GAAC Announces New Executive Leadership Team to Lead the Next Era of Growth

The Gulf-Atlantic Athletic Conference (GAAC) is proud to announce the appointment of Bobby Thigpen as Executive Commissioner and Anderson DaSilva as Operations Commissioner, marking a significant milestone in the conference's continued commitment to excellence, innovation, and the development of student-athletes.

As the GAAC continues its rapid expansion across the Southeast and beyond, these two respected leaders bring decades of experience in athletics, leadership, player development, and organizational growth. Together, they form a dynamic leadership team that will guide the conference into its next chapter while remaining committed to the GAAC's mission of Excellence, Evaluation, and Exposure.

Bobby Thigpen Named Executive Commissioner

Bobby Thigpen's journey through athletics has been defined by leadership, integrity, and a passion for helping others succeed. A former standout collegiate basketball player who has spent years coaching, mentoring, and developing student-athletes, Thigpen understands firsthand the unique opportunities and challenges facing small-college athletics.

As Executive Commissioner, he will provide strategic vision for the conference, oversee long-term planning, strengthen relationships with member institutions, expand partnerships, and continue building a conference culture centered on competitive excellence and Christian character.

"Bobby understands that success is measured by more than wins and losses," said GAAC leadership. "His passion for developing people, building strong relationships, and creating opportunities for student-athletes makes him the ideal person to help lead the conference into the future."

His leadership philosophy aligns perfectly with the GAAC's commitment to preparing student-athletes not only for championships but also for successful careers and lives beyond competition.

Anderson DaSilva Named Operations Commissioner

Serving alongside Thigpen is internationally respected soccer executive and player development specialist Anderson DaSilva, who has been appointed Operations Commissioner.

DaSilva brings an impressive résumé that includes professional scouting, elite coaching, and years of experience developing athletes at the highest levels of the game. Holding prestigious coaching licenses and serving in multiple leadership roles throughout the soccer community, he has earned a reputation for organizational excellence and an unwavering commitment to player development. His previous work with the GAAC Soccer Committee demonstrated his ability to elevate competitive standards while fostering a culture of growth and opportunity.

As Operations Commissioner, DaSilva will oversee the conference's day-to-day operations, championship administration, scheduling coordination, sport committee management, policy implementation, and event execution. Based in Central Florida, he will work closely with member institutions to ensure every GAAC championship and conference initiative reflects the highest standards of professionalism and service.

"Operations are the foundation of every successful conference," said GAAC leadership. "Anderson's organizational expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence will help ensure an exceptional experience for our student-athletes, coaches, and member institutions."

A Partnership Built for the Future

The appointments of Thigpen and DaSilva represent more than two leadership hires—they establish a collaborative leadership model designed to balance strategic vision with operational excellence.

As Executive Commissioner, Bobby Thigpen will focus on conference growth, institutional relationships, long-term strategy, and advancing the GAAC's national presence.

As Operations Commissioner, Anderson DaSilva will oversee the daily execution of conference operations, ensuring championships, scheduling, compliance, and member services are delivered with excellence and consistency.

Together, they create a leadership structure that positions the conference for sustainable growth while maintaining the personal relationships and student-centered values that have become the hallmark of the GAAC.

Building the Premier Small College Athletic Conference

The Gulf-Atlantic Athletic Conference continues to expand its footprint by bringing together institutions committed to developing champions both on and off the field.

Through innovative programming, professional exposure opportunities, faith-based leadership, and a relentless focus on student-athlete success, the GAAC is redefining what small-college athletics can become.

With Bobby Thigpen and Anderson DaSilva leading the conference together, the future has never been brighter.

The GAAC looks forward to this exciting new era of leadership and is confident that under their guidance, the conference will continue to provide unparalleled opportunities for student-athletes, coaches, and member institutions while advancing its mission of Excellence, Evaluation, and Exposure.