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Dick Sullivan will enter his sixth season with the Falcons continuing his success in building the team into one of the NFL's most fan friendly teams. Sullivan's efforts have led to an unprecedented Falcons record of 51 consecutive total sellouts with a waiting list of over 90,000 fans. Sullivan has been involved in the renovation of all of the premium seat areas of the Georgia Dome since 2006, including the remodeling of the suites, club lounges and the creative addition of new super suites in 2007.
In 2003, the Falcons sold out of season tickets for the first time since 1982. In 2005, the Falcons took over the sale of all Georgia Dome inventory for premium seats, suites and advertising for the Dome and have enjoyed unparalleled success.
Sullivan's first season in charge of the Falcons marketing efforts in 2002 proved to be as special as the club's own rise to prominence that included a historic playoff win at Green Bay. Sullivan's own "team" listened to the fans when they asked for more affordable ticket options, more parking and tailgating space and a better game day experience. Since his arrival, the team has added an abundance of new parking options within a half-mile of the Dome for season ticket holders and their tailgating needs, improved the game day experience by adding an interactive area similar to the NFL Experience at Super Bowls called "Falcons Landing", and established ticket prices that are among the most affordable in the League. In 2003, the Falcons announced a new logo change for the first time in team history and unveiled new uniforms for the first time since 1990. Both ventures were coordinated through the creative and strategic talents of Sullivan and his staff.
In 2004, Sullivan took on the added responsibility of leading the Georgia Force of the Arena Football League as the club's president. He was named Executive of the Year by the AFL in 2005 as the Force captured the National Conference Championship with a thrilling 60-58 victory over the Orlando Predators at home and also won the Southern Division title en route to their first winning season in club history. In 2006, he began serving on the AFL Executive Committee. The Force clinched a playoff spot for the third consecutive season after 12 games in the 2007 season with one of the best records in the AFL at 10-2.
Sullivan, 50, was drafted into the NFL after spending 10 years with The Home Depot. He served as the chief marketer at The Home Depot prior to the Falcons position and was responsible for the efforts of the company's well-known marketing, advertising and sales promotion campaigns, as well as their global brand strategies. The Home Depot has distinguished itself as one of the most recognizable brands in the world.
Sullivan started at The Home Depot in 1992 as the company's Vice President of Advertising. Under his tutelage, the department delivered various award-winning advertising campaigns and sales promotions. The company's sponsorship of the Olympics and NASCAR were successfully started under Sullivan's watch, including Joe Gibbs Racing. Sullivan was the recipient of NASCAR's Marketer of the Year in 1999. Under NFL Hall of fame Coach Joe Gibbs' leadership, The Home Depot car won the Winston Cup Championship in 2002 with driver Tony Stewart behind the wheel.
Sullivan hails from Needham, Massachusetts and received his Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Roger Williams University in Rhode Island. He is active in many civic efforts and co-chaired the recent launch of the Atlanta Branding Campaign in addition to his board of director's seat on the Atlanta Falcons Youth Foundation and Atlanta Sports Council. Sullivan and his wife, Maria, reside in Alpharetta, Georgia. | 