West Michigan Sports Commission Announces Two Hires

The West Michigan Sports Commission has hired Barbara Benda to a new position as director of development as well as Courtney Miner as event coordinator of the Meijer State Games of Michigan, the commission’s signature event.

“Adding Barbara Benda in the newly created role of director of development is critical to the growth of the West Michigan Sports Commission,” said WMSC President Mike Guswiler. “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.”

Benda will focus primarily on the $11 million “Winning Streak for West Michigan” expansion campaign for the Meijer Sports Complex and on overall development work for the WMSC. Benda comes to the WMSC after seven years at Ferris State University, where she was executive director of leadership giving and relationships and added the role of associate director of the Ferris Foundation.

“I am excited about creating opportunities to enrich lives and develop partnerships in our community through sports,” 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.”

Miner joined the WMSC in January as event coordinator for the Meijer State Games of Michigan, replacing Julie Shields, who was promoted to director of the State Games in August. Miner joined the WMSC from Next College Student Athlete College Recruiting, where she was a recruiting coordinator connecting middle and high school student-athletes with college coaches.

“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.”