December 21, 2020
Huntsville, AL – The Huntsville Sports Commission (HSC) is excited to announce the appointment of Mark Russell as its new Executive Director.
“The search committee and our Board of Directors were committed to a thorough search for a new Executive Director,” said David Nast, Huntsville Sports Commission Board Chairman. “The open position received interest from sports tourism professionals locally and across the country. Mark Russell has the skills and experience we were looking for and we’re pleased to have him lead the Sports Commission.”
Russell is a Huntsville native and long-time sports advocate with significant leadership experience. A 1981 Huntsville High School graduate, Russell played high school football and served as a captain for the team. He went on to continue his education at Auburn University where he received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.
From officiating at games to hosting a weekly sports radio show, Russell has shown a passion and love for sports over the years. He has been an Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) football referee for the past 24 years and recently worked the 7A Championship as head referee. You can also catch him on 97.7 ESPN every Saturday morning as a co-host of the Varsity Partners Radio Show.
“I am honored to have been selected as the new Huntsville Sports Commission Executive Director,” said Russell. “The HSC has had great momentum and success over the years, and I look forward to adding to that success.”
Russell serves on the North Alabama Lacrosse Association Board, Huntsville Ice Skating Complex Board of Control, and several other boards and committees. He was elected as the Huntsville City Council District 2 representative, a position he held for 16 years, and was voted as Council President for 10 years of his tenure.
The City of Huntsville recently honored the former Council President for his parks and recreation advocacy by naming its newest recreation facility in Hampton Cove the Mark Russell Recreation Center. He also received the National Federation of High School Spirit of Sport Award and the Boys and Girls Club National Medallion for significant contribution to youth.
The Huntsville Sports Commission looks forward to welcoming Mark Russell and his experience to the team beginning January 1, 2021.
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The Huntsville Sports Commission is a not-for-profit, 501(c) (3), organization that promotes and enhances the quality of life in Huntsville by identifying, recruiting, promoting and staging sports events and meetings. For more information, contact Brooke Izzo, Director of Marketing & Communications, 256-883-3769, brooke.izzo@huntsvilleal.gov.