Nov. 1, 2016 (MESA, Ariz.) – Visit Mesa, the regional destination marketing organization for Mesa, Arizona, announced the hiring of Suzanne Keller to lead the city’s sports initiatives. In her role as Director of Sports Sales, Keller will be tasked with recruiting top national sporting events, tournaments and competitions on Mesa fields and in the city’s array of event facilities. In addition, Keller will serve as the city’s primary liaison with National Governing Bodies and oversee a roster of more than 50 signature youth and amateur sports programs held in Mesa year-round.
“It’s well known that Mesa is one of the most in-demand, active sports destinations in the Western U.S., and sports activity is responsible for year-round hotel consumption and citywide group blocks,” said Visit Mesa President and CEO Marc Garcia. “Having Suzanne in this role will further elevate our profile with sports events rights holders. She knows our product, having hosted her own tournaments on our fields here in Mesa. She’s going to play a vital role in how Mesa strengthens its youth and amateur sports reputation in the future.”
Keller relocated to Mesa from San Diego, where she worked with Adrenaline Lacrosse for the past five years in a variety of roles including most recently as Events Director. She helped lead the organization’s expansion into 14 states; managed the internal event lodging program; and was responsible for overseeing the organization’s Events division, which generated gross profits of more than $2.5M annually.
Keller joins the Visit Mesa team at the same time the marketing organization is procuring visitor industry and civic support for the proposed Mesa Sports Complex, a proposed 24-field, multi-purpose complex. As early as next year, Keller will be advocating for the development of the complex which is designed to include a 110,000-square-foot field house. If approved, the complex will become the city of Mesa’s largest event and meeting space capable of hosting reception-style events for 9,000 people; 5,000 people at banquet rounds; 6,200 people at classroom style; and 650 10×10 tradeshow exhibits.
“Sports tourism is a fast growing, nearly recession-proof marketplace with Mesa ideally suited to attract these sporting events due to our affordability, air access and preferred weather,” said Kimberly Freer, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Visit Mesa. “Keller’s strong ties with youth and amateur sports groups and associations will serve Visit Mesa well.”
Keller is an undergraduate of College of William & Mary (Williamsburg, VA) and holds a Masters in Political Science from Temple University. She is a member of the National Association of Sports Commissions and a member of Women in Sports & Events.
