Sam Stark Named Central Florida Sports Commission President and CEO

Sam Stark has been selected by the Central Florida Sports Commission Board of Directors as its new President and Chief Executive Officer. He assumes his role with the sports commission on Monday November 3, 2008. Mr. Stark currently serves as the President and CEO of the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce in Winter Park, Florida.

"The Central Florida Sports Commission is experiencing tremendous growth and success and the organization is very pleased to have identified a proven, dynamic leader to further lead our strategic mission of growing economic development through sports and entertainment events," said Kathy Milthorpe, chairwoman of the CFSC Board of Directors and Search Committee. "Given Sam’s expertise in sports marketing, management, and business development as well as his strong ties to the community, he is uniquely qualified to elevate the sports commission to even further success."

As President and CEO of the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce, Stark was responsible for leading the 2008 "Chamber of the Year" named by the Florida Association of Chamber Professionals. During his nearly six years with the chamber, he led the organization to significant heights in the areas of membership retention, revenue generation and program development. Prior to joining the Chamber, Stark co-founded Mainstreet Marketing, an Orlando based agency specializing in sports event management, marketing, promotions and sponsorship. He also held positions with Sports Partners, a Chicago-based sports marketing firm, and as Director of Events and Operations with Florida Citrus Sports.

"I am very excited to take on this new role and continue the important work of the Central Florida Sports Commission," said Stark. "The sports commission plays a significant role in the Central Florida region and I believe there are considerable opportunities to support economic development through sports. I will miss the Winter Park Chamber but feel good leaving it in a better place after six enjoyable years."

Stark is a board member of the Winter Park Public Library, Florida Bar Citizens Forum, Rollins College Alumni Association and was named a "40 under 40" Orlando Business Journal Award winner.

Stark graduated from Rollins College in 1991 with a B.A. in Politics. He is married to Heather Stark and has a son Ben (4 years old) and a daughter Sylvia (2 years old). They reside in Winter Park, Florida.