Andrew Schmidt Named Executive Director of the North Carolina Sports Association

Andrew Schmidt has been named executive director of the North Carolina Sports Association.

Schmidt has spent more than three decades years in local government and tourism positions. The industry veteran will lead the NCSA after retiring in June after 11 years as president and CEO of Visit Greenville, NC.

In addition to his work at that organization, Schmidt also taught tourism and hospitality courses for 15 years in the East Carolina School of Hospitality Leadership.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have Andrew step into this role,” said Bonny Bernat, senior sports development manager with Visit Winston-Salem and chair of the NCSA Board of Directors. “His 33 years of experience in hospitality and tourism, his deep knowledge of destination marketing and sports tourism, and his longstanding relationships throughout North Carolina make him an incredible asset to the NCSA.”

Schmidt previously served as chair of the NCSA. He was also a board member and past president of the North Carolina Travel Industry Association from 2021 to 2023.

“I am excited to return to the sports tourism industry in this capacity and to have the opportunity to work on behalf of the North Carolina Sports Association,” Schmidt said. “Sports tourism continues to be an important economic driver for communities across our state, and I look forward to helping the NCSA continue its work to highlight the value and impact of this industry.”