Executive Board Bio – Kurt Esser

Kurt Esser was named Executive Director and President of the Florida Region of USA Volleyball in March 2025. He brings more than 35 years of experience in college athletics, most recently serving as Director of Athletics at Seminole State College from 2016 to 2025.

 

During his tenure at Seminole State, Esser developed a comprehensive master plan for Raider Athletics, established a sponsorship and fundraising strategy, and elevated the Raider brand through community engagement. He played a key role in the planning, opening, and operation of the Raider Center—home to Seminole State Athletics, campus wellness, and recreation programs.

 

Esser also served in several leadership positions within the NJCAA, including Mid-Florida Conference Chair (2020–22), Men’s Basketball Chair (2019–22), and member of the Region VIII Conference Realignment Committee. Under his leadership, Seminole State hosted the Region VIII Softball Regionals in 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2022, and was selected to host the 2022 NJCAA Women’s Golf National Championship.

 

Before joining Seminole State, Esser spent eight years at the University of New Mexico, where he oversaw Marketing, Communications, LoboTV, Community Relations, and Concessions. He also provided sport oversight for Volleyball, Beach Volleyball, Men’s and Women’s Golf, Cross Country, Skiing, and Soccer. Esser created UNM’s event management department, unified community relations and spirit programs, and served on the renovation committee for “The Pit.”

 

Prior to his time at New Mexico, Esser worked at the University of Nevada for five years, where he launched the student fan group “Blue Crew” and restructured the marketing and sales department by hiring a director of season and group ticket sales. Earlier in his career, Esser held positions with Host Communications (now part of IMG) and Learfield Communications, Illinois State University, and the University of Kansas.

 

Nationally, Esser served on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Collegiate Marketing Administrators (NACMA) from 2006 to 2012 and as NACMA President during the 2010–11 academic year. He also served on the NCAA Division I Women’s and Men’s Soccer Committees.

 

Esser earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Indiana University and a master’s degree in sports administration from the University of Kansas. He and his wife, Tricia, have two adult children, Reese and Jackson.