CINCINNATI, Ohio (July 1, 2026) — The Sports Events & Tourism Association (Sports ETA), the trade association for the sports events tourism industry, today announced its new Board of Directors leadership team and newly elected directors who will help guide the association's strategic direction and continued growth.

The new leadership team was officially installed during Sports ETA's annual business meeting and will serve a one-year term.

Executive Committee

• Board Chair: Clay Partain, STS, Chief Sports Officer, Sports Salt Lake
• Vice Chair & Chair-Elect: Melissa Thompson, Vice President of Bids & External Affairs, Indiana Sports Corp
• Secretary/Treasurer: Ryan Strickland, STS, Chief Operating Officer, Play Treasure Coast Sports
• Immediate Past Chair: Matthew Libber, STS, Executive Director, Maryland SoccerPlex

"Sports ETA continues to benefit from exceptional volunteer leadership from professionals who are shaping the future of sports events tourism," said John David, President & CEO of Sports ETA. "Clay, Melissa, Ryan and Matthew each bring a unique perspective, deep industry expertise and a commitment to advancing our mission. Their leadership will help Sports ETA continue to serve our members and strengthen the sports events tourism industry."

Partain succeeds Libber as Board Chair following a successful year of leadership that focused on industry growth, education and member engagement.

"It is an honor to serve as Board Chair of Sports ETA," said Partain." Sports events tourism continues to be a powerful economic driver for destinations and communities across North America. I look forward to working alongside our Board, staff and members to further elevate the industry, expand opportunities for professional development and advocate for the value our members bring to their communities."

Newly Elected Directors

Sports ETA members also elected seven new directors to the Board of Directors. These leaders represent destinations, rights holders, hospitality organizations and industry partners from across the sports tourism ecosystem.

The newly elected directors are:

• Austin Bennett, Vice President of Championships, National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA)
• Ashley Blake, CEO, Spokane Sports
• Patrick Cansfield, STS, Senior Director, Development, American Junior Golf Association Experience
• Annie Goff, STS, Director of Sports Sales, Hilton Worldwide
• Joan Kranovich, CMP, CTA, Vice President of Business Growth & Director, Sports QC, Visit Quad Cities
• Eric Olson, Vice President of Sports & Events, Visit Overland Park
• Mathew Ratner, Head of Sports & Entertainment Tourism, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau

"Each of these leaders brings valuable expertise and fresh perspectives that will strengthen our Board and our association," said David. "Their experience spans destination marketing, event rights holders, hospitality and sports business development, reflecting the collaborative nature of the sport events tourism industry."

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About Sports ETA

As the only trade association for the sports events and tourism industry, Sports ETA is the most trusted resource for sports commissions, destination marketing organizations (DMOs), and sports event owners. 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 and tourism industry.  For more information, visit SportsETA.org.

Contact: Jackie Reau, Game Day

(513) 708-5822 | jreau@gamedaypr.com