Boosters deal with change

https://www.tallahassee.com/story/sports/2020/03/28/seminole-boosters-look-strengthen-relationships-during-coronavirus-outbreak/2924426001/

And the transition plan for the retirement of Andy Miller, who has served as CEO and President since its inception in 1975, is on schedule for September.

Every year, Seminole Boosters funds $34 million in program support on behalf of the athletics department. It helps provide the framework that makes winning possible through scholarships, academic and medical services, facilities, and coaches. 

While athletic programs can identify short-term costs, longer-term financial impacts are even less clear. The latest news hasn't been good either. Last Thursday, the NCAA’ announced that instead of a projected $600 million distribution to Division I schools, the Board of Governors voted unanimously to distribute $225 million - about 37 percent of its original projection. 

Despite the uncertainty surrounding athletics, Miller - a third generation Seminole - is confident in the university's transition plan to name his successor by September. Miller will remain on the job through the end of the year and move into a consulting role in 2021, saying "I want to contribute where I can. I want to be involved because this organization, specifically this university, means a lot to me." 

The coronavirus has changed business practices, including at Seminole Boosters. While the organization has not laid off any full-time employees, Miller said he not utilizing his  part-time help during this crisis. The organization’s operational staff continues to process contributions and acknowledge financial gifts. Miller also holds daily calls with staff to strategize and remain on task. He stressed the organization is healthy financially, has accumulated key assets and done "a good job of planning for a rainy day."

It also has made defensive moves during this time. Football season ticket and Booster priority deadline has been extended to May 1. Last week, FSU's Board of Trustees gave Seminole Boosters approval to finance $45 million for College Town I and II. Miler pointed to a silver lining in the current landscape, saying it's the best time to finance a project due to low interest rates. 

"We have a stable project there (College Town) and one that's done very well," he said. "We want to make sure that project remains healthy and we get a strong revenue stream that will continue to come back to the boosters for years to come." 

Despite the daily challenges caused the coronavirus pandemic, Miller and staff are focused on the organization's vision that has helped turn FSU athletics into a national brand.

Ranked 11th in the Director's Cup following the fall season, the Seminoles were poised for a strong finish following the winter and spring sports. The men's basketball team, earmarked as a contender for the national tile, earned its highest ranking in school history at No. 4 in the final Associated Press poll. The men's track & field team captured the ACC Indoor Championships in February.