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 two golden retrievers, Hines and Bettis.
- 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.
India Johnson
Assistant DirectorTop 5 Things to Know:
- My family is everything to me, and I talk to my family members every day.
- I have a mentoring program called UpGrowth Mindset which focuses on young girls ages 14-18 who come from low socio-economic backgrounds. Our mentors help provide them with the necessary tools to elevate their confidence, mental health, and heighten their growth mindset.
- Due to playing basketball, I have been fortunate enough to have visited 26 of the 50 states. I've also played basketball internationally in Italy.
- Prior to joining the DSC team, I worked for the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) where I assisted in helping student-athletes obtain and remain eligible in their respective sports. I was able to create mobile site guides to help students easily navigate the NAIA website from their mobile devices, and I put on multiple presentations for high school counselors and students on future opportunities in sports at the NAIA.
- My favorite animal is a shark. I never miss Shark week and plan on going shark cage diving soon.
