Press release from AshevilleBuncombe Regional Sports Commission:
The Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission in conjunction with the Greensboro Sports Foundation announced that Demp Bradford, President/Executive Director will be leaving Asheville at the end of the month to become Vice President/Chief Operations Officer of the Greensboro Sports Foundation. “This is a bittersweet moment because “WE” have accomplished so much in the last 6 years in Asheville but I am excited about the opportunities to be part of a new vision in Greensboro and be closer to my family. I use the word “WE” because it has been a team effort with all of our accomplishments in Asheville from our staff, board, venues and our tremendous volunteers. Without each one of you, WE could not have made events successful and had them return to Asheville. I want to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart,” said Bradford. “I also want to thank our sports events planners and owners for choosing Asheville and in most cases coming back to Asheville for additional events.”
Bradford arrived in Asheville on June 30, 2016 and immediately faced the prospect of the Southern Conference Tournament leaving because of HB2 but brought state and local community leaders together along with LGBTQ leaders to put together a plan to host the tournament safely and keep the tournament in Asheville. In 2021, the Southern Conference announced an extension to keep the tournament in Asheville through 2026.
“Demp and his team have been laser focused on every detail involved in recruiting major events to Asheville and then making them a success. He is great at building his team and allowing them to see his vision and empowering them to want to make events successful. People do not realize the detail, time and negotiations that went into recruiting the Maui Invitational to relocate to Asheville and creating a successful “bubble”. The commission was hitting its stride as we went into Covid-19 and we were able to find profile events during the pandemic and come out even stronger. Demp has put us in great position moving forward in Asheville and we wish him the best in his future endeavors, and we look forward to continued growth of the Sports Commission in Asheville and this region” said ABRSC Board Chairman Stephen Zubrod. “Our board and volunteers are committed to continue this growth and we are excited about the future.”
“I cannot thank our board enough for believing in me and giving our team the proper resources to succeed. The growth that I have had here professionally and personally have allowed me an opportunity that I did not anticipate. Asheville and Buncombe County have embraced me and I will be forever grateful.” said Bradford
Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission Resume Since 2016
- Hosted the Southern Conference Basketball Tournament and received an extension through 2026
- Hosted three Billie Jean King Cup (previously known as the Fed Cup) ties in 2018, 2019, and 2022 becoming one of only two US cities to host this event
- Put together and executed the plan to have the 2020 Maui Invitational relocate to Asheville
- Worked with KemperLesnik to establish the Asheville Championship, a pre-season college basketball tournament held annually in November starting in 2020
- Formed the Ingles Great Smoky Mountain Grapple wrestling tournament which has grown from 12 to over 36 teams expected in 2022
- Hosted the Haute Route cycling event in 2018 and 2019 and the USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championships in 2021 and 2022 Spartan Race 2015-2019
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