GREENVILLE, NC – The Greenville-Pitt County Sports Commission is pleased to announce that both staff members have been elected to new sports tourism industry board positions. Gray Williams, Executive Director of Play Greenville, NC Sports, has been elected to serve on the Board of Directors for Sports Events and Tourism Association (SportsETA), the national trade association for the sports tourism industry.

“I am excited for the opportunity to serve on the SportsETA board. This has been a goal of mine for years, and I look forward to serving with colleagues from across the country,” said Williams. “Serving on this board continues to put Greenville-Pitt County on the map of key industry players, being one of the only representatives of small to mid-size destinations. I look forward to bringing my knowledge, expertise, and ideas.”

SportsETA is the most essential resource for the sports tourism industry. Since being established in 1992, SportsETA’s promise has been to deliver quality education, ample networking opportunities, and exceptional event management and marketing know-how to members, including destinations, rights holders, and industry partners.

Paul Sheehan, Director of Sports Development for Play Greenville, NC Sports, has been elected to serve on the executive committee as the Treasurer of the North Carolina Sports Association.

“I am honored to have been elected to serve on the executive committee for the North Carolina Sports Association,” said Sheehan. “During my time serving as an at-large member of the board, it became clear that serving on the executive committee would help position Greenville-Pitt County as a leading destination within the state.”

The North Carolina Sports Association is a statewide collaboration of Sports Commissions, CVBs, Parks and Recreation entities, and Sports Authorities from across North Carolina who share a direct interest in supporting sports events. The NCSA exists to help planners explore our great state to find the perfect community to host successful sports events.

Through these new board positions, Williams and Sheehan continue the industrywide leadership that Play Greenville, NC Sports has established. Play Greenville, NC Sports has earned respect in the industry from other Sports Commissions and Convention and Visitors Bureaus, as well as rights holders and industry partners. This national and statewide leadership puts Greenville-Pitt County at the forefront of tournament director’s minds when considering locations to host events.

Gray and Paul