Frank Viverito is the president of the St. Louis Sports Commission, the privately-funded nonprofit organization that makes St. Louis a better place to live, visit, work and play through sports.  Attracting, creating and managing major sporting events for the St. Louis region, the organization uses the power of sports to enhance the area’s quality of life and generate economic and social benefit for the community.

Viverito became president of the Sports Commission in 1995.  Although he is quick to deflect credit for the Sports Commission’s achievements, Viverito’s guidance, perspective, and personality have steered the organization and the region on a path of success.  Thanks to the support of the area’s fans and business community – along with the Sports Commission’s board, members and volunteers – the organization has helped position St. Louis among the nation’s premier sports destinations.

The Sports Commission’s accomplishments during Viverito’s tenure include hosting such high-profile events as the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Final Fours, NCAA DI Wrestling Championships (8 times), NCAA Frozen Four, SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament, PGA Championship, Missouri vs. Illinois Arch Rivalry football series, U.S. Figure Skating Championships, U.S. Olympic Diving Trials, and the U.S. Gymnastics Championships and Men’s Olympic Gymnastics Trials.

Reflecting Viverito’s vision for the Sports Commission to be a leader and innovator – beyond simply an event producer – the organization has developed an impactful initiative that promotes sportsmanship in the community, creates positive environments for kids to play sports, and helps children lead healthier, happier lives.  As part of its focus on sportsmanship, the Sports Commission produces the Musial Awards, a national event that celebrates the year’s greatest moments of sportsmanship and those in sports who embody class and character.  The organization’s entrepreneurial spirit also is behind its efforts to raise the profile and impact of St. Louis’ Olympic legacy.

Under Viverito’s direction, the Sports Commission has been recognized as a leader in its industry and in the community.  The organization has been selected as the national “Sports Commission of the Year” three times (2002, 2005 and 2013).  The Sports Commission also has received several awards from local civic groups including Downtown STL’s Levee Stone Award and FOCUS St. Louis’ What’s Right With The Region Award.  Additionally, Viverito has been honored with the Burnes/Broeg Award from the Missouri Athletic Club, the Pillar of Strength Award from Epworth Children & Family Services, the Benjamin F. Edwards III Award from Mathews-Dickey Boys’ & Girls’ Club, and the Spirit of St. Louis Hall of Fame Award from the Saint Louis Attractions Association.

A native of New York City, Viverito earned a bachelor’s degree at Rutgers University and a master’s in sports management from the University of Massachusetts.  He began his professional career in minor league baseball as the assistant general manager for the Tidewater Tides, the New York Mets’ Class AAA affiliate.  From 1980-82, he was the sports promotion director at Old Dominion University, where he helped stage the first-ever NCAA Women’s Final Four.  Viverito came to St. Louis in 1983 and served as the sports promotion director for the University of Missouri—St. Louis.  He then managed marketing and promotions for Civic Center Corporation / Busch Stadium from 1984-85.  In 1986, Viverito joined the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission, and subsequently became the organization’s vice president of public relations and development.

Frank is married to Patty Viverito, who is the senior associate commissioner of the Missouri Valley Conference and commissioner of the Missouri Valley Football Conference.  They have two sons, Greg and Matt.