Scarlet Knight Enterprises Tabs Mike Verna For Chief Commercial Strategy Officer
Sep 28 | General
PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Scarlet Knight Enterprises today announced the hiring of Mike Verna as Chief Commercial Strategy Officer. Verna brings nearly two decades of experience developing and activating corporate partnerships, generating revenue and building relationships with some of the world's most recognizable brands.
In his new role, Verna will lead corporate partnership strategy, including overseeing sales, activation and operations. He will be responsible for developing new business opportunities, strengthening and expanding existing partner relationships, creating innovative sponsorship platforms and helping drive significant new revenue for Rutgers Athletics.
"It is a tremendous opportunity and honor to be part of the team advancing Rutgers Athletics," said Verna. "After spending my career in the New Jersey and New York market, I understand the impact Rutgers has throughout the state and the unique potential it offers brands and sponsors. I am eager to collaborate with my Scarlet Knight Enterprises colleagues and our partners to create new opportunities and help build what's next for Rutgers Athletics."
"Mike is an outstanding addition to the leadership team we are building at Scarlet Knight Enterprises," said President and Chief Executive Officer Fred Mangione. "He understands that the strongest partnerships are built by creating real value for both our partner and Rutgers. His leadership, creativity and deep experience in this market will be tremendous assets as we continue to grow the commercial business of Rutgers Athletics."
Verna most recently served as Vice President of Partnership Marketing for the FIFA World Cup 26 New York New Jersey Host Committee, where he led the organization's partnership operations. His responsibilities included developing partnership inventory and strategy, generating new revenue and overseeing sponsor activation. He also managed relationships and revenue opportunities with FIFA Global and Host City partners.
Prior to joining the Host Committee, Verna served as Vice President of Partnership Management for the New York Islanders and UBS Arena. In that role, he led partnership management and activation, including contractual fulfillment, value creation and incremental revenue opportunities. He also oversaw partner hospitality strategy and worked closely with leading brands including UBS, American Express, Ford and Hyundai.
Verna previously spent nearly 11 years at Madison Square Garden, rising from Manager of Account Activation to Vice President of Account Management. During his tenure, he managed and developed relationships with major corporate partners, including Chase, Verizon, Kia, Benjamin Moore and Amtrak. He also led partnership activation across MSG's portfolio of properties and events, identifying opportunities to grow revenue while delivering integrated assets across signage, promotions, digital and social media, hospitality and other platforms.
Verna began his career in sports partnerships with the Brooklyn Nets and Barclays Center, where he managed national and regional marketing partners and helped guide sponsors through the franchise's transition from New Jersey to Brooklyn and the opening of Barclays Center. His responsibilities included partner activation across signage, broadcast, print, social media and in-market promotions.
Throughout his career, Verna has built a reputation as a collaborative, relationship-driven leader who combines strategic thinking with hands-on execution. A New Jersey resident, Verna graduated magna cum laude from St. John's University in 2002 and currently serves as a member of the university's Sports Management Advisory Board.
About Rutgers Athletics
The Rutgers Department of Intercollegiate Athletics (Rutgers Athletics), comprised of 24 men's and women's varsity sports serving more than 730 student-athletes, is a member of the Big Ten Conference and governed by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Rutgers is the Birthplace of College Football, hosting the first-ever collegiate matchup on Nov. 6, 1869, a 6-4 victory over Princeton. Rutgers Athletics is uniquely positioned in the nation's largest media market with over seven million television households, along with access to Big Ten Network and its nearly 60 million homes across the U.S. and Canada. Established in 1766, Rutgers University is the State University of New Jersey and eighth oldest higher education institution in the country. As a premier academic institution, Rutgers is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities. Follow Rutgers Athletics on Facebook, X and Instagram for all of the latest news and updates. Also visit ScarletKnights.com for additional information on Rutgers Athletics.
About Scarlet Knight Enterprises, Inc.
Scarlet Knight Enterprises, a dedicated corporate entity, was created to support the business functions of Rutgers Athletics, leading multimedia rights, corporate partnerships, ticketing strategy, premium hospitality and Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) initiatives. Established as part of Rutgers' modernized approach to the evolving collegiate athletics landscape, Scarlet Knight Enterprises is designed to unlock new revenue opportunities, strengthen regional and national partnerships, enhance fan engagement and position Rutgers Athletics as an industry leader in innovation and commercial growth. Guided by an experienced board and executive leadership team, the organization serves as a forward-thinking business platform focused on delivering sustainable resources and competitive advantages for Rutgers Athletics and its student-athletes.
In his new role, Verna will lead corporate partnership strategy, including overseeing sales, activation and operations. He will be responsible for developing new business opportunities, strengthening and expanding existing partner relationships, creating innovative sponsorship platforms and helping drive significant new revenue for Rutgers Athletics.
"It is a tremendous opportunity and honor to be part of the team advancing Rutgers Athletics," said Verna. "After spending my career in the New Jersey and New York market, I understand the impact Rutgers has throughout the state and the unique potential it offers brands and sponsors. I am eager to collaborate with my Scarlet Knight Enterprises colleagues and our partners to create new opportunities and help build what's next for Rutgers Athletics."
"Mike is an outstanding addition to the leadership team we are building at Scarlet Knight Enterprises," said President and Chief Executive Officer Fred Mangione. "He understands that the strongest partnerships are built by creating real value for both our partner and Rutgers. His leadership, creativity and deep experience in this market will be tremendous assets as we continue to grow the commercial business of Rutgers Athletics."
Verna most recently served as Vice President of Partnership Marketing for the FIFA World Cup 26 New York New Jersey Host Committee, where he led the organization's partnership operations. His responsibilities included developing partnership inventory and strategy, generating new revenue and overseeing sponsor activation. He also managed relationships and revenue opportunities with FIFA Global and Host City partners.
Prior to joining the Host Committee, Verna served as Vice President of Partnership Management for the New York Islanders and UBS Arena. In that role, he led partnership management and activation, including contractual fulfillment, value creation and incremental revenue opportunities. He also oversaw partner hospitality strategy and worked closely with leading brands including UBS, American Express, Ford and Hyundai.
Verna previously spent nearly 11 years at Madison Square Garden, rising from Manager of Account Activation to Vice President of Account Management. During his tenure, he managed and developed relationships with major corporate partners, including Chase, Verizon, Kia, Benjamin Moore and Amtrak. He also led partnership activation across MSG's portfolio of properties and events, identifying opportunities to grow revenue while delivering integrated assets across signage, promotions, digital and social media, hospitality and other platforms.
Verna began his career in sports partnerships with the Brooklyn Nets and Barclays Center, where he managed national and regional marketing partners and helped guide sponsors through the franchise's transition from New Jersey to Brooklyn and the opening of Barclays Center. His responsibilities included partner activation across signage, broadcast, print, social media and in-market promotions.
Throughout his career, Verna has built a reputation as a collaborative, relationship-driven leader who combines strategic thinking with hands-on execution. A New Jersey resident, Verna graduated magna cum laude from St. John's University in 2002 and currently serves as a member of the university's Sports Management Advisory Board.
About Rutgers Athletics
The Rutgers Department of Intercollegiate Athletics (Rutgers Athletics), comprised of 24 men's and women's varsity sports serving more than 730 student-athletes, is a member of the Big Ten Conference and governed by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Rutgers is the Birthplace of College Football, hosting the first-ever collegiate matchup on Nov. 6, 1869, a 6-4 victory over Princeton. Rutgers Athletics is uniquely positioned in the nation's largest media market with over seven million television households, along with access to Big Ten Network and its nearly 60 million homes across the U.S. and Canada. Established in 1766, Rutgers University is the State University of New Jersey and eighth oldest higher education institution in the country. As a premier academic institution, Rutgers is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities. Follow Rutgers Athletics on Facebook, X and Instagram for all of the latest news and updates. Also visit ScarletKnights.com for additional information on Rutgers Athletics.
About Scarlet Knight Enterprises, Inc.
Scarlet Knight Enterprises, a dedicated corporate entity, was created to support the business functions of Rutgers Athletics, leading multimedia rights, corporate partnerships, ticketing strategy, premium hospitality and Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) initiatives. Established as part of Rutgers' modernized approach to the evolving collegiate athletics landscape, Scarlet Knight Enterprises is designed to unlock new revenue opportunities, strengthen regional and national partnerships, enhance fan engagement and position Rutgers Athletics as an industry leader in innovation and commercial growth. Guided by an experienced board and executive leadership team, the organization serves as a forward-thinking business platform focused on delivering sustainable resources and competitive advantages for Rutgers Athletics and its student-athletes.
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