The World Games 2021 board of directors today announced that Nick Sellers has been appointed the organization’s new chief executive officer, effective immediately. Sellers replaces DJ Mackovets, who recently resigned as CEO.
“We are delighted to welcome Nick as our new CEO,” said Jonathan Porter, chairman of The World Games 2021 board of directors. “He is a highly-respected executive with demonstrated success in strategic leadership, operations, and implementation. He is well-positioned to lead The World Games 2021 over the next 19 months as we continue our positive momentum toward delivering a world-class event that showcases Birmingham to visitors from around the globe.”
Porter continued, “The board and I also would like to express our gratitude to DJ Mackovets for his service to The World Games 2021 Birmingham during a critical time for this event. His vision, commitment and experience were instrumental in laying a strong foundation for the Birmingham organizing committee.”
“Honored and grateful are the two words that capture my feelings,” said Sellers. “We have a unique opportunity to present Birmingham and the state of Alabama to the world; so, our mission will be to deliver the best and most innovative competitor, spectator, and sponsor experience in the history of The World Games. I’ve always believed in Birmingham and have confidence that we will come together in a way in which we’ve never done before. Through the collaboration and leadership of the Birmingham Organizing Committee, city of Birmingham and International World Games Association, I’m convinced that the stars are aligned for us. This is our time. I’m ready to get to work.”
For the last 16 years, Sellers has served in a variety of leadership positions with Alabama Power and Southern Company, most recently as vice president of the Mobile Division at Alabama Power. His previous roles with the organization also include vice president of business origination, senior vice president of projection development and construction, and vice president of external and regulatory affairs.
Sellers also brings a background in sports and event operations through his work as director of operations for the Alabama Sports Foundation, where he was responsible for sponsorships, ticketing, and operations plans for large-scale events such as the SEC Baseball Tournament, Arby’s Hardwood Classic Invitational, and Regions Charity Classic.
A native of Birmingham and graduate of the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California, Sellers also holds his Juris Doctor from the Birmingham School of Law. Currently, he is the chairman of the Alabama Sports Council, where he works to oversee all ASC events including the Magic City Classic and the Davis Cup Tennis Invitational. Sellers also serves on the Bryant Jordan Scholarship Foundation, the Mobile Industrial Development Board, the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce, and Innovation Portal.
The World Games is a multi-sport event staged every four years by the International World Games Association under the patronage of the International Olympic Committee. The 11th edition of The World Games will be held in Birmingham, Alabama, USA, 15-25 July 2021. 3,600 athletes from over 30 sports and 100 countries will take part in the Games.
