Need a Go-To? Here’s Who’s Who

 Sometimes, what an event owner needs is a fresh start: A new destination and, of course, a new partner to help out with everything.
 

On the next few pages, SDM has compiled the definitive go-to guide with some of the most knowledgeable partners in the sports tourism industry who can help you meet your goals this season and every season thereafter.

Read more content in this issue!
 

Arizona: Scottsdale
Erika Pumphrey

For more than 13 years, Director of Sales Erika Pumphrey, HMCC, has been a crucial team member of Experience Scottsdale, the destination marketing organization serving both the City of Scottsdale and neighboring town of Paradise Valley.
 

Erika oversees Experience Scottsdale’s Northeast market and sports tourism market, working closely with the city to promote and secure tournaments, from amateur youth to professional, at venues like WestWorld of Scottsdale, Scottsdale Stadium, Scottsdale Sports Complex, Bell94 Sports Complex and Reata Sports Complex.
 

She keeps sports planners representing events from lacrosse and soccer to pickleball and baseball apprised of Scottsdale’s offerings through sales missions, trade shows, familiarization tours and site inspections. In recent years, Erika’s collaborative efforts to attract tournaments like the Pac12 Men’s Baseball Championship and the Desert Super Cup have helped broaden the destination’s exposure.
 

Erika joined Experience Scottsdale after serving as the director of sales and marketing for the Fiesta Sports Foundation, which hosts the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl and Rate Bowl. In her current role, Erika assists the Foundation in landing teams, media and alumni stays into Scottsdale area hotels and resorts. Erika also works closely with partner organizations on bids to bring mega events like the Super Bowl and NCAA Final Four to the region.
 

To learn more about Scottsdale’s offerings for sports events, visit MeetinScottsdale.com.
 

Arizona: Tucson
Nick Pazzi

Nick Pazzi is the Sports Sales Manager for Visit Tucson Sports and represents multiple sports facilities in Tucson and Southern Arizona. He has more than 25 years of experience in the tourism industry, including 20 years in hotel and resort sales and five years with Visit Tucson.
 

“Having grown up in Tucson and needing to see what more was out there after finishing school, I packed up and took a job at a resort hotel in Telluride Colorado so that I could ski every day in the winter and mountain bike in the summer,” he notes. “My journey in the ski industry eventually took me to the towns of Jackson Hole, Wyoming and Sun Valley Idaho, where I continued my career in the hotel industry as a Sales Manager.”
 

He returned to Tucson to be closer to family and continued working at several local golf and spa resorts. He is currently serving on the Arizona Bowl Committee as well as the Conquerors Paragolf Committee.
 

His certifications include CTA (Certified Travel Associate) and SDL (Sports Diversity Leader) with Compete Sports Diversity Council. He enjoys snow skiing, golf and mountain biking, and his favorite events include the NCAA Basketball Tournament, Arizona Bowl and NCAA College World Series.
 

Visit Tucson Sports is a one-stop-shop for events needs in Tucson and Southern Arizona. Nine months of incredible weather mean event owners have even more reasons to explore the community.
 

Florida: COLUMBIA COUNTY 
Christopher Coleman

Christopher Coleman is the new sports and small group sales rep for the Columbia County Sports Commission. He spent the past 14 years working for the Columbia County School System, serving in several roles as a teacher, coach, wellness coordinator and truancy agent. He may be new to the sports tourism industry, but he is transitioning into his new role seamlessly since sports have always been a significant part of his life.
 

He notes, “I am privileged to be a part of a great team that includes the Tourist Development Council, Columbia County Sports Commission and Columbia County Landscape and Park Department. Our team is dedicated to promoting sports, creating a significant social and economic impact in our local economy, and establishing Columbia County as one of the premier locations in Florida for rights holders to host their sporting events.”
 

He adds that Columbia County is unique, with South Side Sports Complex and South Columbia Sports Complex, as well as the area’s other parks, hotels and local venues combining to create valuable assets to the community.
 

The Columbia County Sports Commission prides itself on providing safe, clean and adequate facilities to ensure the success of any event. For more information, visit the website at www.columbiacountysportscomission.com call 386-984-8951 or email ccoleman@columbiacountyfla.com.
 

Florida: Paradise Coast 
Adrian Moses

Adrian Moses has more than 20 years of experience in the sports, recreation and service industries. His career led to managing large complexes including opening the training facility for the Houston Dynamo organization in 2011, where he served the dual role of Director of Soccer Programs and General Manager of the Houston Sports Park. Adrian brings his expertise to his role as General Manager of the Paradise Coast Sports Complex in Naples, Florida.
 

In this position, Adrian leads the Paradise Coast Sports Complex team in all facets of its daily operations. This includes staff development, branding and marketing, sales, risk management and event booking. Additionally, Adrian works to raise the profile of Paradise Coast Sports Complex among event operators, both in the surrounding community and regionally, and recently accomplished presenting Collier County and the Paradise Coast Sports Complex as the latest expansion market/venue in the United Soccer Leagues.
 

Prior to opening Houston Sports Park, Adrian enjoyed a successful career as a coach on staff with the New York Red Bulls. He also owned a promotion and production company that assisted corporate and philanthropic partners with events and brand recognition and previously served as the General Manager of Launchpad Sports Complex.
 

Florida: Walton County 
Karen Morris

Located on Northwest Florida’s panhandle, Walton County offers the perfect backdrop for sporting events, from South Walton’s 26 miles of sugar-white sand beaches on the Gulf Coast to Authentic Walton’s stunning natural landscapes just north of the Choctawhatchee Bay. With its stunning natural beauty and diverse landscapes, Walton County is an ideal destination for sports, offering state-of-the-art facilities for golf, tennis, pickleball and more, along with accommodations suited to any group size.
 

For those looking to plan a sporting event in Walton County, Karen Morris, Director of Sales at Walton County Tourism, brings more than 20 years of experience and a passion for hospitality and tourism. Karen’s love for the area, combined with a strong knowledge of the destination and years of sales experience, allows her to direct the team’s efforts and educate planners from around the country about all the destination’s many offerings.
 

Karen and her team specialize in offering guidance for group planners to help accommodate their needs, assisting with group hotel blocks, venues, attendance promotion and more. No matter what a group’s need is, these Walton County destinations offer the perfect variety of facilities and amenities to make the perfect trip. To learn more and get connected, visit WaltonCountyGroupSports.com.
 

Illinois: Aurora
Brad Banks

Brad Banks is a former professional football player who was a quarterback in the Canadian Football League (CFL). He was a college quarterback for the Iowa Hawkeyes, where he won the Davey O’Brien Award, was named the AP College Football Player of the Year and finished as the runner-up for the 2002 Heisman Trophy.
 

Brad’s career in sports started out just like the youth and amateur league players who travel across the country, participating in athletic tournaments on a year-round basis. As a youth in Belle Glade, Florida, Brad was a multi-sport athlete who can relate to the value and impact of youth sports on childhood development, as well as what it takes to compete in athletic tournaments today.
 

“I’m super excited to be in a position to help fulfill dreams and give kids the best memories of their lives, traveling and competing with friends and family by their side,” said Banks about his new role as Sports Sales Manager for the Aurora Area Sports Alliance in western Chicagoland. Contact Brad at brad@enjoyaurora.com or call 630-256-3194.
 

Illinois: Rockford
Lindsay Arellano

Lindsay Arellano channels personal enthusiasm for sports into successes at GoRockford. As the bureau’s Vice President of Sales, Lindsay oversees a team that has made the Rockford, Illinois region a leader in sports tourism.
 

Promoting venues for athletes along with the region’s array of dining and leisure options, Lindsay and her team have retained the area’s appeal as a regional destination for soccer, softball, basketball, volleyball and lacrosse tournaments and then built on it. She and her team attract farther-reaching tournaments such as the U.S. Wheelchair Rugby Association Championships and U.S. Figure Skating’s Synchronized Skating Sectional Championships.
 

Most recently, Lindsay led efforts to secure Illinois’ first IRONMAN event, bringing the prestigious triathlon series to Rockford. IRONMAN has signed a three-year deal with the region, with its inaugural race set for June 22, 2025. Under her leadership, the Rockford region ranks among select U.S. hosts for global brands like IRONMAN, Tough Mudder, an extreme obstacle race, and Gran Fondo New York, the world’s largest cycling marathon.
 

A native of Rockford, Lindsay takes pride in guiding the relationship building that draws thousands of visitors to the place where she grew up running cross country and playing club soccer.
 

Illinois: Springfield
Terry Truman

“We are incredibly excited to have the SCHEELS Sports Park at Legacy Pointe coming online in 2025. This will be a major needle mover for Springfield and Sangamon County,” says Truman.
 

Terry joined Visit Springfield, Illinois in February 2012 in convention and sports sales. Terry has been extremely fortunate to have fostered great relationships with Springfield community partners including Capital Area Sports Commission, Springfield Park District, Spring-field Hotel & Lodging and numerous local sports organizations.
 

Through these relationships, many events have been made possible. During his time at the bureau, Terry has assisted in bringing the NCAA to host regional golf championships, USTA Tumbling and Trampoline Nationals, AAU Gymnastics Age Group Nationals, USA Gymnastics, GFA Nationals and USA Figure Skating Adult Sectionals, among others.
 

Prior to coming to Visit Springfield, Illinois, Terry spent nearly 20 years in the Springfield hotel market holding positions including Reservations Manager and General Manager. He was the vice president of the Springfield Hotel and Lodging Association from 2007 to 2008.
 

Terry grew up in the suburbs of Washington D.C. and moved to Springfield after graduating high school in 1989. He enjoys spending time with his son, Will, and is an avid sports fan. LET’S GO, CAPS!
 

Indiana: Hamilton County
Gabe Amick

As Senior Sports Development Manager, Amick focuses on attracting, supporting and developing events and activities that drive positive impact through sport to the area served by the Hamilton County Sports Authority.
 

A graduate of Ball State University, Amick started his sports career with Indiana Sports Corporation where he was the Director of Ticketing and Promotions. In that role, he worked on several marquee events including multiple NCAA Final Four appearances, Olympic Trials, NCAA Championships, Big Ten Conference Championships and the 2012 Super Bowl.
 

Amick then helped start the professional hockey team, Indy Fuel (Chicago Blackhawks’ minor league affiliate) as the Vice President of Fan Engagement. In this role, he was instrumental to the “show” and the development of staff to produce an experience that was more than a hockey game.
 

He then was recruited to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to manage the ticket operations for the Red Bull Air Race, the Brickyard 400, IWIT LPGA Golf Championship and the 101st Indianapolis 500. Amick’s last journey was with the City of Fishers, Indiana where he produced city wide events before moving over to Hamilton County Sports Authority.
 

Contact him at gamick@hamiltoncountysports.com.
 

Indiana: Hamilton 
Carl Daniels

Carl Daniels is a dynamic and results- oriented executive with more than 20 years of proven expertise in leadership development, customer-centric strategies and driving organic growth. With a strong track record in building relationships, mentoring teams and demonstrating exceptional business acumen, he excels in identifying new business opportunities and ensuring brand consistency across organizations.
 

Currently serving as the Director of Hamilton County Sports Authority, Carl plays a pivotal role in shaping the sports landscape within the region, fostering partnerships and driving economic development through sports-related initiatives.
 

Carl has held various leadership roles, including Vice President of Business Development at Sports Ventures International and Vice President of Player Development for the Indiana Pacers. In these roles, he established critical corporate relationships, drove market penetration and enriched player experiences, contributing significantly to team morale and performance.
 

With a Bachelor of Arts degree from Rice University and a wealth of experience spanning diverse industries, he brings a unique blend of strategic vision, operational expertise and a passion for fostering growth and development in both professional and community settings.
 

Contact him at cdaniels@hamiltoncountysports.com.
 

Kansas: AdventHealth
Sports Park at Bluhawk  
Greg Jackson

Greg Jackson, AdventHealth Sports Park at Bluhawk’s General Manager, brings more than 20 years of leadership and management experience in the restaurant and entertainment industry, including a long tenure with Dave & Buster’s, where he opened 13 locations globally.
 

He also has experience with Hooters and On The Border, opening 10 locations across four states, and served on the Kansas City, Kansas CVB board for five years, two as Board Chair. Adding to his commitment to the community, he has also been a dedicated Rotarian with the Village West Rotary for 10 years.
 

With his current role as the AdventHealth Sports Park at Bluhawk General Manager, Jackson strives to bring a highly positive economic impact on the community while fostering a place for youth and amateur sports and entertainment for the whole family.
 

His role coincides with a management partnership between Bluhawk and Sports Facilities Companies (SFC). This collaboration has enhanced the guest experience with new family-friendly programs and events, innovative entertainment activities and expanded food and beverage options. Jackson’s priorities include community engagement, operational efficiency and brand development for the park.
 

Missouri: Cape Girardeau 
Joshua Robison

Joshua Robison has been a dedicated member of the Visit Cape team for nearly three years, helping to promote Cape Girardeau as a premier destination for events, tournaments and meetings.
 

With a passion for showcasing the city’s attractions and hospitality, Joshua works to create a memorable experience for visitors.
 

He is working to enhance the quality of life of Cape residents by bringing in events such as Riverfront Fall Festival, Motorcycle TransAm and the USS LST 325.
 

Joshua also looks to bring tournaments, conferences and motorcoaches to Cape so that visitors are able to experience everything that Cape Girardeau has to offer.
 

Mississippi: Key City 
Ryan Kennard

Ryan Kennard focuses on promoting Key City Park to sports rights holders to drive sports tourism and local programming in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Ryan’s passion for sports comes from his prior career in collegiate soccer.
 

As General Manager of Key City Park, Ryan leads all areas of daily operations. This includes tournament scheduling, local programming, staff development, branding and marketing. Additionally, Ryan works to increase the profile of Key City Park with event organizers in the community and regionally. Key City Park has seven turf fields, three food and beverage op-tions and miniature golf which helps provide family fun all day.
 

“I’m honored to represent and promote my amazing staff, Key City Park and the great city of Vicksburg,” he states. “Everyone who comes to the park will have the ability to compete in a fun environment while making the best memories of their playing career.” Ryan and his staff at KCP look to fill up the calendar year with baseball, football, lacrosse, soccer and softball events.
 

Contact Ryan at rkennard@keycitypark.com.
 

North Carolina:
Cabarrus County  
Paul Sheehan

Paul Sheehan joined the Cabarrus County CVB in Concord, North Carolina in 2023 after serving as Sports Development Manager with Visit Winston-Salem. His prior experience also includes the roles of Director of Sports Development for the Greenville-Pitt County Sports Commission and Assistant Director of Sports Development at Visit Greenville in Greenville, North Carolina.
 

In Cabarrus, Sheehan works with sports planners to find the best fit among the destination’s unique venues including eight turf fields and state-of-art MONDO track and field facility. Minutes north of Charlotte, Cabarrus County is also home to more than 30 hotels, offering amenities and price points for every budget, as well as a variety of dining options from local restaurants to national favorites, and thrilling attractions to boot.
 

Sheehan became U.S. Center for SafeSport certified in 2020 and earned Sports ETA’s Sports Tourism Strategist certification in 2021. Throughout his career, he has served on several boards and committees including the North Carolina Sports Association, NC Sports Leadership Council and Sports ETA. In 2019, he received the North Carolina Travel Industry Association’s Rising Star Award.
 

Sheehan graduated from Appalachian State University and went on to attend East Carolina University where he earned an MBA and MS in Sports Management.
 

TENNESSEE: SEVIERVILLE 
Casey Mize

Casey Mize works as a sales coordinator for The City of Sevierville.
 

With more than 13 years of experience, she is an expert in helping event planners turn their ideas into not just an event but also a memorable destination.
 

Her commitment and attention to detail ensure that every client is given a unique and unforgettable experience.
 

Casey firmly believes that every client deserves the best for their event, and she takes pride in knowing that they will receive top-notch support at The Sevierville Convention Center.
 

As a native of Sevierville, she is proud to be a part of the positive impact that The Sevierville Convention Center team is making in her community.
 

Texas: College Station
Alex Aguero

Alex Aguero serves as the Sports Manager for Visit College Station. In this role, he fosters relationships with sports rights holders, national governing bodies, local community stakeholders, Texas A&M University and the hospitality industry to drive economic growth through sports tourism.
 

Aguero’s career in sports tourism began in 2022 as a Recreation Coordinator for the City of Victoria Parks and Recreation department, where he oversaw local sports leagues and tournaments. This experience sparked his passion for sports tourism, leading him to accept the role of Sports Tourism Manager for the City of Victoria in May 2023. In June 2024, he joined Visit College Station to further his mission of enhancing economic development through sporting events.
 

Aguero is focused on hosting high-profile events such as Dave Campbell’s Texas State 7on7, TCS Southwest Summer Nationals and the TAAF Summer Games of Texas, which bring thousands of athletes and visitors to the city.
 

Aguero holds a Master of Science in Sports Management from the University of Houston-Victoria. He has also earned industry certifications, including the Sports Tourism Strategist (STS) designation from Sports ETA and the Professional in Destination Management (PDM) certification from Destinations International.
 

For information on bringing an event to College Station, contact Alex at aaquero@cstx.gov or 979-764-2614.
 

Texas: McKinney
Marie Woodard, CMP

Marie Woodard is a seasoned sales manager with a demonstrated history of success in the hospitality and tourism industry spanning more than 20 years selling Texas destinations to event, sports and meeting planners. She excels in budgeting, food and beverage negotiation, event planning, hospitality management and customer service.
 

With her strong focus on business development, Marie deeply understands the importance of meeting customer needs and crafting exceptional guest experiences, whether in a corporate, association or sports setting. Holding the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), Texas Destination Marketer (TDM) and Certified Tourism Executive (CTE) designations, Marie is a recognized leader in the field, serving on the MPI Texas Hill Country Chapter as VP of Finance and on the DEIB Committee for Texas Society of Association Executives. Her expertise extends to managing large scale events, including corporate conferences, weddings and sports events, ensuring seamless execution from start to finish. She thrives in fast-paced environments, working closely with clients, vendors and teams to deliver outstanding results.
 

Beyond her professional achievements, Marie is passionate about mentoring young professionals in the hospitality industry. She believes in fostering growth, sharing knowledge and helping the next generation of industry leaders succeed.
 

Marie is available by email at sales1@visitmckinney.com or by phone at 830-460-1929.
 

Texas: Round Rock
Nancy Yawn

As the Director of the Round Rock, Texas Convention and Visitors Bureau, Nancy Yawn continues to deliver a world-class experience with every tournament that is played in her dynamic community. As a partner to the teams she hosts, she is fully invested in their success.
 

She has been a pivotal player in the sports marketing efforts in Round Rock, helping to create a premier destination for sporting events and launching the region’s Sports Capital of Texas brand. With her continued dedication, Round Rock is on the map as a top destination in Texas for youth and amateur sports. In fact, this year, Round Rock will host multiple championships.
 

Yawn was awarded the Sports Tourism Specialist (STS) designation through Sports ETA, of which she is a former board member.
 

She also received the Destination Management Association International’s designation of Certified Destination Marketing Executive, (CDME), one of the highest certifications in the tourism industry.
 

In recent years, Yawn was named several times as one of the top 50 planners in the United States by Sports Events magazine as well as Who’s Who in Leadership by Sports Destination Management.
 

Wyoming: WYO Sports Ranch 
Joe Hanson

Joe Hanson was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, where he grew up playing baseball and soccer. He attended Truman State University, where he received his B.S. degree in Exercise Science while also receiving a minor in Business Administration.
 

Joe’s passion for sports and competition started at a young age and he carries that passion into his career today. Seeing firsthand how sports can impact a community, he looks to make a difference with every individual who comes through the WYO Sports Ranch and the community it serves.
 

In his role as General Manager, Joe oversees day-to-day operations, business development, marketing, branding and staff development. Before he became the General Manager of the WYO Sports Ranch, he spent his time working in Panama City Beach at Publix Sports Park as the AGM of Client Services and as the Sports and Events Manager.
 

In his free time, he loves to golf, cheer on the St. Louis Cardinals and take his dogs, Kona and Ace, on long walks around town.
 

Canada
BRITISH COLUMBIA: SURREY
Jordan Campbell

Jordan Campbell is a seasoned community services coordinator for the City of Surrey with a proven track record of more than seven years in recreation and community services.
 

With a keen focus on elevating community wellbeing through sports and recreation initiatives, Jordan specializes in hosting large scale sporting events that leave a lasting impact.


As a destination for national and international events, Surrey offers a vibrant backdrop for unforgettable experiences. Jordan’s expertise spans a diverse range of sports, from hockey to aquatics and soccer to softball, ensuring that event organizers can create an enduring experience in Surrey.
 

In his role, Jordan is dedicated to positioning Surrey as a premier destination for sports tourism and community enhancement through top-notch event-hosting services. By forging strong partnerships with external stakeholders and leading internal teams, Jordan spearheads efforts to attract and host sporting events that not only draw in visitors but also contribute to the thriving energy of Surrey.
 

Event organizers seeking a dynamic and welcoming location for their next sporting event need look no further than Surrey, where Jordan Campbell and his team are ready to collaborate and bring their vision to life. SDM