Sarasota Paradise Appoints Head of Revenue for Club

November 12, 2024 | Sarasota

 Sarasota Paradise, a USL League Two team based in Sarasota, recently appointed David Herman as the club’s first head of revenue. 

Bringing more than 20 years of experience in sports brand building, sponsorships and community engagement, Herman will lead the club’s revenue initiatives, build the sponsorship portfolio, grow ticket sales, increase the club’s identity and expand merchandise offerings to ensure success both on and off the field. 

“David’s expertise, vision and commitment to our values make him the perfect choice to lead our revenue initiatives,” said Marcus Walfridson, CEO of Sarasota Paradise. “We’re thrilled to welcome him to the team and are confident in his ability to build a club that captures the heart of Sarasota. With David’s leadership, Sarasota Paradise is poised to establish a strong presence in the league, foster deep ties with the local community and create unforgettable experiences for fans.” 

Most recently, he served as the managing director and chief marketing officer for Austrian football club FC Pinzgau Saalfelden. During his time there, he was known as the “Hat and Soccer Guy” for his unique, hands-on approach to fan engagement and club growth.

Over the course of his career, Herman has worked with some of the biggest names and initiatives in sports, with previous roles that supported Manchester United’s U.S. Summer Tours by leading brand activations for fans across the country, managing SXSW World Cup activations and playing a key role in securing Austin’s Major League Soccer franchise in 2021. 

“Joining at this early stage means we have a blank canvas to create something truly memorable for Sarasota,” said Herman. “Building a club that is authentically connected to the community is incredibly exciting, and I’m energized by the opportunity to build partnerships, experiences and a fan base that makes Sarasota Paradise synonymous with the community. We have a chance to make Sarasota Paradise a symbol of local pride and inclusivity, where every game feels like a celebration of Sarasota itself.”

Herman earned his degree from the University of Colorado Boulder.