Week 6 - 8: I am Officially an Employee

IT IS OFFICIAL!

The Tacoma Sports Commission Team
Paintballing/ Team building activity 11/4/11
Top Row: Emily (Me), Shellie, Bianca, Tim
Bottom Row: Demetrius & Jon (mentor)

I am the newest employee of the Tacoma-Pierce County Sports Commission. It has been a whirlwind since I started hence the reason I have been unable to post. It is all so overwhelming I don't even know where to being. If you have been reading my posts prior to this one you will notice the commission is going through lots of changes. Their budget has more than doubled in the past year and as a result their staff has tripled as well. With new blood in the office and an increase in funds, we are looking to re-brand which means new logos, a new web site, and possibly even a new name; Tacoma Regional Sports Authority.

My job is entitled the Sports Development Coordinator. It was especially designed for me and includes several different dimensions. 1) I am in charge if creating a club sport development program from scratch. The goal is to create an entity or program that supports any and all local club sport programs. From sailing to Judo, we need a program that can assure club sport management best practices in our county. Why? Our events are only as strong as our club! 2) I am to assist 3 other positions in the office; the Director of marketing, the Sports Development Manager, and the Events and Communications Manager. Pretty much I pickup the overflow of work from those three individuals plus I report directly to our Executive Director. 3) I am being used for my strategic brain. I feel as though I have had a huge impact on the strategic plan and direction the organization is going. I am an idea generator and  someone who thinks outside the box in a progressive business-minded manner.

It is a lot to take in. Especially since I was hired to create something from nothing. My background and accomplishments in developing my youth lacrosse business in Phoenix (Wildfire Lacrosse) is what intrigued the commission to hire me. They were impressed at my knowledge within club sport management and really appreciated my diligence and efforts during my internship. As we continue to transition from a 2 person to a 6 person office and begin to implement our strategic plan, I would not be surprised if my position molds and morphs with the organization. It is key that I continue to be driven, innovative, and flexible to change! Tacoma sports are on the rise!! :)