Sports commission adds key hires

PeopleSports

Mar 28

Photos courtesy of West Michigan Sports Commission

The West Michigan Sports Commission (WMSC) is bolstering its team as it continues fundraising for the Meijer Sports Complex expansion. Barbara Benda has been hired as Director of Development and Courtney Miner as Event Coordinator of the Meijer State Games of Michigan.

"Adding Barbara Benda in the newly created role of director of development is critical to the growth of the West Michigan Sports Commission," said Mike Guswiler, President, WMSC. "Her extensive fundraising and development experience will be instrumental in not only helping us reach our $11 million fundraising goal for the Meijer Sports Complex expansion, but also in growing our Victory Lap Community Fund established to impact local sports programming that supports underserved communities. We are also excited to add Courtney Miner to our State Games of Michigan team, who brings relevant sports marketing experience."

In the newly created position, Benda will focus primarily on supporting the $11 million "Winning Streak for West Michigan" expansion campaign for the Meijer Sports Complex and overall development work for the WMSC.

"Joining the West Michigan Sports Commission as director of development, I am excited about creating opportunities to enrich lives and develop partnerships in our community through sports. I am honored to contribute to the WMSC's mission," said Benda. "I was a hockey, lacrosse, and soccer mom for many years and thoroughly enjoyed watching my kids compete. I look forward to cheering on participants at the Meijer State Games and players at the Meijer Sports Complex, while knowing our work will sustain this activity and grow our economy."

New event coordinator Courtney Miner replaces Julie Shields, who was promoted to director of the State Games in August.

"The WMSC and State Games of Michigan have a large impact on the greater Grand Rapids community, and I'm so excited to be a part of it," said Miner. "Seeing the behind-the-scenes and collaboration that goes into planning events is so insightful and makes me excited to go into the office every day. I've been involved in sport my entire life in some capacity, but being a part of this team will be the most rewarding experience in my career so far."

For more information, visit https://www.westmisports.com/.