RALEIGH, N.C.—The North Carolina Sports Association has named Andrew Schmidt as its new executive director.
Schmidt brings 33 years of experience in hospitality and tourism to the statewide sports tourism organization, with a career spanning hotels, academia, destination sales and marketing, destination management, and industry advocacy.
He most recently served as president and CEO of Visit Greenville, NC, from November 2014 through June 2026. During his tenure, he led efforts to promote Greenville and Pitt County as destinations for visitors, meetings, events, and sporting competitions.
Schmidt has also held leadership positions with several hospitality and tourism organizations and served on numerous boards and committees throughout his career. Those roles have helped him develop relationships across North Carolina and the Southeast.
His experience with sports tourism includes leadership with the North Carolina Sports Association, where he served as chair and board member, and he is the past president of the North Carolina Travel Industry Association.
“I am excited to return to the sports tourism industry in this capacity and to have the opportunity to work on behalf of the North Carolina Sports Association,” says Schmidt. “Sports tourism continues to be an important economic driver for communities across our state, and I look forward to helping the NCSA continue its work to highlight the value and impact of this industry. I’m especially excited to reconnect with colleagues and friends throughout the industry, welcome new members and partners, and help build on the strong foundation the association has established.”
As executive director, Schmidt will work with the NCSA Board of Directors and its membership on efforts to expand the association’s reach, strengthen and grow its membership offerings, increase outreach and engagement, and advocate for the continued growth of sports tourism throughout North Carolina.
Bonny Bernat, senior sports development manager with Visit Winston-Salem and chair of the NCSA Board of Directors, says Schmidt’s experience and industry relationships will be valuable as the association moves forward.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have Andrew step into this role,” says Bernat. “His 33 years of experience in hospitality and tourism, his deep knowledge of destination marketing and sports tourism, and his longstanding relationships throughout North Carolina and beyond make him an incredible asset to the NCSA. Andrew understands this industry; he understands the importance of sports tourism to our communities, and he understands the NCSA because he has been part of its leadership. We are excited to have him leading the association as we look for new ways to expand our reach, strengthen our membership, and continue advocating for the sports tourism industry across North Carolina.”
Schmidt retired from Visit Greenville, NC, on June 30, concluding more than 30 years of service in local government and tourism. He began his new role with the North Carolina Sports Association on Sept. 1.
