Sports ETA New Board Leadership

Maryland SoccerPlex’s Matt Libber appointed Board Chair

CINCINNATI (July 01, 2025) – Sports ETA, the only trade association in the sports events and tourism industry created by members, for members, today announced the official start of terms for its newly elected Board of Directors leadership and the appointment of four additional board members. This member-led structure is at the heart of what makes Sports ETA unique—an organization built to serve, support, and advance the very community that powers it. The board members were elected by the association’s membership during the 2025 Sports ETA Symposium held in April. Their terms begin today, July 1, 2025.

Matt Libber, STS, Executive Director of the Maryland SoccerPlex, has been elected as the new Board Chair.

Clay Partain, STS, Chief Sports Officer of Visit Salt Lake, has been named Vice Chair.

Melissa Thompson, Vice President of Bids and External Affairs of the Indiana Sports Corp, will serve as Secretary/Treasurer.

In addition to the elected officers, the Sports ETA Membership has appointed four new members to represent key sectors of the sports events & tourism industry:

• Amanda Shank, Executive Vice President of Unrivaled Sports - appointed as Rights Holder Representative
• Anthony Terling, STS, Sports Development Director of Visit Auburn-Opelika - appointed as Destination Representative
• Ashley Whittaker, Partner of The Sports Facilities Companies - appointed as Industry Partner Representative
• Ashley Blake, CEO of Spokane Sports - appointed as Destination Representative by the Board of Directors per Sports ETA bylaws filling the seat vacated by Jason Sands for fiscal year 2026. 

The Sports ETA Board of Directors also voted to fill the one-year term of the non-voting independent Board Director position with long-time industry veteran Steve Smith,  Office Managing Partner – Colorado Springs of Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP.

“We are proud to welcome this exceptional group of leaders to guide Sports ETA during an exciting time of growth and opportunity for the sports events & tourism sector,” said John David, President & CEO of Sports ETA. “Each of these members brings unique expertise and passion that will help advance our mission and support our members across the country.”

For more information about Sports ETA, visit www.sportseta.org.

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About Sports ETA:
As the only trade association for the sports events & tourism industry, Sports ETA is the most trusted resource for sports commissions, destination marketing organizations (DMOs), and sports rights holders. Sports ETA is committed to the success of more than 750 member organizations and 2,400 sports event professionals. We promise to deliver quality education, ample networking opportunities, and exceptional event management and marketing know-how to our members to protect the integrity of the sports events & tourism industry.  For more information, visit SportsETA.org.

Media Contact:
Jackie Reau, Game Day 
jreau@gamedaypr.com
(513) 708-5822