Bradley Houser: Attorney heads Orange Bowl Committee targeting tourism

In February, Bradley D. Houser was officially named the 86th president and chair of the Orange Bowl Committee, and he has not stopped carrying the bowl’s legacy, mission and commitment to the South Florida community. 

In this role, Mr. Houser will lead the Orange Bowl Committee’s community outreach, education and youth sports programs, including a full slate of events highlighted by the 2024-25 College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl on Jan. 9, 2025, at Hard Rock Stadium, which will be the first semifinal game in the new 12-team College Football Playoff format.

Since getting involved with the committee back in 2009 and holding various positions, Mr. Houser said his mission remains the same, which is to support the Orange Bowl and continue to build on its strong historical foundation and the committee’s almost 90-year legacy. 

An accomplished attorney and community leader, Mr. Houser is a partner at Holland & Knight, where he also co-chairs the firm’s South Florida Corporate, M&A and Securities Practice Group.

He began his career as an attorney at the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in Washington, DC, and is also a certified public accountant. He received his undergraduate degree from Drake University and his master of business administration and juris doctor degrees from the University of Iowa College of Law. 

With over 30 years of experience, Mr. Houser focuses his practice on a wide range of securities matters, as well as mergers and acquisitions. He also advises boards of directors and senior management teams of public and private companies regarding corporate governance and control issues.

“It was such an honor that my fellow Orange Bowl Committee members have put their trust in me as president and chair to succeed my friend, Dr. Yvonne Johnson-Phillips,” he said. “I also deeply appreciate my partners at Holland & Knight for their ongoing support of the Orange Bowl organization and its mission.”

The Orange Bowl Committee was established in 1935 with the mission of generating tourism and economic impact for South Florida through an annual football game and supporting events. Since the organization’s inception, millions of dollars have been injected into the local economy, and the committee continues to leave an indelible mark on the neighborhoods and people it serves, Mr. Houser said.

For decades, the Orange Bowl and its partners have committed more than $40 million to improving the South Florida community through its Orange Bowl Cares program, which is comprised of four pillars: youth sports, education, community engagement and legacy programs, he said. 

“There is a huge opportunity in front of us to propel the organization forward in the ever-changing landscape of collegiate athletics,” Mr. Houser said. “With the Capital One Orange Bowl’s role in the new 12-team playoff system, there will be a meaningful playoff game of relevance in South Florida every year, and I look forward to embracing that alongside our corporate and community partners.”

Mr. Houser spoke with Miami Today reporter Abraham Galvan.

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