IMG Academy has announced two leadership appointments as the Bradenton-based sports education organization continues a major campus expansion and increases its digital offerings to student-athletes worldwide.
Mike Milliron has been promoted to president of IMG Academy Campus, while Fred Santarpia has been named president of IMG Academy Online. Both appointments took effect on October 26, 2026.
Milliron, who has served as chief operating officer since 2024, will oversee the strategic direction, growth, and operations of IMG Academy’s 600-acre Bradenton campus. His responsibilities include the boarding school, athletic camps, events, team training, Legacy Hotel, and IMG Academy Golf Club.
Milliron joined IMG Academy in 2011 and has held leadership positions across academics, student life, athletics, sales, camps, and operations.
His promotion follows the largest capital expansion in IMG Academy’s history, with approximately 16 construction projects underway across the campus during the past year. The improvements support the organization’s growing athletic programs and enrollment.
IMG Academy has also expanded its athletic offerings, adding boys volleyball, softball, wrestling, and swimming to its programs. The expansion represents four new sports introduced or announced within approximately 18 months, compared with one added during the previous decade.
Santarpia will oversee IMG Academy’s online operations, including IMG Academy+, NCSA, and SportsRecruits. The digital platforms provide athletic development resources, coaching, and college recruiting services to student-athletes beyond the Bradenton campus.
Santarpia previously served as president of Endeavor Streaming, where he directed global expansion efforts. His professional background also includes leadership positions at Condé Nast, Moda Operandi, and VEVO.
He succeeds Chris Ciaccio, who previously led IMG Academy Online while serving as the organization’s chief commercial officer. Ciaccio, a 29-year veteran of IMG Academy, will continue focusing on campus commercial operations and organizational brand development.
The leadership changes follow the October launch of IMG Academy+, a digital platform designed to provide student-athletes and families worldwide with access to coaching and personal development resources based on the organization’s established training methods.
Founded in 1978 as the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy, IMG Academy has grown into an international sports education institution offering academic instruction, athletic training, and residential programs.
The Bradenton campus serves approximately 1,700 student-athletes and employs about 1,100 people, according to information reported by the Business Observer earlier this month. The organization is working toward increasing enrollment to approximately 2,000 students over the next several years.
IMG Academy’s continued investment in its Bradenton facilities represents a significant development for Manatee County, where the institution maintains a substantial presence in education, athletics, and employment.
The appointments establish dedicated leadership for the organization’s physical campus and expanding online services as IMG Academy continues its growth in Bradenton and internationally.