Introducing the 2020 Connect Sports Game Changers

2020 Connect Sports Game Changers

Sports tourism is, above all else, a relationship business. Event professionals drive big business to communities through innovative practices and smart networking. Few do this better than these 11 individuals. They are a perfect representation of this close-knit, diverse industry. Here, 2020 Connect Sports Game Changers honors the industry’s sharpest minds with our fifth annual collection of industry experts—the people who have elevated sports tourism through innovation and precise execution. In their inaugural year, we want to thank Orlando North, Seminole County Sports for sponsoring this editorial initiative.


Brian Ambuehl Greensboro  BRIAN AMBUEHL

National Sports Sales Manager Greensboro CVB Greensboro, North Carolina  


Chad Culver Visit Knoxvile  CHAD CULVER, CSEE

Senior Director Visit Knoxville Sports Commissions Knoxville, Tennessee  


Tim Ellis Wyndham  TIM ELLIS, CSEE

Director, Global Sales – Sports Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Buffalo, Minnesota  


Jason Hicks Faircloth  JASON HICKS FAIRCLOTH

Founder and President United States Disabled Golf Association Clinton, North Carolina


Catherine Kelly cjk kansas  CATHERINE KELLY 

President and CEO, cjk inc Kansas City, Missouri 


Jerrine Lee Richmond  JERRINE LEE, CSEE

Director of Sports Development Richmond Region Tourism Richmond, Virginia   


Lisa Motley Las Vegas LISA MOTLEY, CSEE

Director of Sports Marketing and Special Events Las Vegas CVA Las Vegas 


Beth Porreca USA Football BETH PORRECA

Senior Director, Strategic Operations USA Football Indianapolis  


  CONNOR SHANE, SDL

Director of National Events USA Racquetball Colorado Springs, Colorado


  DANI TIMM, CSEE

National Sports Sales Manager Virginia Beach Sports Marketing Virginia Beach, Virginia 


  MATT WILSON

Vice President, Sports & Events Arlington Convention and Visitors Bureau Arlington, Texas  
Executive Director Arlington Sports Commission Arlington, Texas