North Carolina Sports Association Announces the Formation of the North Carolina Sports Leadership Council

The North Carolina Sports Association (NCSA) is pleased to announce the formation of the North Carolina Sports Leadership Council, comprised of sports leaders from across the state who will serve as the industry’s collective voice on issues impacting sports event tourism.

The N.C. Sports Leadership Council (NCSLC) includes 31 individuals representing major league sports franchises, conferences, venues, and amateur sports organizations based in North Carolina, along with representatives of the state’s sports tourism industry. The NCSA’s Government Relations Committee spearheaded the effort to create the Council.

The Council’s primary objectives are:

·     To increase awareness and better amplify the positive impact of the sports industry to North Carolina.

·     To set strategy to address challenges involving legislative, social, and unforeseen national issues (i.e. COVID-19)

·     To establish a call-to-action plan as opportunities and issues arise.

·     To increase communication among all Council members and organizations.

Fred Whitfield, President of the Charlotte Hornets, will serve as Honorary Chairman.

Scott Dupree, Executive Director of the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance, will serve as Chair.

Here is the complete list of the North Carolina Sports Leadership Council:

• Brad Allen, President, North Carolina Senior Games
• Bonny Bernat, Chair, NCSA
• Demp Bradford, Chair, NCSA Government Relations Committee
• Al Davis, President, USA Track & Field North Carolina
• Ed Duncan, State Chairman, North Carolina USA Wrestling
• Scott Dupree, Executive Director, Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance
• Jeff Elliott, Executive Director, North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame
• Keith Fishburne, President & CEO, Special Olympics North Carolina
• John Mark Freeze, Director of Sports Development, Visit Charlotte
• Kelly Gaines, Executive Director, United States Tennis Assoc. North Carolina
• Tom Glick, President, Tepper Sports & Entertainment
• Chuck Hobgood, President, North Carolina Amateur Sports
• C.J. Johnson, President, Winston-Salem Dash
• Curt Johnson, President & GM, North Carolina FC / NC Courage
• Donna Julian, EVP, Hornets Sports & Entertainment / GM, Spectrum Center
• Kyle Kallander, Commissioner, Big South Conference
• Jacqie McWilliams, Commissioner, Central Intercollegiate Athletic Assoc.
• Danny Morrison, Executive Director, Charlotte Sports Foundation
• Jack Nance, Executive Director, Carolinas Golf Assoc.
• Christopher Parker, President, National Junior College Athletic Assoc.
• David Perkins, Chief Operating Officer, USA Baseball
• Larry Perkins, Vice President & Assistant GM, PNC Arena
• Kathy Robinson, Executive Director, North Carolina Youth Soccer
• Justin Sellers, COO & Commissioner, Coastal Plain League
• John Swofford, Commissioner, Atlantic Coast Conference
• Que Tucker, Commissioner, North Carolina High School Athletic Assoc.
• Don Waddell, President & GM, Carolina Hurricanes
• Greg Walter, EVP & GM, Charlotte Motor Speedway
• Michelle Wells, Executive Director, North Carolina Recreation and Park Assoc.
• Kevin Wendelboe, Executive Director, Carolina Region of USA Volleyball
• Fred Whitfield, President & Vice Chairman, Hornets Sports & Entertainment

NCSA Government Relations Committee

• Demp Bradford (Chair), Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission
• Brian Ambuehl, Visit Greensboro
• Bonny Bernat, Visit Winston-Salem
• Hill Carrow, Triangle Sports Commission
• Scott Dupree, Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance
• Chuck Hobgood, North Carolina Amateur Sports
• John Mark Freeze, Visit Charlotte
• Ashlee Kirk, Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance
• Lorrie Love, Outer Banks Visitors Bureau
• Jason Philbeck, Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance
• Paul Sheehan, Greenville-Pitt County Sports Commission

About NCSA: The North Carolina Sports Association is made up of sports commissions and authorities, convention and visitors bureaus, parks and recreation entities, and allied partners from throughout the state. Our purpose is to grow, promote and enhance the general welfare of the sports industry, along with a direct interest in bringing and supporting sports events in North Carolina.