America’s busiest combat sports state has a new commission head.
On Tuesday, a California Department of Consumer Affairs press release stated that Andy Foster was named California State Athletic Commission executive director. Foster will begin his new job Nov. 7.
“I’m very excited to be coming to California,” Foster stated. “It has a rich boxing and MMA presence with the largest number of shows in the nation, and I look forward to ensuring a regulatory environment that is consistent and fair based upon contestant safety, public protection, and economic growth.”
Foster assumes the position after spending four years running the Georgia Athletic and Entertainment Commission. According to the release, Georgia increased revenue by 70 percent and upped the number of regulated fighting events by 40 percent under Foster’s watch.
“We are hoping he can do in California what he did in Georgia in terms of increasing both revenue and the number of shows,” stated CSAC chairman John Frierson.
Foster will look to stabilize a commission which has been through a tumultuous 2012. Former executive director George Dodd resigned on July 31 after the DCA, which oversees CSAC, claimed the commission was insolvent and ordered an audit of commission finances.
With a longtime combat sports background, Foster is a former MMA fighter with a pro record of 9-2.