BOWL SEASON

Mike Nealy served as executive director of the Fiesta Bowl Organization from 2014-22, overseeing operations of the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Rate Bowl and the organization’s annual community impact initiatives. Nealy guided the organization into the new College Football Playoff where the Fiesta Bowl was one of six playoff bowls.
 
Under his leadership, the Fiesta Bowl was named winner of the Phoenix Business Journal Corporate Philanthropy Award in 2018. Nealy was also recognized by the Phoenix Business as one of the 2018 Most Admired Leaders.
 
A Minnesota native, Nealy’s career in sports spans more than a decade. Prior to joining the Fiesta Bowl, Nealy spent eight years with the Arizona Coyotes, elevating to President and Chief Operating Officer. During his tenure, he led the organization to record-breaking sales and operating successes that earned the organization national recognition in the annual ESPN rankings as the sixth best franchise among all professional sports.
 
In 2012, he was named the Sports Business Leader of the Year for demonstrating outstanding business, academic and visionary leadership through effective management of his organization.
 
Before joining the Arizona Coyotes in 2006, Nealy spent four seasons with the Minnesota Wild, where his responsibilities included strategic planning, finance and leading the Wild’s charitable activities.
 
Prior to sports, Nealy spent 14 years in operations and financial business leadership positions with Deluxe Corporation, headquartered in Minnesota.
 
Nealy earned a Master’s Degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from the University of Minnesota.