Destination Ann Arbor announced today that Mike Price has been named Chief Sales and Operations Officer. Mike previously held the position of Executive Director of the Greater Lansing Sports Authority (GLSA) for the last 13 years. The GLSA is a division of the Greater Lansing Convention and Visitors Bureau (GLCVB), where Mike has served in various roles for 18 years. 

Mike was instrumental in the development and launch of the GLSA, an award-winning, full-service sports commission whose mission is to generate economic impact through sport, while also improving the quality of life for area residents. The GLSA has been awarded seven different recognitions by Sports ETA, including Sports Commission of the Year. In his most recent role as Executive Director, Mike was responsible for strategy, budget, and staff oversight and was a catalyst for new facility development. Mike was also part of the executive team of the GLCVB, supporting organizational mission, goals, budget, and management. 

In addition to his appointment as Executive Director of the GLSA, Mike served as the Vice President of Sales for the GLCVB, where he managed staff, budget, and strategy for the sales division. He also served as a liaison with convention centers and key hotels to develop rapport and alignment between organizations.  

Mike is the first hire by Sarah Miller, the recently appointed President and CEO of Destination Ann Arbor. In this newly created position, Mike will oversee and lead the sales team, sports commission, and operations for Destination Ann Arbor. Direct reports will include sales team members and the Ann Arbor Sport Commission Executive Director. “We are ecstatic to have someone of Mike’s caliber join our team. His extensive experience in sales and sports commissions will be invaluable as we move toward the next creative chapter of Destination Ann Arbor.”, says Sarah Miller. 

Mike’s dedication to the sports community runs deep and he has received the Governor’s Award for Innovative Tourism Collaboration for his work across the state. He is the immediate Past Chair of Sports ETA, the national trade association for the sport tourism industry. He is the co-founder of the statewide co-op, Pure Michigan Sports, and serves as the entity’s lead. Mike is also the current President/Chair of the newly formed Michigan Sports Commission (MSC).  

According to Mike, "Washtenaw County is a dynamic region with a vibrant arts, culture, sports, and hospitality scene. I am excited to work with the hospitality community to showcase to the rest of the world how unique and authentic Washtenaw County is. I look forward to working with our hospitality partners to grow the impact of tourism on the region and improve the quality of life for our residents and visitors. " 

 

Destination Ann Arbor is a 501 (c)6 not-for-profit organization whose mission is to promote Washtenaw County as a destination for leisure and business travel and to elevate economic vitality and quality of life for those who live and work here.