As a 2019 Connect Sports Game Changer, Perry discusses her passion for sports tourism.

What I do: Since 2012, I have provided expertise and guidance to sport-related organizations focusing on strategic and business performance planning; event bidding and hosting strategies; and sports facility analysis for concurrent competitive and recreational use.

How I got here: I have been fortunate to work in athletics for more than 25 years. My journey has taken me from a stop at the University of Texas-San Antonio to the Mountain West Conference to the NCAA and finally to BCW Sport (formerly TSE Consulting). I have had opportunities along the way that have provided incredible experiences, many of which have shaped my career path and provided valuable perspectives that I am now able to share with others.

Greatest career accomplishment: Serving as the tournament manager of the 1998 NCAA Men’s Final Four was a transformative experience for me. It introduced me to this business and really set me on my career path. I learned so many important lessons and met some pretty incredible people, many of whom still play an important role in my life today. I continue to be motivated by opportunities to develop the next generation of sport tourism leaders and to pass along some of the many lessons I have learned throughout my career. 

Big-Time Event: The 2018 NCAA Women’s Final Four in Columbus, Ohio: As I reflect on what hosting the Women’s Final Four meant to the Columbus community, I was struck by the power of sport. The Women’s Final Four was more than three games. It provided opportunities to introduce a new audience to Columbus, it offered experiences to segments of the community who don’t often get to experience the excitement of these events and quite simply, it provided a platform to show the transformative powers of sport.

Impressive stats: We are proud of the fact that we have been involved in bringing more than 125 NCAA championships to our clients, including two Men’s Final Four tournaments and a Women’s Final Four. These events have resulted in more than $300 million of economic impact for those communities.

What I am working now: We are excited to be working with Lake Placid 2023 as it prepares to host the 2023 Winter World University Games. This international sports and cultural event will bring more than 2,500 participants from over 50 countries to the Adirondack region.

What’s next? We are looking forward to the start of another NCAA bid cycle. We have been working on some creative strategies for our clients and look forward to building on the foundation of success we have established over the last seven years.

What I do outside of work: I currently sit on the Monmouth College Alumni Board of Directors. I also enjoy all outdoor activities—biking, golf, hiking, working in the yard.