TALLAHASSEE, Fla.- Florida A&M University has announced the appointment of John F. Davis as Vice President and Director of Athletics. FAMU Interim Director of Athletics Michael Smith will continue to lead the Department of Athletics and assist with the transition until Davis' official start date of January 5, 2026.

Davis currently serves as secretary of the Florida Lottery, a position he's held for the last five years. Since taking the helm, he has guided the Lottery's significant growth, making it a $9 billion enterprise that funds public education statewide. Under his direction, the agency established new systems and processes that achieved record-breaking revenue. 

The Florida Lottery continues to hold the No. 1 spot in the nation for total sales. Davis leveraged this growth to expand access to the Bright Futures Scholarship Program and narrow gaps for underrepresented students.
 
Before his tenure at the Lottery, Davis served as executive vice president of the Orlando Regional Chamber and president of the African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida, where he led historic membership and revenue growth, and forged enduring partnerships across all sectors.
 
About AD John Davis
 
As a former Division I student-athlete at Florida State University under legendary Coach Bobby Bowden, John Davis understands the discipline, integrity, and competitive spirit required to build a championship culture. His experience as a collegiate athlete provides him with a deep understanding of the needs of student-athletes in competition, in the classroom, and beyond.
 
Davis has received numerous accolades in recognition of his service and impact. These include the Florida Trend Magazine People to Know, the Florida State University Black Alumni James "J.T." Thomas Heart of a Champion Award, Orlando Business Journal Power Players Award, 5000 Role Models of Excellence History Maker Award, MAN UP Mentoring Community Champion Award, ONYX Magazine Men of Honor Award, and he was named one of Orlando Magazine's Top 15 Leaders to Watch.
 
He has been actively involved in several influential boards, including the Heart of Florida United Way, the Florida A&M University College of Law Dean's Advisory Council, the Kappa Alpha Psi Achievement Foundation, and the Volunteer Florida Board of Commissioners, where he served as immediate past chair. He currently serves as vice chair of the Valencia College Board of Trustees.
 
About the SWAC
The Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) is considered one of the premier HBCU conferences in the country and currently ranks among the elite in the nation in terms of HBCU alumni playing with professional sports teams.
 
Current championship competition offered by the league includes competition for men in Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Indoor Track and Field, Outdoor Track and Field and Tennis.

Women’s competition is offered in the sports of Basketball, Bowling, Cross Country, Golf, Indoor Track and Field, Outdoor Track and Field, Soccer, Softball, Tennis and Volleyball.
 
Follow the SWAC
For complete coverage of the Southwestern Athletic Conference, please follow the SWAC on social media at @TheSWAC (Twitter), @TheSWAC (Facebook), and @TheSWAC (Instagram) or visit the official home of the Southwestern Athletic Conference at www.swac.org.