Sports Backers Celebrates 31 Years of Teamwork and Excellence as Executive Director Jon Lugbill announces retirement

Lugbill will end his tenure in June 2025

RICHMOND, VA – Sports Backers, the award-winning nonprofit organization committed to inspiring active living in the Richmond region, today announced that Jon Lugbill, its founding Executive Director, will retire on June 30, 2025, after 31 years of dedicated service. Jon Lugbill’s three-decade tenure at Sports Backers has been nothing short of transformative. When he took the helm in 1993, Richmond’s active living landscape was still in its infancy. Under his visionary leadership, Sports Backers has evolved into a powerhouse organization that inspires active living through large-scale events and programs, attracting hundreds of thousands of participants and spectators annually.

“Our achievements over the past three decades are a testament to the incredible teamwork at Sports Backers,” said Jon Lugbill. “From our professional staff who work tirelessly behind the scenes, to our volunteers who give their time and energy, to our high-performing Board of Directors, and the donors that help fund our programs, as well as the long-term persistence of local government partners, it’s the collective effort that has made our vibrant active living movement possible. I’m so grateful that I’ve had the opportunity to work with so many amazing people and to make active living a part of our region’s DNA.”

During Jon’s tenure, Sports Backers’ events and programs have garnered numerous local, regional, and national awards. The organization has been named the best sports commission in the country four times by the Sports Events and Tourism Association. The Bike Walk RVA program received Bicycling Magazine’s People’s Choice Advocacy Award, while the Kids On the Move program was honored as Youth Event of the Year by Running USA. Sports Backers also played a pivotal role in Outside Magazine naming Richmond the “Best River Town in America.” In recognition of his contributions, Jon Lugbill was awarded Leadership Metro Richmond’s 2024 Ukrop’s Community Vision Award.

Sports Backers Board Chair Roy Grier praised Jon’s leadership. Stating that his goal-oriented vision for Sports Backers is a huge part of the organization’s success.

“Jon brings an energy to Sports Backers that emanates through the staff, Board of Directors, volunteers, and everyone who engages with our events and programs. His pursuit of excellence is evident in his focus on getting the details right while simultaneously setting lofty goals that challenge us. Jon’s legacy is not tied to a specific event, program, or trail, but rather to the culture of excellence he has instilled in the organization—along with a sense of fun and impact that keeps everyone engaged and active.”

With Sports Backers set to move their headquarters in early 2025, marking a new beginning, Jon saw a natural opportunity to retire while the organization is flourishing.

“I knew next summer was the right time for the organization to transition to a new leader. With a new headquarters on the Fall Line, an outstanding staff, and a solid financial foundation, the organization is in a strong position. Personally, I’m looking forward to focusing on my family and embarking on new adventures yet to be determined. One thing I know for sure is that I’m excited to paddle down the Grand Canyon while I still can.”

The Sports Backers Board of Directors has already established a search committee to oversee the transition process. The committee has engaged the firm Warren Whitney to assist with succession planning and manage the search. Their focus is on selecting a new Executive Director who will advance the organization’s mission and build on Jon’s remarkable legacy. The search for Jon’s successor will commence in January, and the Board of Directors is committed to ensuring a seamless transition. Further updates on the search process will be shared in the coming months.

Dan Gecker, Sports Backers Chair Elect, commented on the future transition.

“We have been fortunate to have a founding leader with the vision to guide our organization and our region through an incredible transformation over the past 31 years. As we look ahead, the foundation laid by Jon and the entire team sets the stage for the next leader to build on Sports Backers’ already storied history.” He added, “Jon is leaving to the next executive director an organization with the capacity to continue to positively impact the quality of life in the Richmond region. By June of 2025, we’ll have secured funding for our five-year strategic plan, completed the move to our new headquarters, started 20 miles of construction on the Fall Line Trail, and returned our events and programs to record levels.”