Strong Starting Lineup Takes WSDC Into New Season
The Wisconsin Sports Development Corporation (WSDC) is pleased to announce changes in their line up and is ready to face the new season with a strong team. Recently added to the roster are Jordan Bingham, Director of Health Initiatives, Kari Vriesema, Development Coordinator and Ryan Klemko, Operations and Logistics Manager. Promotions within include Jason Diaz, Director of Operations and Darren Feller, Director of Development.
Jordan Bingham spent five years in the fitness industry as a fitness director and personal trainer in Madison and Portland, Oregon. She graduated from Anderson University in 1999 with a bachelor's degree in Physical Education and she recently received a graduate degree in Health Promotion from Indiana University. Jordan will head WSDC's Health Initiatives, which currently include Lighten Up Wisconsin, Shape Up Wisconsin Kids, and the Fit Kids Challenge.
Kari Vriesema comes to WSDC from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Intercollegiate Athletics Department where she coordinated special events, such as the 30th Anniversary of Women's Athletics, which connected past and present female student athletes.
She graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1997 with a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Bachelor of Arts in Afro-American Literature. Vriesema earned her master's degree in Higher Education Administration with an emphasis in Sport Management from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 2003.
Kari is responsible for assisting the coordination and execution of sponsorships. Kari is also responsible for fund raising and business development through the coordination of grant applications on behalf of WSDC.
Ryan Klemko is the latest addition to the Operations department. He will assist the Director of Operations as necessary, and help in year round promotion of events. He will evaluate existing competitions, formats, venues, and volunteers and help develop and execute competition and venue plans for existing as well as new events.
Ryan graduated Edgewood College where he was a four year letter winner for the Edgewood College Baseball Program. Ryan holds the record for the most stolen bases in a single season. He graduated in 2005 with a Bachelors of Science in Communications Marketing.
Darren Feller joined the WSDC Development team in January of this year and has recently been promoted to Director of Development. He spent two years as the Director of Promotions with the Salt Lake Stingers Baseball Club (AAA affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim). There he recruited new businesses and maintained current standing with existing regional and national clients in regards to sales and marketing sponsorships. He also, directed promotional staff and executed all on-field promotions.
Feller graduated from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in May 2002 with a Masters Degree in Sport Administration. He will now be responsible for directing the fund raising efforts of WSDC.
Jason Diaz, a veteran of the WSDC team since April 2000, has taken on one of the lead roles of the company, the Director of Operations. Jason is responsible for all aspects of the WSDC Operations department, which is in charge of the details of coordinating the Badger State Games, Ironman Wisconsin, Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame and Paddle & Portage. Two full time staff members report to him including John Eisele and Ryan Klemko. He works closely with Volunteer commissioners and captains for Badger State Games and Ironman along with reserving venue's used for each event.
Before coming to WSDC Jason completed an internship with the Beloit Snappers Minor League Baseball team. Jason was a four-year letter winner in Basketball at Wayne State College in Nebraska. He graduated in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management and a coaching minor.
"I couldn't be more please with the team we're fielding right now. It's like every coaches dream," touts Ron Vincent, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Sports Development Corporation and former member of the 1981 National Championship Badger Men's Hockey Team. "It's one thing to be part of a talented group, but anyone who's been on a championship team knows what it feels like when the group is so tight. The cohesiveness of this entire group and their determination are inspiring. I'm really looking forward to things to come."
To learn more about Wisconsin Sports Development Corporation and read all the staff bios visit www.SportsInWisconsin.com or call 608-226-4780.
Wisconsin Sports Development Corporation is a nonprofit sports management organization that helps develop sports tourism in Wisconsin and promotes positive lifestyles and physical fitness through amateur athletic events and health education programs. WSDC owns the Badger State Games, the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame, the Wisconsin Sports Foundation, Paddle & Portage, Shape Up Wisconsin Kids, Lighten Up Wisconsin and the Fit Kids Challenge. WSDC is also the local host of Ironman Wisconsin