VisitErie, Erie County’s official destination marketing organization, announced the appointment of Ben Huggler as executive director of the Erie Sports Commission.
Huggler has served as events services director since 2018 and interim executive director since May 2026, and brings more than 15 years of experience planning and executing national events to the role. During his time with the Erie Sports Commission, he helped the organization host or support more than 675 events, generating an estimated $120 million in economic impact for the region.
Huggler contributed to the growth of the Erie Sports Commission's event portfolio from 57 events in 2018 to 86 events in 2025, including the 2021 NCAA Women's Frozen Four, the 2022 Great Race and the 2024 Major League Fishing General Tire Team Series. During that time, 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," said Mark Jeanneret, who previously served as the executive director of the Erie Sports Commission before being named president and CEO of VisitErie. "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 (STS) 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 said. “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.”
