Darryl Mulligan is the director of community outreach for the Super Bowl Host Committee. He started Monday.
WHAT EXACTLY WILL HE DO?
As the director of community outreach, Mulligan will work with a subcommittee to develop a program to promote opportunities for small and emerging businesses in the Jacksonville area. “We’re giving small businesses an opportunity to work with the NFL. It’s a way for them to get involved and participate.” He’ll also work with the NFL to establish a Youth Education Town (YET) Center, which will remain in Jacksonville once the Super Bowl is gone. “The YET centers are established in each Super Bowl host city as a way to help disadvantaged youth.” Mulligan will also work with the School Board to develop a Super Learning Program, which will create educational activities linked with the Super Bowl and the community.
A LITTLE BACKGROUND
Mulligan was born in New York but lived in Jacksonville for a number of years while attending Edward Waters College and working for the FBI as a financial analyst. He has also lived in Washington, D.C., where he worked for the Office of the Deputy Mayor in planning and economic development and, most recently, for America’s Home Corporation as a consultant.
HOW HAS JACKSONVILLE CHANGED SINCE THE LAST TIME YOU WERE HERE?
“In the past four years there’s been a lot of growth. Downtown seems to be booming, and so does the Southside, where there are a number of new apartments. I’m very excited to be back and to be able to work with the committee to make this Super Bowl a success.”
DOES HE MISS WASHINGTON, D.C.?
“Washington, D.C., is a great city and a wonderful working atmosphere. But I know Jacksonville very well and I am excited to be working here again on such a phenomenal project.”
WHAT DO YOU DO FOR FUN?
Mulligan enjoys cooking, reading and traveling. “I also like to play basketball. I used to play a lot of basketball with my brother and we got to know how each one plays. But one time when we had to play against each other — his coach sent him against me thinking he could handle me better than anyone. All I have to say is that was a huge mistake.”
DOES HE WATCH A LOT OF FOOTBALL IN HIS SPARE TIME?
Yes, he loves to watch NFL and college football. He also enjoys watching basketball.
ANY SIBLINGS
He has one brother and one sister.
DOES HE HAVE ANY FAMILY IN THE AREA?
No. His family lives in New York and South Carolina.
RESIDES?
He’s looking for a place on the Southside.
DOES HE ENJOY GIVING INTERVIEWS?
He has mixed feelings about interviews. He enjoys talking about his career and what he has accomplished, but he prefers to keep a low profile. And he doesn’t generally like to have his picture taken.
— by Bailey White and James Salem