the INFLUENCERS Marcus Manning executive director “New week. New opportunities.” Marcus’ favorite mantra perfectly fits his personality and approach to leading our team. As our quarterback, he is forward-thinking and aspirational, all the while encouraging us to help “coach him up” when asking for further details or explanation on a topic. His use of this simple phrase acknowledges our expertise and empowers us in the most approachable and genuine way. In the year that I’ve worked at the DSC, I’ve seen him push forward and navigate conversations that would result in transformational outcomes for Durham – like presenting to the City Council and the Board of County Commissioners about the potential of a new sports facility. At every turn, Marcus has a consistent eye for offering Kaila’Shea and me as many professional development opportunities as possible, something that is unfortunately still all too rare of an occurrence for women working in sports. Besides his family, his dog, Hines, and his love for the Pittsburgh Steelers, I can’t imagine him being more passionate about our community benefiting from sports, and for Kaila’Shea and me to further our careers along the way.”
by Lulu Black
2023 Highlights
I was part of the North Carolina delegation who traveled to Lake Placid, New York, in January 2023 along with Durham County Commissioner Brenda Howerton, where the International University Sports Federation (FISU) announced the Triangle and the Triad will host its 2029 World University Games. It’ll be the first time since 1993 that the United States will host the summer games. The event is expected to bring more than 7,000 college athletes from 150 countries to the area for almost two weeks and is anticipated to be the largest event ever hosted in our state. It was a proud moment to realize that North Carolina and Durham will get to play host to the event’s expected audience of 400 million worldwide.
Durham Sports Commission A Hope for the Future
The Durham Sports Commission co-hosted an intercity visit to Indianapolis in September 2023 along with the Durham Chamber of Commerce, Discover Durham and Downtown Durham Inc. that was hugely successful in bringing together community leaders to discuss shared visions for the future. I always choose to see each new week as a new opportunity and hope that more opportunities come from the intercity visit and other collaborative efforts like it in the new year. – Marcus Manning
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