John P. Higgins joined the Rays organization as its first employee on April 1, 1995, when he was named the team’s senior vice president and general counsel. From 1999 through 2007, he also served as the organization’s chief financial officer. He also currently serves in a similar role for Sunburst Entertainment Group, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Rays which serves as a vehicle for the franchise to invest in new sports and entertainment- related business opportunities.

Higgins has practiced law in the Tampa Bay area since 1979, specializing in corporate, commercial and real estate law. He is also a certified public accountant. For three years, he represented Vince Naimoli and the rest of the Tampa Bay ownership group in its efforts to acquire a Major League Baseball franchise. In addition to his responsibilities with the Rays, he is "of counsel" to the Holland & Knight law firm.

Higgins received his bachelor of business administration degree from the University of Notre Dame in 1975 and his juris doctorate degree from Duke University School of Law in 1979. He resides in St. Petersburg, his home since 1960, with his wife, Robin, and sons, Sean Patrick and Patrick Ryan.