Photo caption: (l-r) John Lung’aho, Randy Lieberman, Jamiya Brinson, Bre’Anna Barton and Wes Faulkinberry pose in front of Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium prior to Super Bowl LIII.
ATLANTA—Every year, the Super Bowl puts together a host committee to act as liaisons among the host city, the National Football League and the local community.
Three College of Education & Human Development alumni – Jamiya Brinson, Wes Faulkenberry and Randy Lieberman – and students Bri’Anna Barton and John Lung’aho were part of this year’s host committee in Atlanta.
Lieberman discusses his experiences on the committee, the attention to detail it takes to put together the Super Bowl and what lessons he’s learned from the experience.
Q: How did you first become involved with the Super Bowl Host Committee?
A: “I moved back to Atlanta at the beginning of June 2018. I was looking for jobs and was sent a listing for the position at the host committee. The qualifications were a perfect match and it was an opportunity I could not pass up. I’ve always dreamed of working a Super Bowl.”
Q: What were some of the activities/projects/initiatives that you worked on as part of the committee? What was the best part of that work?
A: “My three areas are creative trafficking for all advertising, media operations at Super Bowl LIVE and social media. Advertising involved making sure billboards, radio ads and television ads (among others) we secured for the NFL were receiving the proper creative treatment. It was rewarding to see the artwork around town, especially on billboards, and to play a role in making that happen. I have been the primary content producer and editor for all of our social media channels, which is rewarding due to our high engagement. Everybody – and I mean everybody – has thoughts on the Super Bowl. Media operations is important to me; I see it as our duty to help media tell Atlanta’s story to the world.”
Q: What was it like to work with other folks from Georgia State on Super Bowl Host Committee activities? How do you think your experiences when you were at Georgia State prepared you for working on the committee?
A: “To be honest, nothing can quite prepare you for a Super Bowl. It’s on its own level compared to anything I’ve ever helped organize. However, Georgia State did prepare me for the dedication, attention to detail and constant vigilance required to execute the event. All the Georgia State alums on staff are excellent, of course; what’s impressed me the most is the dedication John, Bre’Anna, Jamiya and Wes demonstrate. For some, this isn’t their only job, even though it easily could be.”
Q: How do you think the Super Bowl (and your work with it) makes an impact on Atlanta and the state of Georgia as a whole?
A: “I hope my work specifically helps tell the story of the event and its legacy in Atlanta. I want to help Atlanta secure its spot as the sports event capital of the world, which everyone should recognize it for. Not many places can pull off hosting the College Football Playoff National Championship Game, the Super Bowl and Final Four in a three-year stretch!”
Q: What are one or two things you've learned from this experience that you'll take with you moving forward?
A: “Prioritization and communication. I joined in August, so being a little late to the game meant I had to play a bit of catch up – and that doesn’t happen without those two things. Sometimes, that means prioritizing enjoying the moment because it’s not every day you get to host the world’s biggest event in your favorite city!”