R.D. MOORE Charlie Hussey grew up in Oxford, Miss., where his father was a University of Mississippi chemistry professor and his mother was librarian at Oxford High School for 25 years. Hussey graduated from Ole Miss and in 1999 went right to work in the SEC offices in Birmingham, Ala.
If anyone ever had SEC blood coursing through his veins, it’s Hussey, who now is in his 18th year with the conference office.
In that time, there’s hardly an aspect of SEC business he hasn’t touched. From ticketing to championships, he has played a vital role in the evolution of the conference. Most recently, that includes what he’s been doing in overseeing the launch and growth of the SEC Network from the conference’s perspective.
Former Commissioner Mike Slive brought Hussey onto the SEC’s TV team to learn the media side of the business in 2008, working with partners ESPN and CBS on programming. From there, Hussey gained the trust of the networks and became the SEC’s point person for the formation of the SEC Network, which enjoyed the most successful launch in cable history from its debut in 2014.
But his work isn’t done. Hussey is working with the SEC’s schools and the network to provide as much live programming as possible now that the network is into its second year.
“I’m especially pleased that the SEC Network exceeded its programming goals in year one, airing over 1,100 live events,” Hussey said. “In addition to that, and as a result of the quality and extensive programming, the network has added 5 million new households to the original 65 million at launch.”
— Michael Smith
Charlie Hussey
Southeastern Conference | Associate Commissioner,
SEC Network Relations
Age:38
Where born: Colorado Springs, Colo.
Education: University of Mississippi (B.B.A.), University of Alabama-Birmingham (MBA)
Family: Wife, Lindsay; children, Olivia (9), Charles (7), Maddie (5)
Advice I’d give to my younger self: No matter the task, there are lessons to be learned. Always do more than asked.
2016 will be a good year if: Health, happiness and the success of the SEC and SEC Network continue.
Person in the industry I’d like to meet: Sir Alexander Chapman “Alex” Ferguson, former manager of Manchester United.
I’d like to change jobs for a day with: Any Formula One driver; would love to drive in the Grand Prix at Monte Carlo.
Group supported: Children’s Hospital of Alabama.
Most thrilling/adventurous thing I’ve done: Thrilling is marrying my wife; adventurous is raising three children.
You’d be surprised to know: I was born at the U.S. Air Force Academy.
