Heisman Trophy Trust Names Jeff Price As Chief Executive Officer
NEW YORK, N.Y. — The Heisman Trophy Trust today announced the appointment of Jeff Price to the newly created position of Chief Executive Officer. A seasoned sports industry leader with more than 35 years of experience, Price will steward the legacy of the Heisman Trophy while spearheading a new chapter of commercial growth and philanthropic impact.
The Heisman Trophy represents the pinnacle of excellence, character, and perseverance, as embodied by the incredible achievements of Heisman winners over its storied 90+ year history. In this new role, Price will be responsible for preserving and building upon this legacy, while growing the Heisman Trophy Trust’s brand, audience reach, and revenues to accelerate its charitable mission to expand opportunities for underserved youth through sports and education. The Trust currently donates millions of dollars each year to aligned charitable organizations from its $60+ million endowment, funded by commercial partnerships and events associated with the Heisman Trophy. Price’s appointment is the result of a recent decision by the Heisman Trust’s Board to pursue even greater levels of philanthropic impact by driving new revenue growth in today’s rapidly changing college sports landscape.
“Jeff Price is a visionary executive whose career has been defined by driving innovation, building transformative partnerships, and expanding opportunity for young people through sports,” said Michael Comerford, Chairman of the Board of the Heisman Trophy Trust. “As we mark 90+ years of history, the Board felt strongly that it was the right moment to bring on a CEO who could build on our proud tradition while charting a new and exciting course for the future. Jeff brings decades of strategic and commercial leadership as well as a deep commitment to the philanthropic mission that defines the Trust. With him at the helm, we are confident the Heisman legacy will reach new heights—on the field, in our commercial endeavors, and in the lives of young people across the country.”
Price joins the Trust from the PGA of America, where he serves as Chief Commercial and Philanthropy Officer, overseeing enterprise-wide initiatives that align revenue, brand, and purpose. During his 11+ years, he has grown partnership revenue exponentially, expanded global media relationships with CBS, ESPN, NBC and global broadcasters across 180+ countries, spearheaded the creation of the Ryder Cup Worldwide Partner Program and completed a $65MM campaign supporting the PGA of America REACH Foundation. He has held senior leadership roles across the global sports landscape including Sporting News Media, Sports Illustrated, MasterCard, Gatorade, the Big 12 Conference, and the NBA, consistently delivering growth and measurable impact.
“The Heisman Trophy is one of the most prestigious brands in sports, symbolizing perseverance, teamwork, and excellence,” Price said. “I am honored to lead this extraordinary organization and to advance its mission of using the power of sports to change lives—especially for youth in underserved communities. The Trust’s philanthropic work deeply aligns with my values and lifelong commitment to expanding opportunities for young people.”
“As the Trust celebrates 90+ years of history, I see tremendous opportunity to both honor its proud tradition and chart an ambitious future,” Price added. “Working closely with the Board, our dedicated staff, and the legendary group of Heisman winners, I look forward to expanding the Trust’s reach, creating new partnerships, and ensuring that the Heisman legacy continues to inspire generations on and off the field.”
Price, a native of Laconia, N.H., who currently resides in Sea Cliff, NY, was a quarterback and receiver as an undergraduate at Bates College and received a Masters of Sports Administration from the UMASS Mark McCormack Sport Management Program. He was selected after a comprehensive, national executive search process led by top sports recruiting firm ZRG Partners, The Turnkey Group. Price will commence his role as CEO in January 2026 and will report directly to the Board of Trustees of the Heisman Trophy Trust. He will work closely with Tim Henning, a 25-year veteran of the Trust, who has been promoted to Vice President.
About the Heisman Trophy Trust
The Heisman Trophy Trust’s mission is to grow the legacy and preserve the integrity of the Heisman Memorial Trophy, which is annually awarded to the most outstanding college football player in the United States whose performance epitomizes great ability combined with diligence, perseverance, and hard work. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Trust seeks to harness the power of sports to improve young people’s lives. The Trust draws on the Heisman Trophy’s legacy of athletic excellence to support and fund youth development programs in underserved communities, granting millions of dollars annually to programs that employ sports and education to provide young people with academic support, athletic development, life skills training, and opportunities for healthy activities rooted in the values of the Heisman. Additionally, the Trust annually presents the Heisman Humanitarian Award to outstanding individuals in the sports world whose charitable work furthers the Heisman mission. www.Heisman.com
