Greensboro Sports Foundation Appoints Brad Hecker to Lead Events and Operations

The Greensboro Sports Foundation announced the hiring of Brad Hecker as Vice President of Events and Operations, a key leadership role responsible expanding and executing the organization’s portfolio of major sporting events in North Carolina.

Hecker will lead the Foundation’s event operations strategy and oversee the prominent events that contribute to Greensboro’s reputation as an attractive market for sports. His responsibilities include preparations for the 2027 and 2029 ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament, as well as the 2029 AAU Junior Olympics, which is expected to bring more than 18,000 young athletes to the city over a two-week period in late July 2029. Also in 2029, Greensboro will play a big role in hosting the 2029 World University Games.

“Brad’s track record speaks for itself – he has operated at the highest levels of collegiate athletics and understands what it takes to deliver complex, high-profile events,” stated Richard Beard, President of the Greensboro Sports Foundation in the announcement. “As Greensboro prepares to host some of the most significant events in our history, including the ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament, the World University Games and AAU Junior Olympics, Brad’s leadership will ensure we not only meet expectations, but set a new standard for excellence. His vision and operational expertise will have a lasting impact on our community and our continued growth as a premier sports destination.”

Hecker most recently served as Assistant Commissioner of Women’s Basketball for the Atlantic Coast Conference, where he oversaw conference operations and championship administration. He originally joining the ACC in 2005 as Assistant Director of Women’s Basketball and earned multiple promotions over his tenure. In his most recent role, he coordinated women’s basketball operations across member institutions and managed the ACC Women’s Basketball Tournament.

In addition to his core responsibilities, Hecker led the development of “Official Hub,” the ACC’s customized officiating services platform supporting 21 sports and nine partner conferences. The platform streamlined officiating assignments, communications, evaluations, payments and tax processing across multiple leagues. He also played a leadership role in advancing women’s collegiate athletics, helping guide the initiative that led the NCAA to establish triathlon as an Emerging Sport for Women – now a fully recognized NCAA championship sport.

“Greensboro has long been synonymous with championship-level events,” added Hecker. “I’m excited to join the Greensboro Sports Foundation at such an important time and look forward to working with our partners to build on that legacy and deliver exceptional experiences for athletes and visitors.”

Hecker brings more than three decades of experience in sports management, beginning his career in 1995 as Program Director for the Greater New Orleans Regional Senior Olympic Games. He has held leadership roles across event management, athletic administration and performance training, including serving as Athletic Director for the New Orleans Jewish Community Center and contributing to major international events with Premier Event Management. His event experience includes involvement with U.S. Olympic Triathlon Team Qualifiers, World Duathlon Championships, International Triathlon Union World Cup events and the Nautica New York City Triathlon. Hecker began his NCAA career at Campbell University, where he advanced from Operations Intern to Assistant Athletic Director for Marketing & Promotions, overseeing corporate sponsorships and sport programs. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from University of Georgia and a Master of Arts in Human Performance and Health Promotion from University of New Orleans.

_Originally reported by [Pollstar](https://news.pollstar.com/2026/05/06/greensboro-sports-foundation-names-brad-hecker-as-vice-president-of-events-and-operations/)._