Orange Bowl Executive Leadership And Staff

Eric Poms

Chief Executive Officer

Eric Poms was officially announced as the fifth Chief Executive Officer of the Orange Bowl Committee (OBC) on May 4, 2006. Poms recently celebrated his 30-year anniversary with the OBC and has more than 30 years of managerial and operational experience in collegiate athletics.

Poms spearheaded the OBC’s inclusion in the new College Football Playoff that began in 2014-15, which includes the OBC hosting eight traditional Capital One Orange Bowl games featuring the ACC Champion versus a top-rated team from the Big Ten, SEC, or Notre Dame and four semifinals in a 12-year period—all over the New Year’s holiday weekend.

Under his leadership, the OBC celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2008-09 and twice hosted two BCS Bowl games in the same season (the Orange Bowl and the BCS National Championship: 2008 – 2009; 2012 – 2013).

Poms has been with the Committee since 1993, serving as Chief Operating Officer prior to moving into his current position.  A Miami Killian High School and University of Florida graduate, Poms sets the strategic vision for the organization, working closely with the Orange Bowl Committee’s volunteer leadership.

During his 30 years at Orange Bowl, Poms has been at the forefront of the postseason college football structure during its frequent era of growth, having been deeply involved in negotiations with the new College Football Playoff, the Bowl Championship Series, the Bowl Coalition, and the Bowl Alliance.  While Poms has been at the Orange Bowl, the Committee has hosted seven National Championship games: 1994, 1995, 1998, 2001, 2005, 2009 and 2013.

In the summer of 2006 under Poms’ guidance, the OBC entered a mutually beneficial partnership with the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), which was extended through 2026.  The ACC champion is guaranteed a spot in the Capital One Orange Bowl on an annual basis, provided it does not qualify for the College Football Playoff, in which case another ACC team will replace the champion.  It will face a highly-ranked opponent from the Big Ten, SEC, or Notre Dame, providing the Capital One Orange Bowl with an attractive matchup every year.

Most recently, Poms and the Orange Bowl Committee led a Miami-South Florida community bid effort to secure the 2021 College Football Playoff National Championship, which was played at Hard Rock Stadium on January 11, in addition to securing the 2021 College Football Playoff National Championship, which will be played at Hard Rock Stadium on January 19, 2026. 2021 was the community’s first national championship game in the College Football Playoff era, but its 21st overall.

Poms’ experience and education in the area of event management and bowl game marketing have yielded great results for the South Florida community.  His vision and passion extend beyond that of just the bowl itself, as he continues to strengthen the OBC’s mission of supporting and producing events that enhance the image, economy, and culture of South Florida.

During Poms’ tenure, the Orange Bowl Committee has expanded its reach in the community and continues to be one of South Florida’s leading civic organizations. Its four pillars of community outreach include youth sports, education, community engagement, and legacy programs.

Prior to joining the OBC, Poms served as the Coordinator of Operations at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas from 1992-93.  In addition to managing the Runnin’ Rebels athletic events, Poms also served as Director of Operations for the Las Vegas Bowl during this period.  Before he headed west, Poms served as Director of Operations and Events at the then newly-formed Blockbuster Bowl from 1990-92.  Poms began his career at the University of Florida, first as a student-manager for the men’s basketball program followed by a stint as the Gators’ head basketball manager.

Poms was recently appointed to the Board of the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau and is active with the Boys & Girls Club of Miami, Inc., where he has served on the Executive Committee since 1996.  He also worked with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Miami mentoring local inner-city youth on educational development, personal values, and social skills.  Poms also participated in the 1996-97 Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce Leadership Miami program which addressed the issues and challenges that face the Greater Miami community.  Nationally, Poms serves on the Executive Committee of the Bowl Season (formerly FBA) where he previously served as chairman in 2014-15.

Poms graduated in 1988 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Florida.  He then went on to earn his Master of Exercise and Sports Sciences from UF in 1990.  He and his wife, Krista, have a daughter, Julia, and two sons Justin and Troy.  They reside in Weston, Fla.

Ana Hernandez-Ochoa

Chief Operating Officer

Ana Hernandez-Ochoa was named Chief Operating Officer in May 2021. Her role includes oversight of all day-to-day operations of the Orange Bowl Committee, with a focus on revenue generation in the ticket sales and sponsorships departments. She began her tenure at the organization as Corporate Partnerships Coordinator in April 2002, moved up to a role in the marketing department in 2005, rose to Vice President in 2010 and most recently held the position of Chief Marketing Officer since 2014. Born and raised in South Florida, Hernandez-Ochoa earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Florida International University and currently resides in Miami with her husband Jason and their two children.

Brad Stricklin

Chief Financial Officer

Brad Stricklin was appointed Chief Financial Officer of the Orange Bowl Committee in November 2024. In this role, he oversees the organization’s financial operations, human resources, legal affairs, and building management. Before joining the Orange Bowl Committee, Stricklin held senior financial leadership positions at the Georgia Institute of Technology and the University of Central Florida (UCF), where he was responsible for managing complex budgets, forecasting financial trends, and mitigating risks. His extensive experience also includes strategic planning, facility development, and contract negotiations, demonstrating his ability to drive growth and innovation within athletic departments. A native of Laurel, Miss., Stricklin earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Miss., and his master’s degree in sport management from Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, Ga.

Brian Park

Retiring Chief Financial Officer

Brian Park was named Chief Financial Officer in June 2003. His role includes management of the financial, human resources, legal and building management functions of the organization. Prior to joining the Orange Bowl Committee, Park spent 14 years as the CFO of a regional mechanical contractor based in Toledo, Ohio with operations in six states. He also previously served as the CFO and treasurer of a family owned supermarket chain in Toledo as well as an internal auditor with Owens-Corning. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Park graduated from the University of Toledo in 1977 with a Bachelor’s of Business Administration. He then joined the public accounting firm of Ernst and Ernst (now Ernst & Young) where he earned his CPA certificate. Park resides in Pembroke Pines with his wife Teresita, and is a proud father of seven and grandfather of four.

Mitch Morrall

Chief Administrative Officer

Mitch Morrall was named Chief Administrative Officer in May 2021. His role includes management of the Orange Bowl Committee’s extensive portfolio of events and special projects. He joined the organization in 2005 as the Director of Events, was promoted to Vice President in 2006 and most recently served as the Senior Vice President, Operations & Special Projects since 2019. Prior to joining the OBC, he led operations for the McDonald’s Air & Sea Show on Fort Lauderdale Beach. The son of former Miami Dolphins Super Bowl-winning quarterback Earl Morrall, he earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and master’s degree from St. Thomas University. Morrall resides in Davie with his wife Elizabeth and their two children.