Durham Sports Commission Names Marcus Manning As Executive Director
October 15, 2020 (DURHAM, N.C.) – The Durham Sports Commission (DSC) today announced Marcus Manning as its next Executive Director, effective October 19. As the nonprofit’s second-ever executive director, Manning is charged with carrying out the DSC’s mission. He will lead efforts to create economic and social impact in Durham by strengthening Durham’s sports culture, expanding access to sports for Durham residents, and attracting and cultivating sporting events of all levels in the Bull City that support local businesses and jobs.
“Strategic leadership is more important than ever, especially now for the sports and sports tourism industries, which have been stalled since the onset of the pandemic,” said Susan Amey, President and CEO of Discover Durham, which manages the DSC. “We’re thrilled for Marcus to step into the position. He brings a wealth of experience and an innovative mindset, which will help the Durham sports scene rebound by crafting what sporting events and sports culture need to look like as we recover.”
Manning was most recently the Director of Athletics and Recreation at Centenary College of Louisiana, leading 17 varsity programs, 26 staff members and over 250 student-athletes. During his tenure, Manning served as the lead administrator for lacrosse, soccer, softball, and Gold Dome capital projects.
“I’m humbled and honored to be named the new Executive Director of the DSC,” said Manning. “I want to thank Discover Durham President & CEO, Susan Amey, Board Chair, Dan Hill, and all of the board of directors for sharing their vision and providing me with this transformational opportunity. Going through the interview process, I was excited to learn that Durham embraces diversity and inclusion, encourages creativity and innovation, and has a strong passion for sports. I’m looking forward to putting my hard hat on, going to work, and being a great teammate to the sports commission and Discover Durham as well as the City and County of Durham.”
Prior to Centenary, Manning served as Maryville University’s Director of Athletics and Vice President for Athletics and Recreation. There, he managed the Saints’ operating, recruiting, scholarship, and fundraising budgets, helped design and implement two three-year strategic plans, and established the Saints Booster Club. Manning also assisted in the design, budgeting, and construction of four major athletic facility upgrades. Under his leadership, Maryville saw academic and athletic success, winning the NCAA President’s Award for Academic Success five times in six years and earning NCAA DII Tournament bids in women’s basketball, men’s soccer, softball, and men’s wrestling.
Dan Hill, DSC Board Chair noted, “The board was unanimously impressed with Marcus Manning’s skillset. From strategic planning and development to leadership and focusing on community, he has achieved success after success, and we look forward to seeing him shine in Durham.”
Manning has served on several boards, committees and councils during his 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.
Manning has been honored for his service on campus and within the community, most recently being named the Centenary College 2020 David Womack Leadership Award winner and 2019 Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission Pride Award winner.
For more about the DSC, please visit www.durhamncsports.com.
About Durham Sports Commission
The Durham Sports Commission (DSC) is a collaboration of the City of Durham, the County of Durham, the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce and Discover Durham. The DSC was established in 2016 as a 501(c)(3) with a mission to create economic and social impact by leading the community’s efforts to attract, support, and promote youth, amateur, collegiate, and professional sporting and recreational events. The DSC provides leadership for sports-based initiatives and create positive economic impact and quality of life in Durham and the surrounding region. Be sure to follow the DSC on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to keep up with all sports-related news in Durham, NC, and other announcements.