John A. Diffley

Background

About John A. Diffley

Deputy Athletics Director / Chief Operating Officer Highly experienced sports executive with a diverse background in intercollegiate athletics, professional sports. Skilled in overseeing daily operations for a competitive NCAA Division I athletic program, including facilities management, capital projects, and corporate partnerships. Proven ability to drive revenue.Key Achievements. Championship Success: sport supervisor 37 NCAA Tournament appearances and 13 BigEast Championships. Chaired the Athletics Facilities Master Planning Committee, overseeing $20 million in capital improvements. Revenue Growth: Secured a 10-year,$13.5 million contract with IMG College, increasing revenue by 160%. Negotiated partnership delivered state-of-the-art instant replayvideo displays worth Strategic Partnerships: Engineered relationship with New York City FC, generating annually. Established a partnership with Professional Physical Therapy, generating annually, providing certified physical therapists and strength coaches. Negotiated a $.5M annual corporate partnership with New York-Presbyterian Queens (NYPQ) hospital, improving healthcare services for student-athletes.Raised $1.2 million from external sources for Belson Stadium upgrades, including a state-of-the-art LED scoreboard and facility enhancements. NCAA Championship Leadership: co-Tournament manager 2014, 2017, and 2023 NCAA Men’s Basketball Regional Championships at Madison Square GardenFundraising Events: Executed high-profile fundraising events, one featuring Mia Hamm, Philips Electronics, and the NYFD, raising over Fundraised projects Evening with St. John’s Basketball fundraising committee Hydrotherapy Fundraising $1m Member Red White Advisory Committee Member. Lacrosse Locker Room Renovation. New York City Soccer Gala. Oversaw Under Armour Partnership: an $11 million all-sports partnership with Under Armour. Design and construction Joe Lapchick Statue Project. Managed the Carnesecca Arena Statue Project, raising $ for a full lobby upgrade. Professional Soccer Background: Represented the U.S. National Soccer Team and served as an alternate member of the 1988 U.S. Olympic Team. Played 10 years of professional soccer with HFC Haarlem (Netherlands), Tampa Bay Mutiny, Kansas City Wizards, and Atlanta Attack. Drafted 27th overall in the 1996 MLS Draft. Education & Honors: Doctorate in Educational Administration – Instructional Leadership Hall of Fame Inductee: Rockland County Sports, American University, Albertus Magnus High School. Twitter @JohnADiffley