Mike Verna, an industry veteran who brings nearly two decades of experience developing and activating corporate partnerships, generating revenue and building relationships with some of the world’s most recognizable brands, has been named Chief Commercial Strategy Officer of Scarlet Knight Enterprises, the organization announced Monday.
In this role, Verna will lead corporate partnership strategy, including overseeing sales, activation and operations. He will be responsible for developing new business opportunities, strengthening and expanding existing partner relationships, creating innovative sponsorship platforms and helping drive significant new revenue for Rutgers Athletics.
“It is a tremendous opportunity and honor to be part of the team advancing Rutgers Athletics,” Verna said. “After spending my career in the New Jersey and New York market, I understand the impact Rutgers has throughout the state and the unique potential it offers brands and sponsors. I am eager to collaborate with my Scarlet Knight Enterprises colleagues and our partners to create new opportunities and help build what’s next for Rutgers Athletics.”
Verna most recently served as Vice President of Partnership Marketing for the FIFA World Cup 26 New York New Jersey Host Committee, where he led the organization’s partnership operations. His responsibilities included developing partnership inventory and strategy, generating new revenue and overseeing sponsor activation. He also managed relationships and revenue opportunities with FIFA Global and Host City partners.
Prior to joining the Host Committee, Verna served as Vice President of Partnership Management for the New York Islanders and UBS Arena. In that role, he led partnership management and activation, including contractual fulfillment, value creation and incremental revenue opportunities. He also oversaw partner hospitality strategy and worked closely with leading brands including UBS, American Express, Ford and Hyundai.
Verna previously spent nearly 11 years at Madison Square Garden, rising from Manager of Account Activation to Vice President of Account Management. During his tenure, he managed and developed relationships with major corporate partners, including Chase, Verizon, Kia, Benjamin Moore and Amtrak. He also led partnership activation across MSG’s portfolio of properties and events, identifying opportunities to grow revenue while delivering integrated assets across signage, promotions, digital and social media, hospitality and other platforms.
Scarlet Knight Enterprises, a dedicated corporate entity, was created to support the business functions of Rutgers Athletics, leading multimedia rights, corporate partnerships, ticketing strategy, premium hospitality and Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) initiatives. Established as part of Rutgers’ modernized approach to the evolving collegiate athletics landscape, Scarlet Knight Enterprises is designed to unlock new revenue opportunities, strengthen regional and national partnerships, enhance fan engagement and position Rutgers Athletics as an industry leader in innovation and commercial growth.
Scarlet Knight Enterprises CEO Fred Mangione applauded the announcement.
“Mike is an outstanding addition to the leadership team we are building at Scarlet Knight Enterprises,” he said. “He understands that the strongest partnerships are built by creating real value for both our partner and Rutgers. His leadership, creativity and deep experience in this market will be tremendous assets as we continue to grow the commercial business of Rutgers Athletics.”
