BS Hospitality Management ’89
Brian Ford is the chief operating officer of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and a graduate of the Dedman College of
Hospitality. Brian enters his 19th year with the organization after joining the Buccaneers in 2006, and in his role, oversees
all aspects of the organization's day-to-day business operations and community involvement. He works directly with team
ownership to ensure that Buccaneers fans, season pass members and corporate sponsors receive first-in-class experience.
Under Ford's leadership, the Buccaneers have consistently earned top marks among NFL teams for customer service
experience, ranking No. 1 in the league's annual Voice of the Fan report in 11 of the past 13 seasons, including the last
eight consecutive years. As a respected figure in sports hospitality, Ford has spent nearly two decades shaping one of the
NFL’s top fan experiences.
Ford’s leadership philosophy is grounded in humility, service, and a deep commitment to his community. For 18 seasons,
he has dedicated himself to honoring military members, organizing game-day experiences for service members and their
families and supporting veterans transitioning to civilian careers. In 2024, he was nominated for the NFL’s Salute to
Service Award in recognition of these efforts.
A Miramar native, Ford serves on advisory boards for the Pediatric Cancer Foundation, Ronald McDonald House
Charities of Tampa Bay, and Special Olympics Florida. As a long-time supporter of the Cut for a Cure campaign, he has
helped raise more than $110,000 for the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation.
Ford earned a bachelor’s degree in hospitality administration from Florida State University in 1989. He was inducted into
the Dedman College Hall of Fame in 2018 and currently serves on the college’s Dean’s Council.
