The Board of Directors of the Greater Wichita Area Sports Commission (GWASC) is pleased to announce Mike Sharpe as the organization’s next President and Chief Executive Officer. Sharpe brings to the position a wealth of knowledge and experience in the sports industry. He will begin on January 4, 2021.
Sharpe comes to Wichita after working for the Greater Kansas City Sports Commission and Foundation for seven years. While there he served as the Director of Business Development. During his tenure, Kansas City saw a surge in national event acquisition and hosting opportunities. Sharpe has worked closely with numerous community partners, athletic conferences, and institutions through three NCAA bid cycles. The work included championship event partnerships with the Big 12 Conference, Missouri Valley Conference, Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association, University of Missouri, University of Kansas, University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), Rockhurst University, University of Central Missouri, and William Jewell College.
Sharpe also has extensive connections with National Governing Bodies leadership including USA Gymnastics, US Figure Skating, USA Boxing, USA Weightlifting, USA Fencing, USA Volleyball, and USA BMX.
In addition to his time with the Sports Commission in Kansas City, Sharpe has more than 22 years of collegiate athletic administrative and coaching experience. He was the Assistant Commissioner of the Great West Conference for five years and the Director of Athletics at Avila University for seven years. He also worked as an assistant men’s basketball coach at UMKC, Johnson County Community College and Pratt Community College.
Sharpe earned a Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration from University of Missouri-Kansas City and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education and Adapted Physical Education from Kansas State University.
“Mike is the right person to take us to the next level,” said Doug Lampton, chair of the GWASC board. “We are excited to welcome him to Wichita and help him promote all that our community has to offer.”
“I am grateful to the Board of the GWASC for giving me this opportunity”, said Sharpe. “I look forward to working with them, the staff, and area community and civic partners to build upon the many assets of this organization and the Wichita area.”
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