Industry Experts Who Can Make All the Difference

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Mar 01, 2026 | By: Mary Helen Sprecher

One of the biggest challenges in our industry is keeping contact lists updated. As new venues open and as promotions occur, it’s important to know exactly who we need to call in any given destination.
 

On the following pages, you’ll find key personnel who can help you bring your tournament to town and help it reach its best potential.
 

Spend some time here getting to know everyone so that when your season really gets hopping, you’ll know exactly who to call.


Alabama: Mobile, Mobile Sports Authority

Danny Corte

Danny Corte serves as Executive Director of the Mobile Sports Authority, the primary clearinghouse for sports and sports-related events in Mobile County, including the City of Mobile. Since assuming the role in 2011, Corte has been instrumental in elevating the area as a competitive sports tourism destination across the Southeast.
 

Under his leadership, the Mobile Sports Authority has attracted, hosted, managed or co-managed 443 sporting events, generating an estimated $315+ million in economic impact for the Mobile area between 2012 and 2025.
 

Known for building strong relationships with event organizers, municipal leaders and community stakeholders, Corte focuses on delivering both measurable economic returns and first-class experiences for athletes and families.
 

“Building solid relationships with industry leaders is still the best approach when it comes to attracting an event — they learn to trust what you say,” Corte notes. “And we love what we do, so I believe our positive attitude shines through.”
 

With deep roots in Mobile and a passion for sports-driven development, Corte continues to elevate the area as a sports event destination, most recently with the announcement of the AHSAA Super 7, Alabama’s high school football championships, bringing thousands of athletes, families and fans to Mobile for the first time.
 

California: OntarioOntario Sports Empire

Christopher Hirz

Born and raised in Southern California, Christopher (“Chris”) Hirz brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in sports, hospitality and community programming to his role as General Manager of Ontario Sports Empire.
 

Throughout his career, he has built a reputation for developing strong teams, elevating guest experiences and transforming sports venues into thriving community destinations.
 

At Ontario Sports Empire, Chris oversees daily operations and maintenance and shapes the culture and long-term vision for the 200-acre property. His goal is to create a facility that not only hosts elite tournaments and leagues but also serves as a welcoming hub where local families, athletes and fans can connect, play and create lasting memories.
 

He is deeply passionate about youth sports and the life lessons they offer through teamwork, effort and healthy competition. Outside of work, Chris enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, who are both active in baseball, flag football and cheer.
 

Canada: British Columbia, City of Surrey

Nick Blaga

Nick Blaga is a Community Services Coordinator with the City of Surrey, overseeing Sport Surrey, the City’s dedicated sport tourism department. With a strong focus on relationship-building, Nick works closely with event organizers to ensure support throughout the hosting process and to make sure everyone leaves Surrey with a positive impression.
 

Having grown up in Surrey and participated in multiple sports, Nick brings both professional expertise and firsthand knowledge of the City’s sporting landscape, from arenas and diamonds to world-class turf fields and multi-sport facilities. He understands how to align events with venues to deliver seamless, successful experiences.
 

Nick has played a key role in growing Surrey’s sport tourism portfolio by attracting major events such as the PGA TOUR Americas Fortinet Cup and Curling Canada Mixed Doubles Championships, as well as Canada Soccer National Championships.
 

He has also been instrumental in expanding Surrey’s Sport Tourism Grant Program, now totaling $500,000, the largest municipal sport hosting grant in Canada.
 

With affordable facilities, year-round hosting capacity and strong regional accessibility, Surrey continues to gain momentum as a premier sport hosting destination. Nick and the Sport Surrey team are committed to helping organizers unlock their full potential of hosting.
 

Connect with Nick through SportSurrey.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 the 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. Adrian 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: Sprowls Horizon Sports Park

Michael Nielsen

With more than 20 years of experience in professional, collegiate and international sports, Michael Nielsen brings a global perspective to his role as General Manager of Sprowls Horizon Sports Park in Pinellas Park, Florida.
 

His career includes positions with the Detroit Tigers, Toronto Blue Jays and the University of California, Berkeley, where he focused on player development and the operational and logistical support needed for elite performance. Before joining The Sports Facilities Companies, Michael served as Senior Manager – National Teams for Football Australia.
 

He played a key operational role as the organization cohosted the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and supported national youth programs at major international events, including the 2022 U-20 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica and multiple Asian Football Confederation tournaments. At Sprowls Horizon Sports Park, Michael oversees day-to-day operations, builds his team and establishes standards, systems and event strategies that position the complex as a premier regional sports destination.
 

A proud Pinellas County resident, he is committed to strong partnerships with the City of Pinellas Park, driving economic impact through sports tourism while creating memorable experiences for athletes, families and visitors.
 

Florida: Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus

Ronnie Outen

Ronnie Outen is a former professional basketball player, educator and sports executive whose career reflects a lifelong commitment to leadership, mentorship and community impact through athletics.
 

After competing at the professional level, Ronnie transitioned into education, using sports as a platform to teach accountability, confidence and life skills. That foundation continues to shape his approach to program development today, where personal growth is valued alongside on-court success.
 

Ronnie now serves in a senior leadership role at Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus in Wesley Chapel, Florida, one of the region’s premier multi-sport destinations. He helps guide operations, programming and strategic partnerships that support large-scale tournaments and events, drawing athletes, families and spectators from across the country.
 

These events generate meaningful tourism impact for the Wiregrass area, supporting local hotels, restaurants and small businesses while raising the community’s profile as a sports destination. Throughout his career, Ronnie has remained focused on creating lasting impact for athletes and communities and on living the mission of being “the best at getting better.”
 

Florida: World Equestrian Center

Rodney Gutierrez

Let World Equestrian Center - Ocala (WEC) elevate your next event to new heights. Located in Central Florida, WEC is a premier venue for sports, equine events and conventions.
 

The world-class facility features two column-free expo centers, convention space, outdoor facilities, five different types of accommodations, 13 dining options, on-site retail and activities for all ages.
 

Teams, attendees and spectators can enjoy spa, nearby golf and a variety of exciting events throughout the property, many of which are free to attend.
 

Rodney Gutierrez is the Director of Business Development at WEC and works with organizers of amateur and professional tournaments, sporting events and shows.
 

With his passion for sports, Rodney has been a coach of various amateur sports for more than 25 years and has worked with sports organizations for more than 15 years.
 

• Name: Rodney Gutierrez, CMP

• County: Marion

• Contact information: ocalasales@wec.net, 352-414-7849


Georgia: Rhythm & Rally Sports & Events

John Roberts

John Roberts brings more than 15 years of management and financial experience to his role as a Regional General Manager for The Sports Facilities Companies, where he supports venues, including Rhythm & Rally Sports & Events.
 

He previously served as Senior Associate Commissioner for Operations and Chief Financial Officer for the Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN).
 

In his current role, John oversees operations across multiple venues, focusing on sustainable business models that strengthen community engagement and drive financial success.
 

He emphasizes staff development, community partnerships and exceptional customer service as key drivers of performance. John leads venue budgeting, marketing strategy and operational planning, working closely with stakeholders to improve efficiency and support long-term growth.
 

During his time with ASUN, he managed operations for all 21 championship sports, oversaw awards programs, broadcasts and officiating, and directed the conference’s organizational budget and HR functions, including payroll and benefits for a team of 19 staff members. He brings that comprehensive leadership experience to every venue under his management.
 

Illinois and Iowa: Quad Cities

Joan Kranovich

In a bi-state region known for being world-class and hassle-free, Joan Kranovich has been driving the Quad Cities’ sports tourism success for more than a decade. Anchored by the Mighty Mississippi River and recognized as the birthplace of NFL football, the Quad Cities offer a mix of history, accessibility and community support.
 

As Vice President of Business Growth and Director of Sports QC at Visit Quad Cities, Joan leads the sales process from prospecting to client conversion while overseeing all sports tourism strategy.
 

Since beginning her career in 2009, she has helped secure and deliver high-impact events including the Missouri Valley Conference Women’s Basketball Tournament, NAIA National Championships, PDGA World Championships, USA BMX Finals and dozens of regional, national and world-level competitions, positioning the Quad Cities as a trusted host for events of every size.
 

A two-time graduate of Western Illinois University Quad Cities, Joan holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Recreation, Park & Tourism Administration. She is a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), Certified Tourism Ambassador (CTA), and has completed accessibility-focused training through Wheel the World and Hidden Disabilities Sunflower.
 

Recognized by Destinations International, Sports ETA and Smart Women in Meetings, Joan is an active leader in Sports Illinois and Team Iowa.
 

Indiana: Hamilton County Sports Authority

Gabe Amick

In Carmel, Indiana, at Hamilton County Sports Authority, Gabe Amick, Assistant Director of Sport Operations, focuses on attracting, supporting and developing events and activities that drive positive impact.
 

A graduate of Ball State University, he 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 Fours, Olympic Trials, NCAA Championships, Big Ten Conference Championships and the 2012 Super Bowl.
 

Gabe then helped start the professional hockey team, Indy Fuel (Chicago Blackhawks minor league affiliate) and served as the Vice President of Fan Engagement. In this role, he was instrumental in 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.
 

Since coming to Hamilton County Sports Authority, Amick has helped attract events such as the NFL Flag Championships, LIV Golf, World Fitness Project, USA Wrestling, Real American Freestyle, MLV All-Star Match and many other events to Hamilton County.
 

gamick@hamiltoncountysports.com | HamiltonCountySports.com


Indiana: Hamilton County Sports Authority

Carl Daniels

Carl Daniels, Director of Sports at the Hamilton County Sports Authority located in Carmel, Indiana, 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.
 

He 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, Carl brings a unique blend of strategic vision, operational expertise and a passion for fostering growth and development in both professional and community settings.
 

cdaniels@hamiltoncountysports.com | HamiltonCountySports.com


Kentucky: Kentucky Sports Factory

Drew Harrington

Drew Harrington is the General Manager of Kentucky Sports Factory and a results-driven leader with a proven record of guiding large, complex organizations. Known for his servant-leadership style, strategic thinking and focus on growth, operational excellence and financial discipline, he has led teams of more than 400 employees while consistently delivering strong results.
 

In his current role, Drew oversees overall operations, financial performance, business development and community partnerships for a multi-purpose sports and recreation facility. His work includes setting organizational strategy, managing resources and aligning day-to-day execution with long-term goals.
 

Previously, Drew spent more than five years with Davis H. Elliot Company, Inc., progressing through roles including Project Manager, Operations Manager and Manager of Operations Resources. There, he managed P&Ls of up to $80 million in revenue, led cross-functional teams and supported workforce planning and incentive structures across multiple business lines.
 

Drew holds a Bachelor of Science in Sport Administration from the University of Louisville and was selected in the third round of the MLB Draft by the Atlanta Braves. Away from work, he is an avid golfer and outdoorsman who enjoys time with family.
 

Missouri: Explore Branson Sports

Kristina Hagey

Kristina Hagey is the Director of Sports and Development for Explore Branson Sports, a division of Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau. She leads the region’s sports tourism strategy, attracting and developing events that create measurable economic impact for the Branson Lakes Area.
 

Branson, Missouri is a family-friendly destination known for its welcoming atmosphere, and Kristina plays a key role in positioning the community as a premier host for a wide variety of sporting events.
 

From golf and archery to softball, baseball, fishing, basketball, volleyball, pickleball, wrestling, cheer and dance, triathlons, cornhole and more, the region offers high-quality venues and experiences that appeal to athletes and their families.
 

Kristina works closely with event organizers, venues, municipalities and the hospitality industry to ensure each event is successful and encourages repeat visitation. She is passionate about showcasing the economic value of sports tourism, demonstrating how events support local businesses, create jobs and strengthen the community.
 

Known for her people-first approach, Kristina enjoys connecting with athletes, families and partners to create memorable and meaningful experiences. For her, sports tourism is about more than numbers; it’s about bringing people together and creating moments that keep visitors coming back to Branson year after year.
 

North Carolina: Burlington Pickleball

Rachel Vinson

Rachel Vinson is a sports executive with more than 15 years of progressive leadership experience spanning municipal, nonprofit and destination sports facilities. She has built a reputation for turning complex operations into high-performing community assets and sought-after regional destinations.
 

With deep expertise in large-scale event operations, multi-site facility management and multi-million-dollar budgets, she consistently delivers measurable growth through disciplined financial management and strategic planning.
 

Known for her operational efficiency and collaborative leadership, Rachel has led multiple expansion projects and high-profile facility openings, including an 80,000-square-foot YMCA and, most recently, the Burlington Pickleball Complex.
 

Her ability to align cross-functional teams, cultivate strong stakeholder partnerships and build cultures of accountability has made her a trusted leader throughout the sports and recreation industry.
 

Central to Rachel’s leadership philosophy is the belief that access to sports should never be limited by financial barriers. That conviction shaped her work at the YMCA and continues to guide her commitment to inclusive, community-centered facilities.
 

Born and raised on the Virginia coast, she is a lifelong sports enthusiast who earned her master’s degree in Sport Management from Old Dominion University and has dedicated her career to helping communities thrive through sport.
 

North Carolina: Cabarrus County

Paul Sheehan

Paul Sheehan, Sales Manager, 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, Paul works with sports planners to find the best fit among the destination’s venues including eight turf fields and state-of-art MONDO track & field facility.
 

Minutes north of Charlotte, Cabarrus County is also home to more than 30 hotels for any budget and a variety of dining options from local restaurants to national favorites, as well as thrilling attractions.
 

He became U.S. Center for SafeSport certified in 2020 and earned SportsETA’s Sports Tourism Strategist (STS) 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.
 

He graduated from Appalachian State University and went on to attend graduate school at East Carolina University where he earned a Master of Business Administration and Master of Science in Sports Management.
 

New Jersey: Iron Peak Sports & Events

Todd Reddington

Iron Peak Sports & Events is proud to spotlight Todd Reddington, recently promoted from Rentals Manager to Events Director, a move that reflects both his impact and his leadership.
 

Since stepping into this expanded role, Todd has completely shifted the pace of the facility, bringing fresh energy, bold ideas and an unmatched commitment to excellence.
 

Under Todd’s leadership, Iron Peak has welcomed hundreds of new event holders and thousands upon thousands of visitors, further establishing the venue as a premier destination in Central New Jersey.
 

His ability to build relationships, anticipate client needs and elevate every event experience has made a lasting impression on guests and partners alike.

Todd consistently goes above and beyond to showcase not only Iron Peak, but the heart of Central New Jersey and the vibrant community that surrounds it. His passion, work ethic and pride in the facility are felt daily by staff, clients and visitors.
 

The staff is excited to see Iron Peak continue to grow under Todd’s direction — and even more excited to learn what’s ahead.
 

New Jersey: Montclair State Ice Rink

Rita Mitchell

Rita Mitchell has spent more than 30 years in the ice facility industry and has worked in nearly every role within a rink. That ground-up experience has given her deep insight into what makes an ice venue successful.
 

Over the course of her career, she has served as Regional Manager, overseeing multiple rinks across the East Coast, and previously led the practice facility of the NHL’s Washington Capitals as General Manager.
 

Rita now serves as a Regional General Manager for The Sports Facilities Companies, supporting venues including Montclair State Ice Rink. In this role, she oversees a diverse portfolio of facilities, developing strategic plans to optimize performance and ensure each venue delivers world-class events and experiences for athletes and audiences.
 

Her strengths in budget management, marketing strategy and operations help drive financial growth while maintaining high service standards.
 

Rita also fosters a culture of exceptional customer service, encouraging teams to engage in local business development. Her broad background in food and beverage, sales and financial oversight plays an integral role in maximizing results across her venues.
 

Ohio: SportsOhio

Joseph Bauserman

Joseph (“Joe”) Bauserman, a former fourth-round MLB draft pick and Ohio State University quarterback, brings more than 15 years of experience in facility management, athletics, real estate and operational leadership to SportsOhio in Dublin, Ohio.
 

After a successful athletics career, he transitioned into coaching high school football and baseball and has spent more than a decade providing individual instruction to young athletes. Joe’s background also includes serving as a facility manager for a nonprofit organization supporting adults with disabilities, overseeing multiple properties, vendors and maintenance teams while ensuring safe and accessible environments.
 

He has managed indoor sports facilities, leading scheduling, programming, equipment and day-to-day operations, and has extensive experience in real estate, including new home builds, renovations and rental properties.
 

As General Manager of SportsOhio, Joe oversees daily operations and maintenance while helping shape the complex’s culture and long-term vision, with a focus on high-performing facilities, exceptional customer service and team-focused leadership across sports, recreation and community programs.
 

Texas: Visit 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, Alliance Southern Championships and the Bombers Exposure Weekend, 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 events to College Station, contact Alex at aaquero@cstx.gov or 979-764-2614.
 

Texas: Cyclone Ballparks

Thomas Ward

Thomas Ward is a parks and recreation leader with nearly a decade of experience designing and managing programming for municipalities across Texas. His background includes overseeing local events, guiding community programs and championing the role of sports in elevating quality of life.
 

That experience, combined with his passion for enhancing communities through recreation, makes him well-suited to his role as General Manager of Cyclone Ballparks in Pecos, Texas.
 

Thomas works to position Cyclone Ballparks as a premier destination for both residents and visitors from across the region. He manages daily operations, builds relationships with local stakeholders and national event organizers and builds a culture that empowers employees to help the venue meet or exceed annual growth targets.
 

During his tenure in Frisco, Texas, Thomas played a key role in several major initiatives, including the creation of a local summer camp that served 720 children and generated more than $200,000 in revenue for the department. His hands-on leadership and community-first mindset continue to shape the success of Cyclone Ballparks.
 

Texas: Round Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau

Nancy Yawn, Director

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 was 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 Yawn’s continued dedication to the Sports Capital of Texas brand, 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 three national 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, 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 being listed in Who’s Who in Leadership by Sports Destination Management Magazine.
 

Virginia: Virginia Beach Sports Center

Ryan Ladd

Ryan Ladd is the General Manager of Virginia Beach Sports Center, operated by The Sports Facilities Companies, a role he assumed in spring 2024 when SFC took over management of the venue.
 

He leads day-to-day operations, event strategy and partner relationships for one of the East Coast’s premier indoor sports tourism destinations, working closely with the Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau to drive year-round visitation and economic impact.
 

Before joining Virginia Beach Sports Center, Ryan served as Director of Events at Cedar Point Sports Center in Sandusky, Ohio, another member of the SF Network. He began there in a part-time role, was quickly promoted to Sports Director and later to Director of Events, reflecting his track record in operations and innovative programming.
 

In 2022, Ryan received The Sports Facilities Companies’ In-House Programming Award for his leadership in creating new programming, including clubs and leagues for climbing walls and ninja courses and a “draft night” experience for youth leagues.
 

His background also includes experience as an assistant cross country and track & field coach at Baldwin Wallace University and overseeing parks operations in London, Ohio, deepening his understanding of both community recreation and competitive athletics.
 

Wisconsin: Janesville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau

Tony Cipollone

Tony Cipollone joined the Janesville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau as Director of Sports Sales and Development through an unconventional path. After nearly 30 years as a college coach and collegiate and scholastic athletic administrator, he became a following spouse for his wife’s new role and found himself stepping into a new corner of the sports industry.
 

What might have seemed like a career pivot was, in reality, a natural extension of decades spent building programs, leading teams and managing the operational backbone of athletics. Cipollone brought a rare blend of competitive insight and executive-level experience spanning NCAA Divisions I, II and III, NJCAA, high school and youth athletics.
 

In Janesville, Cipollone applies that experience to driving economic impact through sports tourism. Partnering with local, regional and national stakeholders, he helps attract and execute high-impact sporting events while positioning Janesville as a premier Midwestern sports destination, focused on delivering a seamless experience for teams, organizers and fans alike.
 

Guided by core values of leading with intent, acting with integrity, honoring commitments and challenging the status quo, Cipollone continues building programs that leave a lasting impact on the community. In Janesville, events aren’t just hosted — they’re championed.
 

Wisconsin: Woodman’s Sports & Convention Center

Tony Thiry

Tony Thiry is the General Manager of the Woodman’s Sports & Convention Center in Janesville, Wisconsin, where he has guided the facility through pre-opening and into its inaugural year of operations.
 

As the leader of one of Wisconsin’s newest and most dynamic multi-use venues, Tony has played a central role in establishing the Woodman’s Center as both a community hub and a growing regional destination for sports, events and conferences.
 

With decades of experience in venue operations and sports management, Tony brings a strong background in launching, stabilizing and scaling complex facilities. Before joining Woodman’s, he served as Vice President of Operations at Scheels Arena and the Farmers Union Insurance Center in Fargo, overseeing elite-level events such as the NCAA Division I Men’s Hockey Regionals and USA Hockey National Championships.
 

Under Tony’s leadership, the Woodman’s Sports & Convention Center has quickly demonstrated its economic and community impact by supporting local sports, attracting regional visitors and contributing to job creation and tourism.
 

A certified ice rink manager and USA Hockey Level 4 coach, Tony remains deeply committed to youth development, operational excellence and creating a positive, lasting impact for the Janesville community and beyond. SDM

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