Neil Keifer

Neil is a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He received his Bachelor’s Degree from  Bethany College in Bethany, West Virginia and earned letters in both basketball and  baseball all four years. After coaching high school at Shorecrest Preparatory School from  1973-76 in St. Petersburg, Florida, he then received his Law Degree from Hofstra  University in Hempstead, New York and was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1979.  

Neil has served as Chief Executive Officer of HMC Hospitality Group Inc., Hooter’s,  Inc. and all of its affiliated companies since 1992.  

Neil has also served the community over his professional career in the Tampa Bay Area.  Neil served from 1990-2013 as a voluntary assistant varsity boy’s basketball coach at  Boca Ciega High School in Gulfport, Florida. During his tenure, the successful program  captured one state championship and also enjoyed another trip to the state final four.  Previously, Neil has served as a board member for the Pinellas County Urban League, the  Pinellas County Police Athletic League, Tampa Bay Sports Commission and the Pinellas  County Educational Foundation.  

Neil is married to his wife, Selina “CeCe” Kiefer and has (2) adult sons Byron, who is  Assistant Director of College Scouting for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and David, who is  the head basketball coach of Division 1 Southeastern Louisiana University men’s  basketball team. He also has one adult stepson, Tyler, of Austin, Texas, and an adult stepdaughter, Katy, who is a student at Florida Atlantic University.