Member Spotlight: Pat Bishop
Pat Bishop has been involved with Florida Citrus Sports for three decades. She has served on the organization’s board four different times, is on her second term as an executive committee member and was the first woman elected to the FCS Board of Directors back in 1990.
These are all things Bishop should take great pride in, but what she’s most proud of when it comes to Florida Citrus Sports has everything to do with the organization and very little to do with herself – traits that are a common thread among the volunteer-driven organization.
“I am proud of the economic impact our organization has had on tourism and the local community,” Bishop said. “I am proud of how hard we fought to get the stadium renovated. I am proud of the FCS staff, volunteers and members who have supported this organization since the early days of the Tangerine Bowl.”
Bishop, who has been working at Full Sail University since 2004 and serves as Director of Graduate Studies, says she serves the organization because of all the good it does in the community.
“I choose to serve the organization because of its commitment to tourism and its support of children and families in Central Florida through the Take Stock in Children program and LIFT Orlando,” Bishop said. “I also feel that my sports business background as marketing director for SunSports and Golf Channel makes me uniquely qualified to serve the organization.”
In addition to her board service, Bishop has been active on numerous FCS committees for many years. In fact, in 2005 she received the prestigious Howard Palmer Award, given annually as the organization’s top service award.
“I’ve volunteered to chair or serve on several committees including Feast on the 50, Bowl Patch, Golf Tournament, Media Relations and the Television committee,” Bishop explained.
Great people are part of what keeps Bishop around and what she believes is one of the top reasons others in the Central Florida community should get involved.
“Members will meet incredible people, have an opportunity to volunteer during our bowl games, and have access to top-tier events in our beautiful new stadium,” Bishop said. “I am very proud to be associated with an organization that serves our local community and attracts people from all over the world to enjoy events in our new stadium.”
Speaking of that new stadium, Bishop says she believes it’s among one of the best facilities of its kind anywhere.
“We now have a world-class stadium that can host major events and have a significant impact on our local economy,” she said.