Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge names new vice president of sports and sales

ROANOKE, Va.—Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge has named Demp Bradford as its new vice president of sports and sales.

Bradford officially stepped into the role March 25 and brings more than 25 years of experience in sports tourism, event management and nonprofit leadership. His previous roles include serving as vice president and chief operating officer of the Greensboro Sports Foundation and president of the Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission.

“We’re excited to welcome Demp to the Visit VBR team and look forward to the expertise he brings to this role,” says Landon Howard, president of Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge.

“His leadership will be instrumental as we continue to grow our sports and meetings efforts.” Throughout his career, Bradford has led the recruitment and execution of major sporting events, including NCAA championships, conference tournaments, and international competitions. Officials said those efforts have contributed to economic development and increased visibility for host destinations.

Among his notable achievements, Bradford helped relocate the Maui Invitational to Asheville in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also played a role in securing and hosting three Billie Jean King Cup tennis tournaments, which marked the first major international sporting events held in Asheville.

Bradford is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and East Carolina University. He has also worked as an adjunct professor at Guilford College, teaching sports administration and finance.

Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge said Bradford’s appointment is expected to support continued growth in sports tourism and meetings, positioning the region as a competitive destination for future events.