ERIE, Pa.—VisitErie has named Ben Huggler executive director of the Erie Sports Commission, following his tenure as the organization’s events services director and interim executive director.
Huggler has served as events services director since 2018 and as interim executive director since May. He brings more than 15 years of experience planning and executing national events to the position.
During his time with the Erie Sports Commission, Huggler has helped the organization host or support more than 675 events, generating an estimated $120 million in economic impact for the region.
He also contributed to the growth of the commission’s event portfolio from 57 events in 2018 to 86 in 2025. The portfolio has included the 2021 NCAA Women’s Frozen Four, the 2022 Great Race, and the 2024 Major League Fishing General Tire Team Series.
Under Huggler’s tenure, the Erie Sports Commission earned national recognition from Sports ETA, the trade association for the sports tourism industry, receiving the Sports Commission of the Year and Event Marketing Campaign of the Year awards in 2023.
“Ben has been a valuable part of the Erie Sports Commission for many years, and his leadership, dedication, and expertise have consistently strengthened our organization,” says Mark Jeanneret, who previously served as executive director of the Erie Sports Commission before being named president and CEO of VisitErie, Erie County’s destination marketing organization. “His strategic thinking, professionalism, and passion for the industry make him the right person to lead the organization into its next chapter.”
Huggler holds the Sports Tourism Strategist designation through Sports ETA. He also serves on the board of directors for the Erie to Pittsburgh Trail Alliance and as treasurer on the Executive Committee for PA Sports.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve as executive director of the Erie Sports Commission,” Huggler says. “Mark’s leadership has helped build a strong foundation for our organization and establish Erie as a premier sports tourism destination. I look forward to building on that success and continuing to grow the organization and its impact on our community.”
