COLUMBUS, OH (August 22, 2019) – The Greater Columbus Sports Commission announced today Daniel P. Sullivan as its new Board Chair.

Sullivan is President and Managing Partner of HNS Sports Group, a golf management company based in Dublin, Ohio specializing in event management, hospitality management, sponsorship and contract representation. Sullivan is also the Executive Director of the Memorial Tournament, presented by Nationwide. He directs all business, marketing, community, philanthropic and operational aspects associated with the Jack Nicklaus hosted official PGA TOUR event. Additionally, Sullivan and HNS Sports Group have led the 2013 Presidents Cup, the 2016 U.S. Senior Open and the annual Nationwide Children’s Hospital Championship on the Korn Ferry Tour.

Currently, 13 people serve on the Executive Committee and 42 community members from varying local companies serve on the Board of Commissioners. Since 2002, the organization has booked more than 500 new sporting events for the Columbus Region, generating more than $605 million in visitor spending.

“It’s an honor to serve as chair of an organization comprised of community leaders that is committed to growing the sports landscape in Columbus,” said Sullivan. “I’ve seen sporting events across the world and believe we live in one of the best sports destinations. I look forward to working with the board, Linda Logan and the Sports Commission staff to continue to bring world-class events to Columbus.” 

Sullivan is only the third board chair in the Sports Commission’s 17-year history. He replaces Brian J. Ellis, president and COO of Nationwide Realty Investors, owner and developer of the Arena District, who has served as board chair since 2005. Ellis has been instrumental in the growth of the Sports Commission and their success in securing hundreds of national and international events driving significant economic impact to Central Ohio, including the NHL All-Star Game, the NCAA Women’s Final Four, and the 2013 President’s Cup which was broadcast to more than 800 million households in 224 countries and drove $60 million in economic impact to Central Ohio. He was also an influential force in the passage of House Bill 531 to better position the State to compete to host high-profile and high-impact events. In addition, Ellis supported the creation of new local events like the annual corporate challenge, The Community Cup, presented by The Columbus Foundation.  

“It’s been a great privilege to work with so many talented people to help make Columbus a top sports destination, elevating our City’s image and economy and enhancing the fan experience for those who live here,” Ellis said. “I know Dan will do a great job as our next board chair, continuing to build our city’s reputation and advance the landscape of sports in Central Ohio.”  

Ellis will remain active on the Board of Commissioners and will continue to support the work of the organization.

“Under Brian’s leadership, Columbus earned national recognition for its hosting of the 2018 NCAA Women’s Final Four and 2016 NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball Championship,” said Linda Shetina Logan, executive director, Greater Columbus Sports Commission. “His contributions to the Columbus sports community are substantial, and we are grateful that Brian will remain an important member of our team. We are excited to welcome Dan as board chair and look forward to continuing to grow as we bid on and host these marquee events in our city.”

Sullivan has been on the board since the Sports Commission’s inception in 2002 and joined the Executive Committee in 2015. He also holds seats on the boards of Experience Columbus, Tourism Ohio, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, St. Charles Preparatory School and The First Tee of Central Ohio.

Sullivan has a Bachelor of Science degree from Miami University. He lives in Marble Cliff with his wife, Alyson, and their four children.