The Cotton Bowl Athletic Association announces the selection of Dave Marmion as its next President and Chief Executive Officer. He assumes the role of leading the CBAA, Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic and Cotton Bowl Foundation on Monday, June 29.
Marmion succeeds Rick Baker, who retired after guiding the CBAA for 38 years.
"It is an honor and a privilege to follow in the legendary footsteps of Rick Baker."
Dave Marmion
CBAA President & CEO
"I want to express my deep gratitude to the Board of Directors, the staff, our partners, and the countless people whose dedication has made this game what it is today. I step into this role with a steadfast commitment to upholding that legacy while striving to enhance and grow the impact this organization has on the teams, the fans and our North Texas community."
"We are thrilled to have Dave join our Cotton Bowl family and become our next leader of the Cotton Bowl Athletic Association."
Monica Christopher
CBAA Chair
"Dave has a deep understanding of who we are and a vision of where we need to go to evolve and innovate while remaining as one of the premier postseason experiences in college football."
Marmion comes to the CBAA following nine years at the College Football Playoff. He joined the CFP as Chief Financial Officer in June 2017 and added the title of Chief Revenue Officer in June 2022. In these roles, Marmion oversaw financial management, human resources, legal, contracts, sponsorships, ticket sales, customer service, public events, licensing and merchandising while being heavily involved in the negotiations with ESPN. He implemented strategies that drove significant revenue growth and built partnerships that have elevated the CFP into one of the nation's premier sporting events.
Prior to joining the College Football Playoff, Marmion spent five years at the University of Texas at Austin as Executive Senior Associate Director of Athletics/Chief Financial Officer, 11 years at Wake Forest University, including six years as the Associate Director of Athletics for Finance and Administration, and five years as Athletics Coordinator of Accounting at Florida State University. He participated in the management of several NCAA baseball, softball and soccer events and was involved in football game-day operations throughout his career stops in college athletics.
In addition, he previously worked at Deloitte in Atlanta, where he was an auditor for a variety of clients, including the Georgia Tech Athletic Association. The former president of the College Athletic Business Managers Association (CABMA) is a Certified Public Accountant.
The Grand Rapids, Mich., native holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accountancy from the Wake Forest School of Business and a Master of Science degree in Sport Management from Florida State.
Marmion and his wife Allyson have two sons, Zach and Owen.
Elevate Talent, led by Senior Partners Kyle Bowlsby and Jeff Yocom, executed this search process in concert with 2026-28 and 2024-26 members of the CBAA Executive Committee.
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WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT INCOMING CBAA PRESIDENT & CEO DAVE MARMION
Jim Phillips, Ph.D., Commissioner, Atlantic Coast Conference
"The Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic has made an outstanding hire in selecting Dave as its President and Chief Executive Officer. Dave is incredibly well-respected and has a proven track record of innovation, financial stewardship, and building strong relationships across the collegiate sports landscape. His experience with the College Football Playoff and throughout intercollegiate athletics will serve him well as he leads the Cotton Bowl into its next era. Congratulations to Dave and his wife, Allyson, and their sons, Zach and Owen, as they begin this next chapter."
Rich Clark, Executive Director, College Football Playoff
"Dave has been an invaluable part of the CFP and an exceptional Chief Financial Officer and Chief Revenue Officer since joining us in 2017. Beyond his professional accomplishments during his time here – of which there are many – he is a person of great character and humility who truly made our team and our people better. While we will miss him at the CFP, we are incredibly proud to see him take on the incredible opportunity as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Cotton Bowl Classic, and we are excited to work with him in his new capacity."
Kevin Ash, Rose Bowl Game
"Dave's appointment as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Cotton Bowl Classic is a tremendous win for the organization and for college football. Dave brings an incredible depth of experience, a strong understanding of collegiate athletics and a steady leadership style that has made a lasting impact in our industry. His vision, relationships and expertise make him exceptionally well-suited to lead the Cotton Bowl into its next chapter."
Mike Buddie, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, TCU
"Dave has built his entire career on relationships, competence and integrity. This role is the perfect opportunity to pair his talents with a world-class, historic organization in the Cotton Bowl Classic."
Jim Grobe, Selection Committee Member, College Football Playoff & Former Football Head Coach at Wake Forest, Baylor & Ohio
"I am so happy to see the Cotton Bowl Classic has hired Dave as President and Chief Executive Officer. Dave is one of my favorite people who I have worked with in my career. He is professional in every way and always looking to make things better. Over our 11 years together at Wake Forest, Dave's outstanding work with our director of football operations on bowl game administration and travel allowed the coaching staff to stay focused on game preparation. I know everyone at the Cotton Bowl will love working with Dave."
