John F. Davis is the Vice President and Director of Athletics at Florida A&M University, bringing more than three decades of executive leadership experience across public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Known for driving transformational change, fiscal discipline, and strategic growth, Davis was selected to lead FAMU Athletics into a new era of innovation, accountability, and competitive excellence.
Davis most recently served as Secretary of the Florida Lottery, where he led the organization for five years and oversaw its evolution into a $9 billion enterprise that funds public education statewide. Under his leadership, the Lottery implemented new systems and processes that produced record-breaking revenues and maintained the No. 1 ranking nationally in total sales. He also leveraged this growth to expand access to the Bright Futures Scholarship Program and help close opportunity gaps for underrepresented students.
Prior to his tenure with the Lottery, Davis held senior leadership roles as Executive Vice President of the Orlando Regional Chamber and President of the African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida. In those positions, he guided historic membership and revenue growth while building lasting partnerships across business, government, and industry.
A former Division I student-athlete at Florida State University under legendary head coach Bobby Bowden, Davis brings a student-athlete–centered perspective to collegiate athletics leadership. His background as a collegiate athlete informs his commitment to competitive excellence, academic success, and holistic development, as well as his understanding of the evolving landscape of NIL, financial sustainability, and governance in Division I athletics.
Davis has received numerous honors recognizing his leadership and community impact, including Florida Trend Magazine’s People to Know, the Florida State University Black Alumni James “J.T.” Thomas Heart of a Champion Award, Orlando Business Journal Power Players Award, 5000 Role Models of Excellence History Maker Award, MAN UP Mentoring Community Champion Award, ONYX Magazine Men of Honor Award, and recognition as one of Orlando Magazine’s Top 15 Leaders to Watch.
He has served on several influential boards, including the Heart of Florida United Way, the Florida A&M University College of Law Dean’s Advisory Council, the Kappa Alpha Psi Achievement Foundation, and the Volunteer Florida Board of Commissioners, where he was immediate past chair. He currently serves as Vice Chair of the Valencia College Board of Trustees.
A native of Pahokee, Florida, Davis resides in Orlando with his wife, Felicia.
