Think of us as the play-callers in the press box, or the team managers dealing with the logistics behind team success both at home and on the road. We’re a tight-knit crew, orchestrating both internal and external relationships to ensure amazing experiences on and off the field.
Our Durham Sports Commission team was assembled and established in 2016, and is governed by a Board of Directors that is made up of nine members appointed by the City of Durham, Durham Chamber of Commerce, and Durham County. Our three full-time members are supported by the full staff of Discover Durham. Consider us the team behind your team. Our goal is your success.
The DSC frequently has unpaid internship opportunities available. For more information, please contact our team.
Marcus Manning
Executive DirectorTop 5 Things to Know:
- Family is the most important part of life. My parents, Frank and Gina Manning, are my role models. And, I’m the proud husband of Sarah Manning and dog dad of a golden retriever, Hines.
- I am a proud member of Steeler Nation, a die-hard fan for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
- Prior to joining the DSC team, I was most recently the Director of Athletics and Recreation at Centenary College of Louisiana as well as Maryville University’s Director of Athletics and Vice President for Athletics and Recreation.
- I have had the great honor of serving on several boards, committees and councils throughout my career, including the Minority Opportunities Athletics Association (MOAA), NCAA Pathway Program Selection Committee, Division 2 Athletic Directors Association Board of Directors (D2ADA) Committee, NCAA Foundation for the Future Task Force, National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) Executive Committee and USA Cheer-STUNT Advisory Board.
- Christmas is my favorite holiday.
Kaila'Shea Menendez
Deputy DirectorTop 5 Things to Know:
- I am a native of Raleigh, North Carolina, and a former women’s basketball student-athlete at Western Carolina University. Go Cats!
- Prior to joining the DSC team, I served as the Senior Director of Leadership Programming and Events at Women Leaders in College Sports and oversaw the execution of all association-wide events, including the Women Leaders National Convention annually.
- My favorite past-times include spending time with family, playing sports, coaching, swimming, and traveling internationally.
- I am passionate about supporting women of color in sports and continue to remain an advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Prior to beginning my career in sports, I worked for Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Community Services where I supported and enhanced the quality of life for Marines, their families, and others in the Marine Corps Community.
Lulu Black
Assistant DirectorTop 5 Things to Know:
- I graduated with a degree in Sport Management from North Carolina State University, where I was a member of the Track & Field team and the two-time National Champion Women's Cross Country team.
- While studying and competing, I worked as a Wellness Assistant at the Wellness and Recreation Center, a Community Events Staff Member with the Carolina Hurricanes, and a Student Intern with the Kay Yow Cancer Fund.
- I am extremely passionate about women's equality in sports, athlete mental health, and utilizing sports to connect and unite communities around the world. I served as a Research Assistant for the NCAA Grant Research Study, which focused on understanding the unique mental health pressures that impact student-athletes. I am also the United States Ambassador for the International University Sports Federation.
- I am an Indianapolis native, where my parents and dog, Walter, still reside. I attribute my love for sports tourism, finding fun in the simple things, and of course, basketball, to my Hoosier roots.
- I love spending time with family and friends, traveling, reading, crocheting and being active.