Frank Viverito
Chief Advisory Officer
(314) 345-5150
Frank Viverito is chief advisory officer of the St. Louis Sports Commission, the privately-funded nonprofit organization that makes St. Louis a better place to live, visit, work and play through sports. Attracting, creating, and managing major sporting events for the St. Louis region, the organization uses the power of sports to enhance the area’s quality of life and generate economic and social benefit for the community.
Viverito served as president of the Sports Commission from 1995-2022. During that tenure, his guidance, perspective, and personality steered the organization and the region on a path of success. Thanks to the support of the area’s fans and business community – along with the Sports Commission’s board, members and volunteers – the organization helped position St. Louis among the nation’s premier sports destinations.
The Sports Commission’s accomplishments during Viverito’s tenure included hosting such high-profile events as the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Final Fours, NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships (9 times), NCAA Frozen Four, SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament, PGA Championship, Missouri vs. Illinois Arch Rivalry football series, U.S. Figure Skating Championships, U.S. Olympic Diving Trials, and the U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Trials.
Reflecting Viverito’s vision for the Sports Commission to be a leader and innovator – beyond simply an event producer – the organization developed an impactful initiative that promotes sportsmanship in the community, creates positive environments for kids to play sports, and helps children lead healthier, happier lives. Viverito was at the forefront of developing the Musial Awards, a nationally acclaimed event that celebrates the year’s greatest moments of sportsmanship and those in sports who embody class and character. The organization’s entrepreneurial spirit also is behind its efforts to raise the profile and impact of St. Louis’ Olympic legacy.
Under Viverito’s direction, the Sports Commission was recognized as a leader in its industry and in the community. The organization was selected as the national “Sports Commission of the Year” three times (2002, 2005 and 2013). The Sports Commission also received several awards from local civic groups including Downtown STL’s Levee Stone Award and FOCUS St. Louis’ What’s Right With The Region Award. Additionally, Viverito was honored with the Burnes/Broeg Award from the Missouri Athletic Club, the Pillar of Strength Award from Epworth Children & Family Services, the Benjamin F. Edwards III Award from Mathews-Dickey Boys’ & Girls’ Club, the Spirit of St. Louis Hall of Fame Award from the Saint Louis Attractions Association, and he also was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.
A native of New York City, Viverito earned a bachelor’s degree at Rutgers University and a master’s in sport management from the University of Massachusetts. He began his professional career in minor league baseball as the assistant general manager for the Tidewater Tides, the New York Mets’ Class AAA affiliate. From 1980-82, he was the athletic promotions director at Old Dominion University, where he helped stage the first-ever NCAA Women’s Final Four. Viverito came to St. Louis in 1983 and served as the sports information and development director for the University of Missouri—St. Louis. He then managed marketing and promotions for Civic Center Corporation / Busch Stadium from 1984-85. In 1986, Viverito joined the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission, and subsequently became the organization’s vice president of public relations and development.
Frank is married to Patty Viverito, who is commissioner of the Missouri Valley Football Conference and the Pioneer Football League. They have two sons, Greg and Matt.
