Chip Howard is in his 32nd year with the UAA. While he has held many roles during his tenure, he currently serves as Deputy Athletic Director. In his current role, Howard oversees Florida’s internal units, including operations, facilities, procurement services and risk management, concessions, football scheduling and capital projects. As an executive team member, he works closely with Athletic Director Scott Stricklin.
Under Howard’s watch, Florida has successfully carried out a multitude of capital projects and facility upgrades on campus. Howard was instrumental in the development of the UAA's current facilities master plan, during which Florida Athletics has invested nearly $300 million in facility upgrades over the last six years. These projects include:
- $85-million James W. “Bill” Heavener Football Training Complex (2022)
- $65-million Condron Family Ballpark (2021)
- $65-million renovation of Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center (2016)
- $27-million construction of Otis Hawkins Center at Farrior Hall (2016)
- Condron Indoor Practice Facility (2015)
- Ben Hill Griffin West Concourse Expansion (2013)
Additionally, Howard oversaw the following facility projects and renovations:
- Dizney Stadium Lacrosse Team Facility (2013)
- McKethan Stadium Expansion (Dizney Plaza - 2007)
- Heavener Football Complex (2007)
- Hugh Hathcock Basketball Practice Facility (2001)
- Alfred A. Ring Tennis Complex (1997)
As Florida baseball's program administrator, a position he originally assumed in 2005, Howard helped identify current UF Head Coach
Kevin O'Sullivan as the top candidate to take over the program. O'Sullivan has led the Gators to unforeseen heights, directing the Orange & Blue to eight trips to Omaha, five Southeastern Conference championships and the program's first national championship in 2017. Perhaps most impressively, the Gators have made the postseason in all fourteen full campaigns under O’Sullivan.
Howard initially joined the UAA in 1989 as an administrative assistant at the University's golf course, although he didn't stay in the pro shop long. He worked his way through the ranks to become one of then-Athletic Director
Jeremy Foley's trusted advisors in UF's athletic department, serving as executive associate athletic director for internal affairs from 2012-17.
Howard departed the UAA in the summer of 2017 to become Chief Operating Officer for Tailgate Guys, a company based in Auburn, Ala., that specializes in hosting tailgates and premium experiences for college football.
As a native of Northboro, Mass., Howard earned his B.S. from the University of Rhode Island in 1984 and later his B.A. in 1985. He resides in Gainesville with his wife, Phoebe, where they are the proud parents to two sons, Cole and Beckett.
