SFIA Appoints Bill Patterson as New Chief Business Officer

The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) has announced the appointment of Bill Patterson as SFIA’s Chief Business Officer, effective immediately. Patterson previously served as Vice President of Corporate Marketing and Strategic Accounts at OpSec Security.

“Bill Patterson provides a fresh and innovative approach to the future of SFIA as our organization evolves during this unprecedented period,” said SFIA President & CEO, Tom Cove. “Bill has the ideal skill set and experience to introduce new projects and programs, expand and deepen our service to SFIA member companies, and grow the sports and fitness industry.”

Patterson spent the last 17 years at OpSec Security, playing an integral role in their marketing and sales management team. In addition to advancing the company’s digital presence and revenue streams, Patterson previously served as OpSec Security’s Vice President of Global Licensing, where he was responsible for the brand and royalty protection of OpSec’s licensing clients including MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL, NASCAR, Learfield Licensing, NYC & Company, Hard Rock Café, and many others. His experience with the sports leagues and other major players in the sports arena, as well as relationships built throughout that time, has resulted in Patterson’s intrigue and interest in the sports and fitness industry.

“Leveraging his significant experience and many insights, Bill will help SFIA build stronger connections within the industry and form new relationships more broadly,” said SFIA Chairman Dan Arment. “We are confident in his ability to bring opportunities and ideas that strengthen the industry now and in the future.”

After receiving his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Virginia Tech, his 25-year career has spanned the industries of home improvement retail, direct marketing agencies and video gaming with responsibilities including advertising, marketing, direct-mail, communications, loyalty programs, brand management and sales management.