Michael Loynd Named Chair of St. Louis Sports Commission

Michael Loynd has been named chair of the St. Louis Sports Commission, having joined the Sports Commission’s board in 2018 and served as the organization’s vice chair from 2022–2023.

As chair of the Sports Commission’s Olympic Legacy Project, Loynd played a large role in St. Louis securing permission from the International Olympic Committee and United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee to display the Olympic rings locally, including at Washington University (where the 1904 Games took place) and rename Francis Field to Francis Olympic Field.

“I am humbled by this opportunity to lead such a tremendous organization and follow in the footsteps of some inspiring leaders who have chaired the Sports Commission,” said Loynd. “At the same time, I’m motivated and buoyed by the amazing support the Sports Commission receives, the outstanding work of the staff and the impact the organization has and can have on the growth and health of this region through the undeniable power of sports.”

A graduate of the Washington University School of Law, Loynd manages the Interco Charitable Trust and is co-owner of St. Louis Transportation. He is author of “All Things Irish” and nonfiction book “The Watermen,” about Charles Daniels and the rise of USA Swimming.

Loynd took over the volunteer role on January 1, succeeding Maryville University President Mark Lombardi, who chaired the nonprofit organization for the past six years. Lombardi’s tenure included hosting events such as the SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament, NCAA Wrestling Championships and U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Trials as well as connecting the Commission to the PGA Championship, NHL All-Star Game and the NASCAR Cup Series Enjoy Illinois 300.

Lombardi will remain on the Sports Commission’s board of directors and its executive committee, as well as continue his active involvement with the Musial Awards. CBS Sports became the official television partner of the Musial Awards and the event has aired nationally on the CBS Television Network since 2019.

“The Sports Commission will be forever grateful to Mark Lombardi for his strong and steady leadership, his vision, generosity, and unwavering support — not to mention the impact he had in helping us build the Musial Awards into a world-class production with national reach,” said St. Louis Sports Commission President Marc Schreiber. “We are extremely fortunate to be transitioning from one exceptional leader to another, as Mike Loynd brings an unparalleled passion and drive in his stewardship of our organization. We greatly appreciate his dedication and support, and the tremendous backing we receive from all our board directors, partners and members.”

In addition to a slate of new directors and new chair, the Sports Commission board re-elected Joe Ambrose as treasurer and Ryan Davis as secretary.