WEST MICHIGAN SPORTS COMMISSION PRESIDENT MIKE GUSWILER NAMED CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF YEAR BY SPORTS ETA, NATIONAL TRADE ASSOCIATION FOR THE SPORTS EVENTS AND TOURISM INDUSTRY
FORT WORTH, Texas, Feb. 18, 2025 – West Michigan Sports Commission (WMSC) President Mike Guswiler was named Chief Executive of the Year by Sports ETA, the only trade association for the sports events and tourism industry, at its Chief Executive Summit held in Fort Worth, Texas, this week.
Guswiler is only the second person to receive this annual recognition and was carefully selected by Sports ETA staff among sports tourism executives from 800 member organizations across the country. He accepted the award today during the general session luncheon of the Chief Executive Summit – a gathering of 140 presidents, CEOs and executive directors of sports destinations, industry partners and sports events.
“Mike Guswiler is a true leader for the sports events and tourism industry and deserves this prestigious honor to recognize his leadership of the West Michigan Sports Commission as well as Sports ETA where he served as a former board member,” said John David, President & CEO of Sports ETA. “We congratulate and thank Mike for his continued service and leadership.”
The Sports ETA Executive of the Year Award honors professional excellence of its members who embody visionary leadership, exhibit an unwavering dedication and make an enduring impact on their organization, the Sports ETA, and in the sports events and tourism industry. This annual award recognizes an individual who has set the standard for excellence, pushed the boundaries of what is possible, and consistently elevated the profession.
“I’m so honored to receive this prestigious award by Sports ETA in front of my peers,” said West Michigan Sports Commission President Mike Guswiler. “It is humbling to be the second recipient of this new award, especially noting the caliber of my colleagues in this association.”
Guswiler has worked more than 30 years in the hospitality and tourism industry for private and non-profit organizations focused on tourism economic development. He has led the WMSC since its inception in 2007, where he oversees commission operations, the Meijer State Games of Michigan and the championship-caliber Meijer Sports Complex, which the organization built, owns, operates, and is now managing a $13.5 million expansion slated for completion in early 2026. Under his leadership, the commission has booked 1,328 events attracting more than 2.4 million athletes and visitors, generating over $738 million in direct visitor spending since 2007. Crain's Grand Rapids Business named Guswiler one of the 200 Most Influential Leaders in West Michigan in 2024 and 2023, and a 2023 Newsmaker of the Year. A Sports ETA board member from 2010 to 2014, Guswiler serves on the West Michigan Miracle League Board. Past leadership roles include serving as chairman of the Transplant Games of America Board and member of the Grand Rapids Rowing Association Advisory Board.
This is the second recent award the WMSC and its executives have received from Sports ETA. The WMSC also was named “Sports Commission of the Year” in 2023 (under 500,000 population) by Sports ETA.
About the West Michigan Sports Commission (WMSC)
The non-profit West Michigan Sports Commission (WMSC) identifies, secures and hosts youth and amateur sporting events to positively impact the economy and quality of life in the region. Since its inception in 2007, the WMSC has booked 1,328 sporting events and tournaments that attracted more than 2.4 million athletes and visitors, generating over $738 million in estimated economic impact. Visit westmisports.com, Facebook.com/ WestMichiganSportsCommission and.Instagram.com/westmisports for more information.
About Sports ETA
As the only trade association for the sports events and tourism industry, Sports ETA is the most trusted resource for sports commissions, destination marketing organizations (DMOs), and sports event owners. Sports ETA is committed to the success of more than 750 member organizations and 2,400 sports event professionals. We promise to deliver quality education, ample networking opportunities, and exceptional event management and marketing know-how to our members to protect the integrity of the sports events and tourism industry. For more information, visit SportsETA.org.
