership Advertising Fundraising Public Speaking Social Media Marketing Strategic Communications Strategic Planning Coaching Entertainment Budgets Customer Service Baseball Community Development Nonprofits Brand Development Creative Direction Program Management Start Ups Cross Functional Team Leadership Business Planning Sponsorship Activation Business Development Hockey Broadcast Promotions Basketball Academic Research Alumni Relations Brand Licensing Intercollegiate Athletics Contract Negotiation Ticket Operations Football Operations Government Relations Higher Education Administration Facilities Management Building Design And Construction Ice Rink Management Publications Ice Hockey Foundations

David Paitson, Ed.D. Education Details

Frequently Asked Questions about David Paitson, Ed.D.

What company does David Paitson, Ed.D. work for?

David Paitson, Ed.D. works for Southern New Hampshire University

What is David Paitson, Ed.D.'s role at the current company?

David Paitson, Ed.D.'s current role is CEO, Columbus Fury, Pro Volleyball Federation.

What is David Paitson, Ed.D.'s email address?

David Paitson, Ed.D.'s email address is pa****@****ndy.edu

What is David Paitson, Ed.D.'s direct phone number?

David Paitson, Ed.D.'s direct phone number is +193629*****

What schools did David Paitson, Ed.D. attend?

David Paitson, Ed.D. attended Sam Houston State University, Franklin University, St. Thomas University, Indiana State University.

What skills is David Paitson, Ed.D. known for?

David Paitson, Ed.D. has skills like Sports Marketing, Sponsorship, Public Relations, Sports, Event Management, Event Planning, Marketing, Sports Management, Ticket Sales, Leadership, Advertising, Fundraising.

Free Chrome Extension

Find emails, phones & company data instantly

Find verified emails from LinkedIn profiles
Get direct phone numbers & mobile contacts
Access company data & employee information
Works directly on LinkedIn - no copy/paste needed
Get Chrome Extension - Free

Aero Online

Your AI prospecting assistant

Download 750 million emails and 100 million phone numbers

Access emails and phone numbers of over 750 million business users. Instantly download verified profiles using 20+ filters, including location, job title, company, function, and industry.