Richard Blalock has 44 years of experience in program and event development, facility development, as well as, developing public-private partnerships in the state of Florida. Richard has served on various community boards including 25 years on the Gainesville Sports Commission Board of Directors, and service as past president, 22 years as a Sports Director of the Florida Sports Foundation, 5 years on the Alachua County Task Force for Recreation Board of Directors, and service as past president; 2 years on the Board of Directors for the Newberry – Jonesville Chamber of Commerce and 1 year on the Alachua County Recreation Coordinating Council.
Mr. Blalock spearheaded a unique public-private partnership with Easton Sports Development Foundation, Florida Fish and Wildlife, Florida Greenways and Trails, Suwannee River Water Management District, and Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program to develop the Easton – Newberry Sports Complex. The complex has since gone on to host large format events as well as elite Olympic athletes, bringing exposure and dollars to the city.
Mr. Blalock also developed the Diamond Sports Park T-Ball Program that was published by T-Ball USA, “The Official Family Guide to T-Ball”.
Richard has been recognized for his community service with awards which include the Gainesville Sports Commission’s President’s Above and Beyond Award, 3 Bronze Gator Awards for community involvement, and from the Newberry – Jonesville Chamber of Commerce, Community Leader of the Year and the Large Business of the Year award for the City of Newberry Parks & Recreation Department.