SPORTS COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Winston White | President
Current Job: Sports Management & Event Organizer
Winston White chose professional soccer over a promising track & field career where he broke many national records and went on to amass over 600 professional league games across the UK. This exceptional sporting background along with achieving a Sports Business Degree followed by an MBA in leadership, qualifies him for many key posts in the sports, health and fitness industry.
He moved to Naples in 2013 via the Caribbean Islands. He is also the founder & operator of the Winston Cup International Soccer Tournament, played annually in Naples.
His unyielding passion is now to help young athletes achieve their dreams through sports or sports related activities.
Liz Sanders | Chair
Current Job: Dual Director of Sales & Catering Manager, SpringHill Suites by Marriott Naples & Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott
How long have you been in Collier County: since 1987, you do the math
Favorite Sports team(s): Pittsburgh Steelers
Favorite Sports memories: Served at Greater Naples Little League Board Member for 6 of 12 years my two sons played in the League; if you can survive that you can survive anything.
Sports anecdote about yourself or family member: My grandfather born in Pittsburgh, was the quarterback during the 1920’s Depression Era, for a team known as the Pittsburgh Ironmen. My soon to born father, 3rd son of 7, was the reason my grandmother ‘highly suggested’ my Grandpap, quit playing in 1930, even though he was paid $200 per game; a fortune back then. Three years later, 1933, the team became the Steelers. I have the picture of my grandfather in the Ironmen team photo in the middle holding the ball, leather helmet & all.
Kimberley Barrett | Secretary
Current Job: Director of Sales Hawthorn Suites Naples
How long have you been in Collier County: 19 years
Favorite Sports team(s): a) local – Naples High School Football and Volleyball
b) nationally –College Football & Miami Dolphins
Favorite Sports memory: I am a lover of the Naples Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day. It benefits St Matthews house and they serve PUMKIN PIE at the finish line.
Sports anecdote: I try to participate in a sporting event every other month ranging from running , triathlons, paddle board, swimming, and bike races. I do them to push myself and because each race I honor my brother.
Jim Ludwig | At Large Committee Member
Current Job: Executive Director/Founder Pickleball For All
When I retired I played a lot of pickleball and I still enjoy it, but I soon realized that I needed a new mission in life. I decided to use my love of pickleball to help children and adults.
Jim Ludwig is engaged in pickleball locally and nationally and has been playing pickleball for about five years. I am also the District Ambassador of USAPA (USA Pickleball Association), an organization with 14,000 members currently. Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sport in America. There are 3 million people playing pickleball now. We anticipate that within two years we will have 8 million people playing pickleball.
Sports Antidote about yourself or family member: Pickleball For All has given me a new purpose and makes me feel like I am giving back to the community I love.
Mark Rosenbalm | At Large Committee Member
Current Job: Supervisor of Interscholastic Athletics/Student Activities/ Driver Education, Collier County Public Schools
How long have you been in Collier County: 20 years; Born and raised in Merrillville, Indiana.
Favorite Sports team(s): Chicago Cubs and the Chicago Bears a) All local HS teams in Collier County
Favorite Sports memories: Winning the 1989 IHSAA Indiana State Wrestling championship and earning a Wrestling Scholarship to Purdue University. Also, coaching the 2007 Palmetto Ridge Bears Wrestling team to a FHSAA Florida State Wrestling Team Championship.
Sports Antidote about yourself or family member: I am excited to have the opportunity to serve as a Board Member for the Collier County Sports Council and am looking forward to working with our fantastic board and community. It is my desire to work together as a team to promote sporting events and expand sports tourism here in Collier County.
Elizabeth Weimer | Committee Member
Current Job: Owner Operator of SiteSearch LLC
Elizabeth founded SiteSearch in the basement of her family’s home in Louisville, Kentucky after reaching her wits end navigating her own children’s sports teams’ travel coordination and booking processes. Given her experience in the hotel industry, Elizabeth knew there had to be a better, more effective and efficient way for event owners to secure housing accommodations for their customers.
Now, SiteSearch has grown to be a multifaceted, diverse team of individuals who all have a passion for the service industry
Tim Hale | Committee Member
Gina Russen | Committee Member
Current Job: Owner and Area Director of Stroll
Gina was born and raised in the sports town of Pittsburgh, Pa. where everyone bleeds black and gold and the pride of local sports is unmatched. From watching little league baseball as a young tomboy, to visiting Pittsburgh Steeler football training camp in Latrobe, to cherishing a personalized autograph from a rookie Mario Lemieux of the Pittsburgh Penguins hockey team, its safe to say she realizes the impact of sports in all forms in every community.