Champagne Moves To Chairman, Ruffin Begins Term As President
As FCSports begins its 2011-12 year, Bright House Networks Vice President of Operations Michel Champagne has ended his one-year term as President and now steps into the role of Chairman of the Board. L.J. Ruffin & Associates owner Larry Ruffin takes over as President.
Champagne will continue to advise on the Executive Committee and also oversee the Team Selection Committee for the Capital One Bowl and Champs Sports Bowl. He has served in a managerial role in the telecommunications industry for over 25 years, including the past seven with Bright House Networks. A 1984 graduate of Miami (Ohio) University, he also serves on the Junior Achievement of Central Florida executive committee and the Orlando Science Center Board of Trustees.
With Champagne now installed as chairman, Larry J. Ruffin of L.J. Ruffin & Associates becomes President of Florida Citrus Sports. Ruffin will lead the day-to-day activities of the Executive Committee. A 1977 graduate of the University of Alabama, he was a standout left guard from 1973-75 under legendary coach Paul ‘Bear’ Bryant and a member of three Southeastern Conference championship teams and the 1973 National Championship Crimson Tide squad. Ruffin is a 34-year veteran of the construction material supply industry and opened Ruffin & Associates in 1993. In addition to his service with FCSports, Ruffin serves on the State of Florida Banner Center Council and as a national director for the Florida Section of the American Water Works Association.
Kuykendall Gardner Executive Vice President Bobby Kuykendall has been named President-Elect and will shadow Larry and the executive committee this year in preparation for his term beginning in April 2012.