One of Us

Greg McGarity

Posted

Can you briefly tell us about your background?

I was born and raised in Athens, Georgia and graduated from the University of Georgia in December 1976.

Afterwards, I worked with UGA athletics from 1977-1992, then with University of Florida athletics from 1992-2010 before being the UGA athletic director from August 2010 until December 2020. 

 I assumed the president and CEO responsibilities at Gator Bowl Sports on March 1.  During this 40-plus year time frame, I have been able to experience virtually every facet of the college experience … from serving as head women’s tennis coach, assistant sports information director and associate athletic director at Georgia, being senior associate athletic director at UF and then AD at UGA, to now president and CEO of Gator Bowl Sports! 

I am a very lucky person who was in the right place at the right time and had wonderful mentors to help me along the way.

What led you to get involved with Gator Bowl Sports?

Being able to remain involved with college football and belonging to an organization that serves our community in so many impactful ways.

What do you enjoy most about your current role as Gator Bowl Sports president and CEO?

Being surrounded by a strong staff and motivated volunteers who love Gator Bowl Sports and their desire to make a positive impact in our community.

What are some of the challenges that you encounter in your industry? 

To insure we are doing everything within our power to make the bowl experience the best it can be for the participants and volunteers!  We want to insure we remain focused on “things we can control” and paying attention to details.

The state of college athletics at this moment is in a precarious position.  With NIL (name, image and likeness) matters at hand, to the Supreme Court ruling on the Alston case, to the transfer portal challenges. Athletic directors are faced with multiple concerns, which will change amateur sports as we know it today. 

Tomorrow’s world of college athletics is in for significant change, and we must be ready to adapt to that change.

What is the mission and goals of Gator Bowl Sports?

To conduct a highly respected annual postseason football game (TaxSlayer Gator Bowl), collegiate athletic events (e.g., FSU-UF baseball) which provide an economic benefit to our community.

Other goals include to support the community through multiple charities; to support the City of Jacksonville and the Jacksonville Jaguars in opportunities to advance facility enhancements; to elevate the profile of our bowl game and be in consideration for expansion of the College Football Playoff; to honor the historical aspects of the Gator Bowl, dating back to our start in 1946; and to prove that our community fully supports college football by way of corporate and private engagement that translates into attendance and financial levels that illustrate this commitment, regardless of the participants in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl game.

What do you enjoy most about living in Ponte Vedra/North Florida area?

The weather, our neighbors, and the close proximity to necessities.  Food, fun and fellowship!

What do you like to do in your free time?

Spend time with my family, cook outside, exercise and enjoy the outdoors.  I’m very low maintenance!