HIGH POINT, NC, January 13, 2023 – High Point University adds another global leader to the Access to Innovators program. Charlie Freeman, president of business operations for the Orlando Magic, joins HPU as athletic director in residence.
He is responsible for overseeing and managing ticket sales, premium sales, customer service, ticket operations, corporate partnerships, corporate social responsibility, arena operations and marketing. He also mentored students at the Phillips School of Business and was a featured guest on HPU President Nid Qubein’s PBS NC show “Side by Side with Nid Qubein.”
Freeman joins a long list of faculty in residence at HPU. The program at HPU connects students with industry leaders for networking and mentoring opportunities. He joins Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, HPU’s Innovator in Residence; Netflix co-founder Marc Randolph, HPU’s Entrepreneur in Residence; Dallas Mavericks CEO Cynt Marshall, HPU’s Sports Director in Residence; Domino CEO Russell Weiner, HPU’s Corporate Executive in Residence; Former VP of Talent at Chick-fil-A Dee Ann Turner, HPU’s Talent Acquisition Specialist in Residence; Former US Ambassador and FCC Chairman William “Bill” Kennard, HPU’s Global Leader in Residence; ABC News’ “Nightline” host Byron Pitts, HPU’s resident reporter; American actor, producer and television host Dean Cain, HPU’s Actor in Residence; Former Tufts Medical Center CEO Dr. Ellen Zane, HPU’s Executive Director of Residence Health Care; and many others.
“I’m very eager to jump in and start mentoring more HPU students,” Freeman said. “I’ve spent time on campus so far, I’ve seen how amazing and motivated the students are, and I’m thrilled to join the list of leaders in the Access to Innovators program.”
Freeman began with the Magic in 1996 as a market research analyst for corporate sponsorships and television sales. Over the years, he has held positions in business development, such as vice president of business development and strategy, chief revenue officer and chief operating officer.
His commitment to the industry is evident through his selection in the Sports Business Journal’s Forty Under 40, recognizing the country’s best young sports executives under 40.
Freeman graduated from Rollins College with a BA in Economics. He lives in Florida with his wife Pam and their two children, Charlie and Addison.