Briggs named new executive director of Central Alabama Sports Commission
Alvin Briggs is the third executive director named to the Central Alabama Sports Commission, announced on Tuesday. (File Photo)
By TIM GAYLE
Former Alabama High School Athletic Association executive director Alvin Briggs has been named the third executive director of the Central Alabama Sports Commission in a press release issued by the city of Montgomery on Tuesday.
Briggs’ role is to recruit, develop and enhance sporting events in the city of Montgomery.
“I am honored to step into this role and excited to build on the strong foundation already in place,” he said. “The Central Alabama Sports Commission plays a vital role in bringing world-class athletic events to our region, which not only boosts our economy but also enhances the quality of life for our residents. I look forward to working closely with our partners in the City of Montgomery, Montgomery County and others across the River Region to continue growing our sports tourism impact.”
A native of Greenville, Briggs played defensive back for Pat Dye at Auburn in 1983-87 before getting into the coaching profession, first at his alma mater in Greenville and later at Florence High and the University of North Alabama. He was recruited by AHSAA executive director Steve Savarese to serve as the director of the Alabama High School Athletic Directors and Coaches Association in 2011, moving up to associate executive director as Savarese’s top assistant in 2018 and finally as successor to Savarese from 2021 to 2024.
“Sports tourism is one of Montgomery’s strongest drivers of economic growth and community pride,” Mayor Steven L. Reed said in the press release. “We look forward to working with Alvin Briggs and the Central Alabama Sports Commission to build on the momentum we’ve created together and to ensure even greater opportunities for our residents and businesses.”
Briggs will certainly have huge shoes to fill, following in the footsteps of Dr. Ken Blankenship and Johnny Williams.
Blankenship, the first executive director of the sports commission appointed by then-mayor Todd Strange in 2009, was an innovative director who had served as the AHSADCA director and created Alabama All-Stars Sports Week in 1997. He also served as the longtime executive director of the Bryant-Jordan Foundation.
Blankenship served as the director of the sports commission until declining health forced his retirement in February, 2016. Under his leadership, the citty built the Multiplex at Cramton Bowl as well as improvements to the bowl that helped the city lure the Camellia Bowl with the help of ESPN executives. Blankenship also secured the AHSAA basketball regionals to Garrett Coliseum. He passed away on July 21, 2024.
Williams took over for Blankenship in 2016 and served until a battle with cancer forced him to step aside in 2024. As the creator of the Camellia Bowl and later the FCS Kickoff and the Red Tails Classic, he kept his focus on the collegiate events but also managed two AHSAA basketball regionals in the Capital City.
Williams had served as an assistant football coach at Troy (1985-93) before taking over as the Trojans’ athletic director in 1994-2004, transitioning the program from FCS to FBS. From 2004-07, he served as the senior associate athletic director at the University of Alabama, learning more about naming rights, sponsorships and other corporate aspects of the athletic world. He passed away on Feb. 4, 2025.
Into this vacuum, Briggs will be expected to attract high school and collegiate-oriented athletic events while trying to overcome the challenges presented by aging athletic venues.
“Few people understand this region’s sports landscape like Alvin Briggs,” said Montgomery parks and recreation director Brandon Dean, who worked under Briggs as an AHSADCA director. “His connections and experience will boost sports tourism and position Central Alabama for premier events.”