- April 26, 2024
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EAST COUNTY — Since she was old enough to run, jump or hold a basketball, Nicole Rissler has been a sports fanatic.
She rode horses competitively for 10 years and played volleyball and basketball in high school. She later coached women's volleyball at Lynn University while she earned her master's degree of business administration in sports administration. And, she rarely misses Tampa Bay Buccaneers or New York Jets football games in the fall.
"My dad always wanted a son, and instead he got two daughters," Rissler said, laughing. "But, I turned out to be the son he always wanted. I played and watch more sports than both my parents combined."
Although her love for sports took a backseat to her passion for nonprofit work, which developed over 14 years of working with groups such as the Sarasota YMCA, her roles have always incorporated sports somehow.
During her nearly three-year tenure with Visit Sarasota County, she was the director of sports and focused on community engagement, working with venues and negotiating with sports teams and events to bring attractions to Sarasota County. Now, rather than focusing on bringing sports events to the area, she’s focusing her sights on one venue in particular, Nathan Benderson Park.
On June 18, Rissler accepted the chief operating officer position with the Suncoast Aquatic Nature Center Inc. (SANCA) — the nonprofit group that oversees Nathan Benderson Park and the activities held there.
Rissler will be the first person to serve as a dedicated COO at SANCA. SANCA President Paul Blackketter has served as CEO, COO and CFO and said the appointment will allow him to shift his focus from multiple roles to one.
"It's huge," Blackketter said.
Rissler's first day in her new role is July 20, but as a part-time employee; she will continue working part-time for Visit Sarasota County. Rissler plans to start full time at SANCA by Aug. 3.
The announcement of Rissler joining SANCA as COO comes just a week after park and county officials announced the park would host the 2016 U.S. rowing Olympic trials and that park officials hope to start construction on a iconic finish tower structure at the venue within the next 60 days.
Switching teams
As the park's first COO, Rissler will focus on the best marketing strategies to showcase the East County sports attraction, which hosted nearly 50 events, drew more than 50,000 athletes and boosted the local economy by $12 million just in 2014, park officials said.
She'll also be a key player in planning and elevating future events, such as the 2017 World Rowing Championships, by attracting bigger crowds with elaborate and expansive advertising campaigns.
"I'll always be trying to answer the question, 'How can I make this park even better?'" Rissler said.
Rissler's responsibilities will also include general tasks, such as day-to-day operations of the park, bidding on events to bring to the park and possibly managing finances.
She'll work hand-in-hand with Blackketter. Blackketter, the visionary, will continue helping plan events and projects at the park, while Rissler acquires an understanding of the behind-the-scenes processes and procedures, she said.
"We're excited to expand our SANCA team and to have Nicole's expertise to lift our organization to future greatness," Blackketter said.
The duo hasn't carved out all the roles under Rissler's umbrella, yet.
But, Rissler immediately plans to reach out to the community and regular parkgoers. She hopes to use their opinions and recommendations to ensure the park satisfies local residents' vision of what the hub should represent.
"This park is made of volunteers, and I need to get to know them," Rissler said. "This park is something the community has huge pride in, and it's the legacy we have for our generation and future ones. It's a huge economic driver and a prized piece of the community; that's what gives you chills. I'm honored to be a part of that, while also keeping my love of sports in tact through my work."
Contact Amanda Sebastiano at [email protected]
