Our Team
The Rochester NY Sports Commission is the sports development arm of Visit Rochester. The team’s expert knowledge and relationships with local facilities makes Rochester a top destination for sports planners when selecting a host city for championships, invitations, and competitions.
Rochester NY Sports Commission Team

Don Jeffries President & CEO

Wendy O'Duffy Director of Sales

Libby Craig Sports Sales Manager

Rich Mackey Sports Sales Manager

Dave Samentello Convention & Sports Sales Manager

Erin Kivel Administrative Assistant/Sales & Sports Coordinator

Amanda Fox, CMP Director of Event Services

Amber Brewer Event Services Specialist

Holly Avino Marketing & Events Coordinator
Rochester NY Sports Commission Advisory Council
Chairman – Steve Hausmann – Visit Rochester Board of Directors, Retired Media
Bob Scott – Bob Scott Productions
Brian McGahan – Director of Campus Operations, Nazareth College
Camaron Johnson – Executive Director RCSDC Health, Physical Education and Athletics
Chris Woodworth – General Manager, Bill Gray’s Regional Iceplex
Dan Mason – General Manager, Rochester Red Wings
Deirdre Dieter – Regional Director of Sales, Visions Hotels
Gary Mervis – Founder, Camp Good Days
Jackie Nicholson – Executive Director of Athletics, RIT
Jamie Hammond – General Manager, Total Sports Experience
Jim Mort – Board Member, Rochester NY FC Youth
Kara Osipovitch – Special Events, City of Rochester
Kathy Hoyt – Executive Director, Section V Athletics
Katie Nicholas – Club Director, VolleyFX
Katie Patnode – Corporate Director of Sales, Indus Hospitality Group
Kristy Swanson – Marketing Director, Jeremiahs Tavern
Luke Mekker – Executive Director, University Arenas
Marci Callan – CEO, Fairport Swimming, USA Swimming Coaches Advisory Council
Patrick Irving – Director of Physical Education, Health and Athletics, Gates-Chili
Rob Minter – VP of Business Operations, Blue Cross Arena
Robin Finnerty – Deputy Director, County of Monroe Industrial Development Agency
Sarah Jane Clifford – Owner, Gymnastics Training Center of Rochester
Tim Elie – General Manager, Doubletree Hotel Rochester